As a birthday surprise for my brother Steve, I arranged for him, myself, and my brother-in-law Bob, to play Maidstone Golf Club on Long Island last month. For those of you who have had the opportunity to play there — it was beautiful. The weather was a sunny and cool 67 degrees with a gentle breeze. Perfect playing conditions. Thank you Mother Nature! I was worried that weather might affect our play.

A little history of Maidstone Golf Club…..

Maidstone derives its name from the original name for East Hampton, which was Maidstone, named after Maidstone in England. It was founded as a 7-hole course in 1894 and expanded to eighteen holes in 1899. The Club was the summer retreat of New York City’s most wealthy and socially connected families. Maidstone is still considered  to be one of the most elite, prestigious and difficult to get into of the clubs in “The Hamptons”.

Willie Dunn laid out the golf course in 1894, but it was a rudimentary 7 hole layout. It was expanded in 1924  to 36 holes, but was reduced to the current 27 hole layout by the hurricane of 1938.  Ben Crenshaw performed extensive renovations in 2012.  According to Golf Digest’s “Best Golf Courses of 2019”, Maidstone is ranked #8 in New York State, #38 in the United States, and #80 in the world.

Maidstone is located on the southern coastline on the eastern end of Long Island, along the Atlantic Ocean. The courses’ routing on the 80 acres on Gardiner’s Peninsula introduces multiple hazards at various angles, including a marsh, Hook Pond, sand dunes, beach grass, reeds, well-placed bunkers, out of bounds and the ever-present wind. Maybe I am biased towards these links-style oceanfront courses, but it is in my opinion that Maidstone Golf Club is the best course I have ever played! I could play this beautful course every day and not get bored. Every day the weather conditions play a part in how you play each hole. Since Maidstone is set into rolling hills and sand dunes, I had many blind shots where the caddie told you where to aim, you trust your swing , and let it fly! We were lucky enough to play on such a perfectly conditioned and beautiful course, with the most amazing views.

I want to thank Maidstone PGA Head Professional Eden Foster for his hospitality and giving us the opportunity to play there.  It is a rare occasion that we can get our busy schedules in line and get tthe chance to play together. It was great walking the course.Not only did we talk golf, but we caught up on old times with family and friends. The time that I had playing with my family I will never forget. I hope to make it out there again one day.

Love you, Steve & Bob — and Happy Birthday Steve!