Maidstone Club

Overview: Maidstone is a coastal masterpiece that captures the essence of refined, old-school Long Island golf. Set on spectacular duneland in East Hampton, the West Course is a pure links-style layout that winds between Hook Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. Designed by Willie Park Jr., the course is a strategic marvel that emphasizes shot-making and creativity over sheer length. It features rolling fairways, jagged windswept bunkers, and greens that are open to the unpredictable ocean breezes. It is an experience of understated luxury and architectural purity, where the sound of the surf and the scent of the salt air are constant companions throughout the round.

History: Established in 1891, Maidstone is one of the oldest and most exclusive clubs in America. Willie Park Jr.’s 1920s redesign transformed the course into a global architectural landmark, utilizing the natural dunes to create a layout that feels entirely at one with the coastline. In 2012, a major restoration by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw returned the course to its original glory, expanding the greens by nearly 50% and reclaiming the natural sandscapes that had been lost to time. It remains a fixture in the top tier of world rankings, revered for its integrity and its spectacular setting.

Did You Know? The par-3 14th hole is often cited as one of the most beautiful in golf. It is an "island" green surrounded by bunkers and native dunes, with the crashing waves of the Atlantic providing the backdrop. The course also features a unique routing that takes players directly through the dunes to the water’s edge on several holes, a feature that was revolutionary in American golf design during the early 20th century.