What happens when a good course goes bad...
Written: Mar 21 '01
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Pros: Nice layout. Beautiful back 9.
Cons: Too many geese.
The Bottom Line: Stay away. The geese are scary.
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| jenlee's Full Review: Oyster Bay Golf Course |
Oyster Bay used to be one of the most popular town courses in Long Island. The entire property used to belong to one estate and was converted into a golf course. The restaurant isn't bad and the pro shop staff are friendly enough.
The course has many redeeming qualities and was even considered as a Tour spot many moons ago. Unfortunately there simply wasn't enough room for a gallery to be a good stomping ground for the PGA.
This course is fairly short, with challenging holes and a great layout. Lots of bunkers, hills, water hazards, you name it. You can't take the carts off the path, and because of the hills, it's a waste to spend the money to rent them. It takes longer to trek to your ball and back than it is to walk.
The course was in phenomenal shape until 1998. The greens were true, the fairways lush and the wait long. Cars used to line up on Friday nights and have tailgate parties in order to ensure a decent tee time on Saturday.
Alas, this is no longer the case. Once upon a time, the course owned a dog. It was a nice dog and it chased the geese away. Then one day a bad man decided to create havoc by entering a locked shed where the dog was kept and claim that the dog bit him. The town then had to get rid of the dog, and the GEESE TOOK OVER.
In 1998 there were about 15 geese. Not a lot, just enough to annoy. In 1999 they mutiplied to 30. Just enough to make you watch your step. In 2000 there were at least 60 or 70, give or a take a few. In 2001, who knows how many will show up.
The geese have destroyed the fairways, the greens and are extremely aggressive. They have blocked off entire holes and if one "gets a birdie" we all cheer.
I haven't played this course in at least 6 months. I gave it one last try hoping to ignore the geese problem, but unfortunately it is too overwhelming and, frankly, they scare me.
The grass was brown, although we had the most rain in years. And when every other course was lush, Oyster Bay was ruined by the geese waste products.
If they decide to bring the dogs back, it will take at least 3 years before the course is back in good playable condition. Oyster Bay is far too expensive to play if you think about the condition it is in.
I would rather play the Black. Go to Bethpage instead. You don't even need to be a Long Island resident.
Recommended:
No
Green Fees Paid (US$): 24
Speed of Play (typical weekend): 5 to 6 Hours
Look Out For: Other
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Epinions.com ID:
jenlee
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Member: Jen Lee
Location: Long Island, NY
Reviews written: 69
Trusted by: 13 members
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