The Muttontown Club

The first thing that most people notice – and are in awe of – when they arrive at Muttontown Club is the mansion that serves as the clubhouse. This elegant 70,000-square-foot Georgian mansion took five years to build and was completed in 1919 by Howard C. Brokaw, owner of Brokaw Brothers Clothiers of New York City. It was nicknamed “The Chimneys” because of the 13 chimneys and 26 fireplaces spread throughout the 44-room home, which would later become the home of Henry Fonda and his family. It was Brokaw’s wish that the property would eventually become an exclusive country club.

The course was originally designed by Alfred H. Tull and has since undergone updates at the hands of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1968 and the firm of Finger Dye Spann in 1971, and has maintained much of its classic charm while incorporating modern elements. The parkland-style golf course is situated on 150 acres and features mature tree-lined fairways that are meticulously maintained, rolling terrain, strategically placed bunkers, and speedy, well-undulated putting surfaces. To score well, you’d be wise to keep your approach shots below the hole. The golf course opened in 1962, and these days, The Muttontown Club is regarded as one of the most beautiful country clubs in the New York metropolitan area.

Shortly after purchasing the club, Concert Golf significantly reduced membership dues in several categories. Membership sales quickly soared; locals who had considered the club in the past were now giving it a second look and liking what they saw. Over the next two years, Muttontown would add over 110 new members and decrease the average age by ten years!

Concert Golf Partners also made good on the capital improvements they promised. Golf course renovations to the driving range, greens, tee boxes, and bunkers got underway quickly. Repairs to the parking lot, pool deck, HVAC system, and roof were just some of the undertakings.

These days, The Muttontown Club is more of a family-oriented, resort-style private club. All aspects and club amenities are now being used, especially by younger members and their families. New activities pop up on the social calendar regularly. More golf course and clubhouse renovations are already being discussed.

I recently had the opportunity to visit and play Muttontown Club with Director of Golf Sean Sanders and Assistant Pro Rob Senatore; two guys who were knowledgeable about the history of the club and fun to play with. There were several holes I remember fondly, starting with Number 1, a short par 4, dogleg left that plays 323 yards. Play your tee shot right of the fairway bunker on the left to leave yourself the best angle into the green. A good drive will leave a short pitch shot into a slightly elevated triangular green with two bunkers on the right, one on the left, and a false front. You may want to consider something less than a driver off the tee. With the clubhouse to your left as you tee off, don’t be surprised to find a crowd watching you as your round gets underway.

Beginning with the 3rd hole, you’ll start to see trees on either side leading you down the fairway. Number 3 plays 426 yards from the Blue Tees and starts with a tough tee shot up a narrow chute to a narrow fairway. Longball hitters need to be aware of the fairway bunker on the right side. A good drive will still leave a long approach shot into a green protected by three bunkers in front, including one in the middle of the fairway. The green sits well below the fairway.

The finishing hole is a 373-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg left and an uphill approach to the green. Unless you’re a long hitter, favor the right side of the fairway off the tee; longball hitters can aim just right of the left side bunkers and carry it past the dogleg. Consider an extra club on your approach shot, but not too much, lest you find the back patio! The green slopes from back to front and can be quite slippery, so it’s best to putt from below the hole.

Before your round, warm up on Muttontown Club’s impressive practice facilities, which include a two-sided driving range, a short game area with a chipping green, and two putting greens.

If the weather outside is not conducive to golf, consider the Simulator Room. It’s a great place to host a party or an off-season golf event. The Trackman simulator allows you to play famous courses all over the world from the comfort of the clubhouse; it’s a great way to spend quality time with the family, challenge friends, or improve your game by practicing shots, approach shots, chips, and drives.

Rumor has it that the club boasts some of the best cuisine on Long Island; many describe a “perfect” day at Muttontown club as playing nine holes, heading inside the clubhouse for lunch, and then playing the 2nd nine. We waited until the entire round was finished before enjoying the fine cuisine!

Great course and a beautiful facility.

Played Muttontown as part of a charity golf outing. The course is in great shape. Greens are quick, fairways are in great shape (or were in great shape - my buddy tore a couple of them up with chunky swings). The course is challenging, but not too difficult. Water comes into play on the 7th and 9th holes. They have a nice practice area, including a driving range, three putting greens and a practice sand bunker/chipping area.

The clubhouse, locker rooms, banquet hall and bar are all first class. A great experience.