Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, founded in 1891 and opened in 1892, holds the distinction of being one of America’s oldest and most revered golfing institutions. Located on the eastern end of Long Island, New York, it’s a true links-style masterpiece, celebrated for its natural beauty, strategic design, and formidable challenge. As one of the five founding member clubs of the USGA, Shinnecock Hills holds a unique place in golf history, consistently testing the world’s best players.
Major Championship History
Shinnecock Hills has a storied history of hosting major championships, embodying the USGA’s commitment to testing the best on the finest courses. Its deep roots in American golf are evident through its consistent presence on the major championship rotation.
- U.S. Open: Six times (1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018)
- Future U.S. Open Dates Confirmed: Shinnecock Hills is set to host the U.S. Open again in 2026 and 2036.
Notable U.S. Open Champions at Shinnecock Hills:
- 1896: James Foulis (The second-ever U.S. Open, notable for including John Shippen, the first African-American golf professional, and Oscar Bunn, a Shinnecock Indian).
- 1986: Raymond Floyd
- 1995: Corey Pavin (Famously sealed his victory with a precise 4-wood shot on the 72nd hole).
- 2004: Retief Goosen
- 2018: Brooks Koepka (Became the first player in 29 years to win back-to-back U.S. Opens).
Other Notable Championships:
- 1896 U.S. Amateur
- 1900 U.S. Women’s Amateur (Reflecting the club’s early progressive stance on women’s golf).
- 1977 Walker Cup
Club Overview
Established: 1891 (Oldest incorporated golf club in the US; clubhouse opened 1892)
Location: Southampton, Long Island, New York, USA
Course Type: Links-style, Private
Architects: Willie Davis (original), Willie Dunn, Charles B. Macdonald, Seth Raynor, William Flynn (principal 1931 design)
Yardage (U.S. Open): Approx. 7,445 yards (Par 70 for 2018 U.S. Open)
Address: 200 Tuckahoe Rd, Southampton, NY 11968, United States
Where is Shinnecock Hills Golf Club?
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is located in Southampton, New York, on Long Island. This region, known as the Hamptons, can experience significant traffic, especially during summer weekends or major events. Planning your travel in advance is highly advisable.
1. By Air:
- Nearby Major Airports:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, NY (approx. 2-2.5 hours drive).
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens, NY (approx. 2-2.5 hours drive).
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, NJ (approx. 2.5-3 hours drive, involves crossing Manhattan).
- Booking flights into JFK or LGA typically offers more options and potentially better pricing.
- Closer Regional Airport:
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP): Located in Islip, NY (approx. 1 hour drive). While smaller, it offers domestic flights and can be a convenient option to avoid NYC traffic.
- Gabreski Airport (FOK): A general aviation airport in Westhampton Beach, very close to Shinnecock Hills, primarily for private and charter flights.
2. By Car & Parking:
- Driving Directions: Shinnecock Hills is accessible via major roadways on Long Island, primarily NY-27 (Sunrise Highway). Driving from New York City can take 2-3 hours or more, depending heavily on traffic, especially during peak Hamptons season.
- Parking: As a private club, general public parking directly at Shinnecock Hills is typically limited to members and their guests. For major golf events or special functions, official off-site parking with complimentary shuttle services is usually organized by event organizers.
- Recommendation: If attending a specific event, always check that event’s official website for specific parking locations, shuttle schedules, and any necessary parking pass purchase information. For general visits (e.g., as a guest of a member), confirm parking arrangements directly with the club.
3. Rideshare & Taxis:
- Services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Long Island. During large events, surge pricing can be significant, and designated pick-up/drop-off zones might be located a distance from the main entrance to manage traffic. Taxis are also available from airports and local towns.
4. By Public Transportation (Long Island Rail Road – LIRR):
- The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides service from Penn Station (NYC) to Southampton station on the Montauk Branch.
- Nearest Station: Southampton station is approximately a 25-30 minute walk or short taxi/ride-share from Shinnecock Hills.
- Travel Time: Train travel from NYC Penn Station to Southampton typically takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. This can be a good option to avoid road traffic from NYC.
Important Planning Notes:
- Traffic: Expect significant traffic congestion on roads in and around the Hamptons, particularly on weekends and during the summer season or around major events. Plan for extra travel time.
- Book Early: Accommodation and transportation in the Hamptons can be in high demand and expensive. Start your search and booking process many months in advance, especially if your visit coincides with a major event.
- Event Shuttles: If attending a major golf championship or special event, pay close attention to announcements from the event organizers (e.g., USGA) regarding official event shuttles from various points (e.g., LIRR stations, official parking lots, key towns). These are often the most convenient way to get directly to the course on event days.
Tickets to Events at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
As a highly exclusive private club, access to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is severely restricted outside of major championship events. For the U.S. Open and other significant tournaments, tickets are typically in very high demand and are often allocated through lotteries, pre-sales, or membership programs.
General Ticket Types (Applicable to Major Events):
When attending major events at Shinnecock Hills, you can typically expect a range of ticket options:
- General Admission: Standard grounds passes allow access to the course to follow the action from designated viewing areas.
- Hospitality Packages: For a premium experience, official hospitality packages are often available, providing exclusive access, food and beverage, and prime viewing locations.
- Important Note: Always purchase tickets through official channels (e.g., USGA for the U.S. Open) to avoid fraudulent sales.
U.S. Open Tickets:
Tickets for the U.S. Open are released well in advance and usually sell out quickly. Information regarding ticket availability, pricing, and purchase procedures can be found on the official USGA U.S. Open website.
- For the latest ticketing information for future U.S. Open championships at Shinnecock Hills, please visit the official U.S. Open Future Sites page.
Where to stay near Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Finding suitable accommodation near Shinnecock Hills Golf Club requires advance planning, as the Hamptons are a highly sought-after destination, especially during peak season and major golf events. Prices can be substantially higher, and availability limited.
1. Key Towns Near Shinnecock Hills Golf Club:
- Southampton: The closest major town, offering convenient access but with premium accommodation prices, especially during peak season.
- Water Mill / Bridgehampton / East Hampton: Nearby Hamptons towns offering a range of boutique hotels, inns, and vacation rentals.
- Westhampton Beach / Quogue: Slightly further west, these towns might offer slightly more accessible options.
2. Types of Accommodation:
- Hotels & Inns: The Hamptons offer a selection of luxury hotels, boutique inns, and bed & breakfasts. Booking well in advance is essential, and expect higher prices during peak demand.
- Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer a selection of houses, apartments, and condos for rent throughout the Hamptons. This can be an excellent option for groups or families.
3. Booking Tips:
- Book as early as possible: Accommodation in this region can be in extremely high demand. Start your search and booking process many months in advance, especially if your visit coincides with a major event.
- Consider location carefully: Proximity to Shinnecock Hills is a key factor, but also consider your budget and desired experience. Staying closer will minimize travel time but generally incur higher costs.
- Check cancellation policies: Given the long lead time for booking, ensure you understand the cancellation policies of any bookings you make.
- Use reputable booking sites: Use well-known and reputable booking websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Expedia to find and compare accommodation options. Always verify reviews and ratings before booking.
Playing at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a private club. Therefore, to play you generally have to be invited by a member or become a member. The club does not offer public tee times.
Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, here are essential resources for your trip:
Official Sites:
- Official U.S. Open Website (Your primary source for championship information when Shinnecock is hosting).
- Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Website (Note: As a private club, public information may be limited).
- Discover Long Island (Tourism) (For broader regional information).
- Southampton Chamber of Commerce (For local information and services).
Travel & Booking Tools:
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) (Plan your train travel from NYC to Southampton).
- Skyscanner (Flight Search)
- Booking.com (Accommodation)
- Expedia (Accommodation)
- TripAdvisor (Accommodation)
Last Updated on June 15, 2025 by Sports Tourist