National GL of America
The National GL of America is set on the shore of Peconic bay at Southampton in Long Island and was considered the best golf course in the US at the time of its birth.
History of the course
Charles Blair Macdonald is credited with the designing of the National GL of America . Before designing it he visited England many times and studied the various courses. He noted down the important features of golf holes and used all his experience while building the course. The course was opened amid much fanfare in 1909.
Macdonald designed the course in links-style as most of the courses in England were Links courses. There are around 365 bunkers throughout the course and water hazards come into play on five occasions. Many of the holes feature blinds making it more challenging for the golfers. Over the years, the course has been overhauled by Perry Maxwell and Robert Trent Jones.
Course Trivia
- The National GL of America is designed in such a way that many of its holes replicate famous holes of other courses. The second is based on the third hole at Royal St George; the third replicates the 17 th hole at Prestwick and so on.
- The Walker Cup was held here in 1922.
