Bridging the Gap Between Racing & Golf
- Mackenzie Puryear
- Feb 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30
“There Will Be No Miracles Here.” The words stood high above us, posing more as a threat than a statement. My neck craned to look at the sign as my friend explained, “It’s left from the racing days.” I nodded, wondering how the ruins of an old racetrack became an elite golf course—one The New York Times labeled "The Untucked Country Club.”
The clubhouse came into view. It didn’t look old or leftover. In fact, it looked like something from the future—the most modern clubhouse I’d ever seen, and certainly unlike anything else in the Hamptons.
So, you know I’m back in the Hamptons at an old racing track turned golf course…do you know exactly where I am yet?
The Bridge Golf Club, Sag Harbor, New York.
Designed by Rees Jones, The Bridge Golf Club opened in 2002. It breaks the mold of traditional Hamptons golf clubs by being anything but traditional. Starting with the Howard Roark approved clubhouse designed by Roger Ferris with glass and sharp lines, and then followed by the dress code.
Wondering what to wear to The Bridge? With almost no dress code restrictions, you can wear just about anything—even denim and backwards hats (gasp!).
But with a history like this, did you expect anything less? Once home to the Bridgehampton Race Circuit (1957–1997), The Bridge Golf Club is the only course built on a former racetrack to achieve such elite status in the golf world. Rees Jones saw potential in its rolling terrain and spectacular views—and transformed it into something extraordinary.
Only a year after opening, Golf Digest ranked it within the top 20 best courses in New York, and it remained in the top 20 until 2009. It fell within the top 25 in 2011-2012 and 2015, and top 30 in 2013-2014. However, it climbed back up the rankings to 18th for 2023-2024.
18 holes and 7,341 yards from the very tips sprawl out across 500 acres, giving each player a sense of privacy when playing. The course features numerous elevation changes on almost every hole. The hilly terrain arrayed with bunkers provides a challenging test for a golfer of any level.
Standing on the tee of the first hole can certainly elevate the heart rate as the tee box sits well above the fairway. It’s a 460-yard par-4 from the tips. Bunkers line the left and right sides of the fairway and also stand guard in front of the green. And did I mention the fescue? A signature element of the beautiful natural landscaping of golf in the Hamptons, but what a tremendous struggle to find (in most cases, not find) your ball.
The second hole is a par-3 followed by two par-4s—leading to the fifth hole, a beautiful par-3. The tee box sits elevated above the green, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Noyack and Little Peconic Bay. The green is guarded, once again, by bunkers. But make no mistake, the bunkers are all intelligently placed, forcing the player to use strategy in shot making.
You don’t encounter the par-5s until the end of the front nine on holes 7 and 9. The back nine begins with a par-5 as well on the 10th. These par-5s are challenging but fair. They provide the proper amount of risk/reward that goes along with playing aggressively.
The 18th hole is one of the signature holes, with the fairway sloping up towards the green, revealing a view of the unique clubhouse. The 17th hole is not to be overlooked, however. It’s a shorter par-4 stretching out only 383 yards from the tips. Bunkers invade the edges of the fairway and cluster at the right front side of the green. This hole is unique in that there are a variety of ways to play it depending on how far you hit it and the type of shot you desire into the green.
Finished with the round but still want more? Yet another cool thing about The Bridge is the par-3 course. I always love a good short course. This one features five holes with a par of 15. It can serve as a enjoyable ending to the day, or even a warm up before the round. It’s also great addition to the practice facilities and provides a fun way to work on wedges.
All in all, The Bridge is not only a fantastic golf course, but it is a club with a history and personality of its own. The club still maintains ties to its racing history by hosting automotive events and showcases that celebrate art, design, history, and of course, automobiles. Breaking the mold isn’t easy, especially in a place like the Hamptons, which thrives on tradition. Yet, while it may not be easy, it is possible. The Bridge Golf Club is proof.
So if you ever find yourself playing a round at The Bridge, you won’t have to stress about what to wear. Enjoy the stunning scenery and embrace the challenges of a golf course carved out of a racetrack—a course that honors its rich history all while creating a new one. Oh yeah, and be careful with the strawberry margaritas there. That’s all I’m going to say about that.
Golf Course Details
Par 72
Back Tees: 7,341 Yards
Slope/Rating 146/77.6
Course Designer: Rees Jones
Opened in 2002
Grass Type: Bent
Course Type: Private
Comments