Behind the Hedges

Nate Andreyko
Jan 18
2 min read

It’s no secret that the East End of Long Island is home to some of the most revered golf courses in the country. Names like Shinnecock and National carry weight that doesn’t need explaining. But beyond those grand gates and winding driveways, the area quietly hides something else entirely.

Tucked behind hedges, ponds, and private roads is an impressive collection of backyard golf setups. From custom putting paradises to full-on estate golf courses, the East End has some of the most imaginative backyard golf setups anywhere.

This wasn’t something I had ever given much thought to until doing a quick Google Maps search for a good lunch spot near Sag Harbor this past weekend. Somewhere between checking menus and street views, I zoomed out and that’s when I noticed a green where a green didn’t quite make sense. Curiosity took over and one satellite view led to another, which led to online articles, quiet mentions, and deep dives into estate courses I never knew existed. Stories surfaced about private layouts like Three Ponds Farm, where a backyard turned into a full 18-hole course designed by Rees Jones. The more I read, the more I realized these weren’t novelties but instead serious golf projects, built with care and zero interest in publicity.

What began as a lunch search turned into a full-on rabbit hole. Here are a few of the backyard holes and estate setups that stood out.

The K-Club at Three Ponds Farm — Bridgehampton, NY