Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Courtesy of Jon Cavalier
Courtesy of Jon Cavalier
The Creek
Locust Valley, NY • Private
The Creek
1 Horse Hollow Rd
Locust Valley, NY 11560-1133
United States
Overview
When it was conceived in the early 1920s, The Creek was considered “The Million Dollar Club” because of the wealth of its exclusive membership. The line that writer Royal Cortissoz wrote upon its 1923 opening remains true today: “The distinctive character of this course lies in its range.” It opens with holes framed by trees, mainly lindens that line the entry drive, then moves onto a bluff that overlooks Long Island Sound. At the turn, holes play adjacent to the shore, offering fresh takes on two of C.B. Macdonald’s most exciting template holes. The 10th, a dogleg along the sea, is his version of the Leven (of Lundin Links in Scotland), while the 11th is not just a Biarritz green, but an island Biarritz green. Other Macdonald favorites are also at The Creek, including the Eden, Redan and Short.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked since 2013.
Previous ranking: 129th.
2025-'26 ranking (highest): 110th.
Best in State: Ranked Top 15 in New York from 1997-2001 & 2007; Top 20 from 2003-'05 & since 2009.
2025-'26 ranking (and previously): 16th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“A wonderfully playful and challenging Raynor / Macdonald layout. The first five holes cut through wooded areas and are well-bunkered with dynamic green complexes. The downhill par four sixth opens a player up to the rest of the golf course and the long island sound below. Many of the holes are particularly world class with excellent template renditions including the 11th island biarritz. The graveyard between the 16th and 17th is an ominous sign of two diabolic green complexes and the Beach Club that runs along #10 should not be missed after the round. The Creek course is beautiful, interesting and special in all ways. Located in Locust NY, try to play Piping Rock which is right down the street."
Read More2025
Review
“Fantastic and varied layout. The first five holes cut through wooded areas and are well-bunkered with dynamic green complexes. The downhill par four sixth opens a player up to the rest of the golf course and the long island sound below. Many of the holes are particularly world class with excellent template renditions including the 11th island biarritz. The graveyard between the 16th and 17th is an ominous sign of two diabolic green complexes."
Read More2025
Review
“A wonderful mixture of parkland, heathland, and links golf. Very special golf course painted by Macdonald, Raynor, and Hanse."
Read More2024
Review
“Strong aesthetics & character with great routing as you play down towards the water (holes 6-12) with unique green on the toughest handicap hole #6. Fun/risk reward on the drivable par 4 hole #10 leading to the massive island green on the par 3 hole #11. Very tricky green on short par 3 hole #17 & finishing 18th par 5 straight back up the hill."
Read More2024
Review
“Classic Golden Age C.B. Macdonald design with terrific views of Long Island Sound. Fast, firm, undulating template green complexes provide great challenge when trying to post a score here. Fun course to play with a friendly, welcoming staff. Don't hesitate if offered the invitation to play here."
Read More2023
Review
“A really fun and varied set of holes. If you've never seen them before, read about the following hole templates before coming out: Leven, Biarritz, short hole, punchbowl."
Read More2023
Review
“The Creek is such an amazing course. Holes 1 through 5 aren’t anything special but holes 6 to 18 make The Creek one of my favorite golf courses in the world. The Creek is located down the street from Piping Rock Club. The 10th hole runs parallel to the private beach club that the members also own. If you ever have a chance to play there, make sure to play. You will be stoked just like I was."
Read More2023
Review
“The Creek is a true hidden gem on the north shore of Long Island. The club is set on a majestic hill overlooking Long Island Sound. The course initially plays into the trees for the first 6 holes and is but a prelude to a crescendo that begins on the 7th hole, where the course begins its journey to the water and back. The 10th and 11th holes are truly spectacular as is the club house which overlooks the majority of the course. A mush play if you can get an invite."
Read More2023
Review
“The Creek is an absolute hidden gem amongst the bevy of world-class courses in the NY/NJ metro area. Set on the north shore of Long Island, it boasts an incredible setting as the course cascades down from the grand club house to the Long Island Sound. The opening holes are strong and more typical of of a northeast parkland course. But the excitement builds as you walk off the 6th green and toward the 7th tee. Here the tee box returns to the clubhouse and is set on a majestic hill with the hole falling away below running toward the water. The remaining holes all have the water in view. The most noteworthy holes play all the way to the sound and are quite special. The 10th and 11th cross "the creek" and are exciting holes to play with the sound on one side and the creek on the other. Overall, a great golf course on a spectacular property with a worldclass routing."
Read More2023
Review
“A private course with a tale of two environments, the first 5 holes are in land but once the hill is crested for # 6 the player can see the entire course with many good holes, some template ones, some hills and some flat. A fun course."
Read More2023
