We've been to the tips of the Island for rounds at Island's End and Montauk Downs, but not yet to the island in between, where the nine-hole Shelter Island Country Club serves as a recreational and social center for locals and tourists. Newsday's Mitchell Freedman penned a feature on the course that locals affectionately refer to as "Goat Hill."
Driving up and down the steep hills in a golf cart is a little like being in a small ship going through an ocean storm. And, at four strategic locations on the tiny course, black-and-orange checkered flags are needed to show golfers the general direction to hit their ball, since they can't see the hole.
Golfers ring the big brass bell on the fifth hole by the green when they finish play, so the next group knows it's safe to hit balls over the hill.
Goat Hill has only 156 members — but sooner or later almost everyone in town ends up there, for parties or fundraisers or other social events. And, in winter, when the club is closed, its hills provide the best sledding on Shelter Island, says club president Betty Kontje. — Mitchell Freedman, Newsday, 6/4/12
To read the full feature, visit Newsday.com.