It's been a few years, but it looks like Long Island's 365-day golfers might have a winter to remember this offseason. Last December we said that Long Island's winter golfers were overdue for a playable offseason, and one year later, it appears they got one. With weather discussions swirling around warm temperatures and snow-free forecasts rather than December blizzards and (much worse) hurricane recovery, the winter of 2015-16 appears, at least early on, to be an extension of October.
Of course, that can all change when the first Nor'easter photo-bombs the storm tracker, but until then, go out and take advantage of bonus "warm"-weather golf. Even if the temperature dips close to freezing, winter is a great time to golf on Long Island, assuming you don't mind swinging from beneath a few extra layers of gear. Aside from the occasional frozen green, ground conditions remain close to what you'd see in the fall, typically up until the first prolonged snowcover. Prices are lower, rounds are faster and the crowds are more sparse (though maybe not at Bethpage).
See also: Winter Golf on Long Island overview
Long Island's seasonal golf courses have packed it in until spring, but luckily most of the Island's public golf destinations remain open all year, awaiting phone calls about frost delays, winter rates and temporary greens. Discount rates have been in effect since November. New players or those looking to clean up their mechanics can count on quiet, pressure-free fairways and tees between now and March.
Golf On Long Island attempts to make winter golf easy to find by posting discount rates through the offseason. At some courses, winter rates can be as low as two bucks a hole. A few throw in lunch, too. Check back for updated specials throughout the winter months.
For a full primer on offseason golf, check out the Winter Golf on Long Island page, which includes some of this season's special rates and offers from previous years.