Fishers Island Club is a private, invitation-only golf and beach club located on Fishers Island, NY, best known for its Seth Raynor-designed course and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Yes—it’s worth the journey for those who value world-class golf, exclusivity, and a uniquely serene setting.
Keep reading for a full breakdown of what makes this club so special and how you can experience it.
The Legacy of Seth Raynor: Design Philosophy and Signature Features
The course at Fishers Island Club is often described as a living blueprint of classic golf course design—largely thanks to Seth Raynor, one of the most influential architects of the Golden Age of golf.
Though Raynor passed away in 1926 before construction was complete, his vision was faithfully carried out by Charles Banks, his protégé and close collaborator, preserving what many consider to be Raynor’s masterpiece.
A Vision Carried Forward: Raynor and Banks
Raynor’s design philosophy centered around structure, symmetry, and strategy.
He was not a golfer himself, but that distance from the game gave him a unique perspective—focusing on engineering and geometry to create holes that rewarded thoughtful play over brute strength.
After Raynor’s unexpected death, Charles Banks took over the final stages of the project, closely following the original plans.
Banks, often referred to as “Steam Shovel” Banks due to his affinity for bold earthmoving, maintained Raynor’s clean lines and deliberate contours while finishing the course with his own architectural confidence.
Their collaboration at Fishers Island didn’t just preserve Raynor’s vision—it may have elevated it.
The result is a course that feels cohesive, yet full of character.
The Template Hole Tradition
One of Raynor’s hallmarks was his use of “template holes”—modern interpretations of legendary designs from classic Scottish courses.
These weren’t copies, but stylized tributes adapted to each site’s unique terrain.
At Fishers Island, this design philosophy is on full display.
Every hole tells a story and poses a deliberate challenge rooted in history.
Rather than relying on novelty or over-complication, Raynor’s templates emphasize timeless strategy: approach angles, carry distances, and risk-reward decisions that have stood the test of time.
The Biarritz, for example, features a long green divided by a deep swale, demanding precision on approach shots.
The Redan uses angled greens and bunkering to challenge trajectory and distance control.
Each hole is engineered to make you think—and that’s what keeps the course engaging round after round.
Standout Holes and Rare Features
What sets Fishers Island apart isn’t just that it includes Raynor’s most iconic templates—it’s how they’ve been adapted and presented.
The course features two Redan greens, which is extremely rare, especially considering one is on a par 4.
This adds a distinctive twist to the Redan concept, normally found on par 3s, and highlights Raynor’s willingness to experiment within a classic framework.
Other notable inclusions:
- Biarritz Hole: Defined by its signature swale through the center of the green, it requires precise distance control to avoid leaving a tricky two-putt.
- Punchbowl: A bowl-shaped green that funnels shots inward, but punishes misses with steep drop-offs and awkward angles.
- Eden: Inspired by the 11th at St Andrews, it incorporates a shallow green with deep bunkers guarding the sides, creating a tight target for approach shots.
- Double Plateau: A green with distinct tiers that tests both distance control and short-game creativity, especially if you're out of position.
These holes don’t just add variety—they form the structural core of the course, each one presenting a unique challenge without ever feeling gimmicky.
Why It’s Regarded as Raynor’s Masterpiece
Among Raynor’s many acclaimed courses, Fishers Island stands out for its blend of architectural purity and natural drama.
The routing leverages the island’s rolling terrain and dramatic coastal views without feeling forced or over-designed.
It’s the harmony between the manmade and the natural that elevates it beyond just another Golden Age design.
Fishers Island is also among the best-preserved examples of Raynor’s original intent.
The limited membership and relative isolation of the club have helped prevent the kind of piecemeal renovations or modernization that often dilute a course’s historical character.
As a result, it serves as both a museum of Raynor’s ideas and a dynamic, playable test of golf strategy nearly a century later.
For golfers who care deeply about course design, Fishers Island isn’t just a destination—it’s a benchmark.
Understanding its origins and features gives you a deeper appreciation for why this course remains at the top of every serious player’s list.
Course Layout and Playing Experience
Fishers Island Club offers a golf experience that’s both visually stunning and strategically demanding.
While the numbers—18 holes, par 72, 6,616 yards—might suggest a moderately challenging course by today’s standards, those figures don’t tell the whole story.
What defines the experience here isn’t just the length, but the way the course is routed and how it plays under ever-changing coastal conditions.
The layout makes full use of the island’s natural topography, with holes weaving along ridgelines, across dunes, and near cliff edges.
It’s a strategic routing that creates constant variety: changes in wind direction, elevation shifts, and angled fairways all come into play.
There’s very little repetition. You’ll rarely hit the same type of shot twice, and placement off the tee often matters more than distance.
Adding to the challenge is the firm, fast playing surface—a result of minimal irrigation and a commitment to preserving the course’s traditional links character.
The fairways run out more than most American golfers might expect, and greens often reject rather than receive approach shots.
That means you have to think ahead: where the ball lands is rarely where it stops.
The bounce and roll can work for or against you, depending on your strategy and execution.
Wind is another defining factor. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Long Island Sound on the other, the breeze is almost always a factor—and it can shift quickly.
Club selection becomes less about yardage and more about trajectory and shot shape.
Combine that with Raynor’s bold green complexes, and you’re in for a cerebral round of golf that demands patience and precision.
This isn’t a course that caters to high handicappers looking for forgiveness.
It’s best appreciated by experienced players who enjoy architectural nuance and strategic thinking.
Architecture enthusiasts, in particular, will find the layout endlessly rewarding.
There’s a rhythm to the round that reveals itself over time—a blend of challenge, beauty, and subtlety that doesn’t try to impress you with flash, but earns your respect with depth.
Scenic Beauty: Golf with a View
One of the first things you notice at Fishers Island Club—before the architecture, before the shot values—is the setting.
Nearly every hole offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean or Long Island Sound, and that visual backdrop elevates the experience in a way few inland courses can replicate.
This isn’t just a beautiful golf course—it’s a golf course placed in the middle of beauty.
The course’s location along the narrow eastern stretch of Fishers Island means that both sides of the landmass are visible from various points on the property.
This geography allows for an uninterrupted visual connection with the water, whether you're on the tee, approaching the green, or walking between holes.
It creates a feeling of seclusion, like the game is unfolding on the edge of the world, without any visual noise from buildings, roads, or other development.
Some holes are especially memorable for their views:
- The 5th hole, a long par 4, plays directly toward the water with an elevated green that seems to spill into the Sound. The approach shot here, often into the wind, is made even more dramatic by the open horizon just beyond the green.
- The 9th hole runs parallel to the coastline and offers a sweeping view of the Atlantic. It’s not just the view from the tee that impresses—it’s the sense of movement as you play the hole, with the ocean constantly pulling your eye to the right.
- The 15th, a short par 3, is perhaps the most postcard-worthy moment on the course. The green sits on a point with 270 degrees of water around it. Even players focused on club selection will find it hard not to pause and take it in.
This scenery isn’t just aesthetic—it plays into the rhythm of the round.
The views provide natural pacing, moments of pause, and an emotional balance to the more intense demands of Raynor’s strategic design.
There’s a calming effect to the open skies and water, even when the wind picks up or the shot ahead looks intimidating.
It’s this balance—world-class design paired with unspoiled natural beauty—that’s led many to compare Fishers Island Club to Cypress Point, one of the most revered courses in the world.
Both share a coastal setting, elite status, and an almost mythic reputation in the golf world.
The comparison isn’t just about visuals—it’s about atmosphere. Fishers Island, like Cypress Point, feels otherworldly.
It’s hard to separate the game from the setting because the two are so closely entwined.
Historical Roots and Clubhouse Evolution
Fishers Island Club isn’t just defined by its golf course—it’s also shaped by a nearly century-long story of careful development, thoughtful reinvestment, and architectural transitions that reflect both the changing times and the club’s enduring character.
From its beginnings as part of a grand summer community vision to today’s refined yet understated luxury, the club’s physical spaces have always mirrored its identity.
The club was founded in 1926, a time when Fishers Island itself was being developed as a private summer retreat for wealthy families from New York and New England.
The golf course was central to that plan, but so was the overall lifestyle—tennis, beach access, dining, and a relaxed yet exclusive atmosphere.
The original clubhouse captured that early 20th-century sensibility perfectly: a Norman farmhouse-style building that conveyed both rustic charm and coastal elegance.
It wasn’t oversized or showy. Instead, it was comfortably scaled to serve a tight-knit membership focused more on leisure than spectacle.
That original clubhouse stood for nearly four decades before being demolished in 1963, a move largely driven by financial pressures and shifting club priorities during that period.
The loss of the structure marked a transitional moment—one where the club had to balance its storied past with the practical needs of the present.
Although that era saw more modest facilities and restrained investment, it helped reinforce the club’s reputation for quiet, unfussy exclusivity rather than high-profile extravagance.
Fast-forward to the modern era, and the club has thoughtfully reinvested in its physical space—most notably through a recent renovation that expanded the clubhouse by approximately 28,000 square feet.
The project added modern amenities without disrupting the club’s classic aesthetic.
Locker rooms were completely updated, offering more space and comfort for members without losing the understated elegance that defines the club’s tone.
The pro shop was redesigned to improve flow and service while blending seamlessly into the building’s existing architecture.
Dining areas were expanded and refined, with views and design that connect the indoor experience to the island’s natural beauty.
This renovation didn’t attempt to erase the past—it built on it.
The materials, proportions, and finishes all reflect an intentional effort to maintain the club’s original charm while upgrading function and comfort.
It’s a rare case of architectural evolution done right: honoring tradition while meeting modern expectations.
Today, the clubhouse continues to serve as the social heart of the club.
Whether you're finishing a round, attending a family event, or simply enjoying a drink with a view, the space feels cohesive with the rest of the Fishers Island experience—elegant, quiet, and built to last.
Amenities Beyond the Course
While the golf course may be the centerpiece at Fishers Island Club, the broader experience extends far beyond the fairways.
For members and their families, the club offers a complete summer retreat, blending recreation, relaxation, and understated luxury in a setting that’s removed from the pace of everyday life.
Tennis is a major part of the club’s recreational offering, with five well-maintained courts available to members.
These courts provide both casual and competitive opportunities, and the setting—surrounded by natural island vegetation and cooled by ocean breezes—makes for an idyllic place to play.
Whether you’re looking to rally with friends or participate in a club tournament, the tennis facilities are an integral part of the Fishers Island lifestyle.
Just steps away from the clubhouse, the club’s private beach offers direct access to the Long Island Sound.
It’s quiet, scenic, and family-friendly, with a sense of seclusion that makes it feel like a true escape.
Members often spend full afternoons here, swimming, reading, or simply enjoying the sun in a more laid-back atmosphere than the formality of the course or clubhouse.
Adjacent to the beach is the beach club, a relaxed social hub that includes a snack bar and shaded seating areas.
This space is especially popular with families and younger members—it’s casual, convenient, and designed for those long, lingering summer days when a round of golf turns into a day at the shore.
The food and drink offerings are simple but well-executed, and the location makes it easy to transition from a morning of activity to an afternoon of leisure.
These amenities are a big part of what makes Fishers Island Club more than just a golf destination.
For members who spend extended time on the island, the club becomes the center of summer life—a place where kids can roam safely, where adults can unwind, and where the pace slows down in all the right ways.
The thoughtful mix of activities ensures that both golfers and non-golfers feel equally at home, making it an ideal environment for families who value privacy, quality, and tradition.
It’s this balance—between sport and serenity, activity and retreat—that defines the club’s unique character.
Whether you’re on the court, in the water, or simply watching the sun set over the Sound, there’s a sense of being exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Membership: Access and Exclusivity
Membership at Fishers Island Club isn’t just selective—it’s intentionally opaque.
Public information about how to join, what it costs, or even how many members exist is practically nonexistent. That’s by design.
The club values its privacy, and discretion is part of the culture.
If you’re the kind of person who’s used to researching initiation fees and application procedures online, you won’t find much here.
And that’s exactly what keeps it exclusive.
This deliberate lack of transparency adds to the club’s mystique.
For many in the golf world, part of the appeal lies in how little is publicly known.
Fishers Island doesn’t advertise, promote, or explain itself.
That silence isn’t just about being elite—it’s about preserving a certain way of life, one where tradition outweighs trend, and reputation speaks louder than outreach.
So, what does this mean for those who aren’t members but still hope to experience the course?
In most cases, it means you’ll need a personal connection.
Playing the course typically requires an invitation from an existing member, and even then, the guest policies are designed to maintain a low-impact experience for everyone involved.
Tee times aren’t abundant, and the pace of play and course etiquette reflect the club’s high standards.
However, there is one exception. After Labor Day, the club occasionally opens its doors to charity golf outings.
These events offer a rare opportunity for non-members to play the course while supporting a cause.
The events are usually low-profile, but for those who are lucky enough to hear about one—and act quickly—it’s a legitimate way to experience the course without membership ties.
That said, slots are extremely limited and highly sought after.
The practical takeaway is this: unless you’re invited by a member or connected to a participating charity, Fishers Island is likely to remain out of reach.
But for those who do get the chance, that very rarity is part of what makes the experience so memorable.
It’s not just about playing one of the top-ranked courses in the country—it’s about being part of something that few get to see, and even fewer get to repeat.
Logistics: Getting to Fishers Island
Reaching Fishers Island Club isn’t difficult, but it does require a bit of planning—especially if it’s your first visit.
The island’s remote character is part of its charm, and that sense of seclusion starts with the journey itself.
Whether you're a guest of a member or attending a rare event, understanding how to get there will make the experience much smoother.
The primary—and only—public access point to Fishers Island is via the ferry from New London, Connecticut.
The ride takes about 45 minutes, offering scenic views across Long Island Sound as you make your way to the island.
The ferry operates on a fixed schedule and can carry both passengers and vehicles, which is important because most guests and members bring a car with them.
Once you’re on the island, there are no taxis, ride-shares, or public transit, so having your own transportation is essential if you plan to explore beyond the club grounds or simply want the convenience of arriving directly at the clubhouse.
Reservations for the ferry, especially for vehicles, should be made well in advance—ideally several weeks ahead during the summer season.
Space can be limited, and priority is typically given to residents and frequent travelers.
The ferry terminal is easy to find in New London, with a dedicated parking area and clear signage for loading.
Be prepared to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure, particularly if you're bringing a vehicle.
Once on Fishers Island, the club is located on the eastern end, several miles from the ferry terminal.
The drive is straightforward, but again, it underscores why bringing a vehicle is more than just convenient—it’s practically necessary.
The island has a peaceful, residential feel, with winding roads, minimal signage, and very little commercial infrastructure, which adds to its quiet appeal but requires some navigation awareness.
For first-time visitors or guests invited by members, it’s a good idea to clarify directions and club-specific protocols in advance.
Hosts will often provide guidance, including where to park, what attire is expected, and whether any documentation (like guest badges or passes) is required.
If you're traveling with golf clubs, most members recommend packing them in travel bags for easy loading and unloading on the ferry and at the club.
Ultimately, getting to Fishers Island is part of the experience.
The journey reinforces the exclusivity and escape the club offers.
While it may feel slightly more involved than driving to a suburban country club, that extra effort is precisely what keeps the island—and the club—set apart from the rest of the world.
Conclusion
Fishers Island Club offers more than just elite golf—it’s a rare blend of history, design, and natural beauty in a setting that feels worlds away.
Its exclusivity, thoughtful amenities, and unforgettable course layout make it a destination for those who truly appreciate the finer details of the game and the environment.
For those fortunate enough to visit, the experience is as refined as it is memorable.
