The Bridge Golf Club in Sag Harbor is a private, members-only course known for its stunning design, blending challenging terrain with breathtaking views.
If you’re lucky enough to gain access, expect a unique golfing experience, but membership is highly exclusive and invitation-only.
Keep reading for a more detailed look at what makes this course stand out.
History of The Bridge Golf Club
The history of The Bridge Golf Club is rooted in a unique transformation from a motorsport hub to an exclusive golf destination.
Built on the grounds of the former Bridgehampton Race Circuit, the course has a rich legacy that blends its racing past with modern golf design, offering an experience unlike any other in the Hamptons.
Bridgehampton Race Circuit Legacy
Before becoming the site of one of the Hamptons' most exclusive golf courses, the land was home to the Bridgehampton Race Circuit, a famed track for motorsports enthusiasts.
Active from 1957 to 1997, this racetrack attracted professional drivers and fans from across the country, earning a reputation as a thrilling venue for racing events.
The circuit's closing paved the way for a new chapter: the creation of The Bridge Golf Club.
Although the roar of engines has since been replaced by the quiet concentration of golf, the motorsport influence remains an integral part of The Bridge’s identity.
The most prominent reminder of this heritage is the club’s striking motorsport-inspired clubhouse.
Its design, featuring sleek lines and references to automotive history, serves as a nod to the site’s racing days, creating an aesthetic that sets The Bridge apart from more traditional clubs.
For members and guests, this adds a unique layer of charm to the overall experience, allowing the club’s past to live on in a subtle yet memorable way.
Development and Design
The transformation from racetrack to golf course was led by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, who saw the potential in the land’s natural contours and breathtaking vistas.
Opened in 2002, The Bridge spans over 500 acres and showcases Jones’ vision of challenging yet visually captivating golf.
Jones designed the course to integrate the land’s varied terrain, creating a layout that feels both natural and strategic.
The course offers a mix of wide, sweeping fairways, intricate green complexes, and dramatic elevation changes, making each hole a fresh challenge.
These features ensure the course isn’t just about aesthetics but about rewarding strategic play, where golfers need to think carefully about each shot.
Jones' goal was to create a course that matched the natural beauty of the Hamptons while providing an engaging experience for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The hilly landscape, combined with large bunkers and expansive views of Peconic Bay, enhances the sense of adventure, while the course's layout ensures a constantly evolving test of skill.
The Unique Course Design and Layout
The design and layout of The Bridge Golf Club offer a unique blend of natural beauty and strategic complexity, making it a standout course for golfers who appreciate a thoughtful challenge.
Every hole presents different demands, with the terrain playing a central role in shaping the overall experience.
To truly understand The Bridge, it’s essential to explore its varied landscape, signature holes, and some of the critiques related to the course’s flow.
Terrain Variety and Challenges
The Bridge's layout takes full advantage of its 500-acre expanse, with the terrain itself being one of the course’s most defining features.
The hilly landscape creates natural elevation changes that influence both the difficulty and visual appeal of the course.
Golfers are frequently challenged by uphill and downhill shots, requiring careful club selection and precise shot placement.
The rolling hills are not only scenic but also add layers of complexity that keep players on their toes.
Large, strategically placed bunkers dot the course, adding another element of difficulty.
These bunkers are designed to force players to think two or three shots ahead, especially when combined with undulating fairways and intricate green complexes.
The greens themselves are known for their complexity, featuring subtle breaks and slopes that challenge even the most seasoned golfers.
The need for strategic play is ever-present, with the terrain dictating how aggressively or conservatively you approach each hole.
Signature Holes to Watch Out For
Several holes at The Bridge stand out for their memorable design and strategic demands.
These signature holes not only test skill but also offer some of the best views on the course, making them key highlights of any round.
One such hole is the par-3 11th, which features a dramatic elevation drop from tee to green.
The downhill nature of the shot requires careful distance control, especially when factoring in wind conditions, which can often swirl unpredictably due to the proximity to Peconic Bay.
This hole is a favorite among players not just for its challenge, but for the panoramic view it offers.
Another standout is the par-5 18th hole, which combines a long sweeping fairway with a challenging uphill approach to the green.
This finishing hole is both visually stunning and strategically demanding, as players must decide whether to play aggressively for a birdie or lay up to avoid the hazards that guard the green.
The elevation changes and the complexity of the approach make this hole a fitting conclusion to a round at The Bridge.
Course Flow and Criticisms
While The Bridge Golf Club is widely praised for its design and maintenance, some players have noted that the course can feel slightly unbalanced in terms of its flow.
The layout includes several downhill holes that are immediately followed by uphill walks, which can create a sense of repetition for some golfers.
This alternating pattern between downhill shots and uphill walks has been mentioned as a potential drawback, particularly for those who prefer a more varied rhythm to their round.
Despite these critiques, many golfers appreciate the overall challenge and reward that The Bridge offers.
The course’s unique terrain and stunning views often outweigh concerns about the layout’s balance, with many players finding that the elevation changes add a layer of difficulty that enhances the strategic nature of the course.
Course Conditions and Maintenance
The Bridge Golf Club is known not only for its breathtaking design but also for the impeccable condition of its course.
Maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring that members enjoy a consistently high-quality playing experience year-round.
Commitment to Top-Tier Maintenance
Maintaining the pristine condition of The Bridge requires a dedicated grounds crew, with attention given to every detail of the course.
Golfers playing here can expect immaculate fairways that offer firm but forgiving lies, complemented by well-maintained roughs that provide a challenging contrast.
The greens are another standout feature, meticulously groomed to ensure fast, true rolls with subtle breaks that demand precise putting.
The course’s large bunkers are kept in excellent shape, with clean lines and well-raked sand that can either help or hinder depending on shot placement.
High-level care extends to the fairways as well, which are often kept in lush condition thanks to constant monitoring and targeted irrigation practices.
Players will notice that divots are quickly repaired, and any signs of wear and tear are addressed immediately, ensuring the course remains in top shape even during peak play periods.
How The Bridge Stays in Prime Shape Year-Round
One of the most impressive aspects of The Bridge is its ability to stay in excellent condition regardless of the season.
Given the location’s exposure to changing weather patterns in the Hamptons, maintaining year-round playability requires a strategic approach to turf management.
During the warmer months, the grounds team uses advanced irrigation systems to combat dry spells, keeping the fairways and greens lush and playable.
In contrast, cooler months call for special care, including frost prevention measures and careful management of the grass's growth cycles to prevent winter wear.
In addition to daily upkeep, The Bridge employs some advanced maintenance techniques to keep the course in elite shape.
These include aeration, which improves soil drainage and ensures healthier turf, and regular topdressing of greens to maintain smooth surfaces.
The team also stays ahead of potential pest and disease issues through careful monitoring, preventing any damage to the course before it becomes a problem.
The Atmosphere at The Bridge: Contemporary Meets Casual

The atmosphere at The Bridge Golf Club is a refreshing departure from the formal, traditional settings often associated with private clubs.
With its contemporary and relaxed approach, The Bridge offers a laid-back yet exclusive experience that appeals to those looking for a more modern twist on the private golf club lifestyle.
A Relaxed Vibe Compared to Traditional Clubs
One of the most noticeable aspects of The Bridge is its casual, contemporary atmosphere.
Unlike many private clubs, which often emphasize strict dress codes and formal traditions, The Bridge takes a more relaxed approach, allowing members and guests to enjoy the game without the weight of rigid rules.
This laid-back vibe creates a welcoming environment for those who appreciate luxury without pretense.
For players, this means you can focus on enjoying the course and the surroundings without the formality that might come with other exclusive clubs.
The Bridge blends its top-tier golf experience with a sense of ease, making it an attractive option for those who want high-level golf in a setting that feels more relaxed and personal.
Members often find that the casual yet upscale approach allows for a more enjoyable experience both on and off the course.
The Unique Clubhouse
The motorsport-themed clubhouse is one of the most defining features of The Bridge, reflecting the property’s racing heritage.
This striking building stands out for its modern design, sleek lines, and subtle nods to the site's former life as a racetrack.
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere feels different from typical golf clubhouses, with art and decor inspired by the world of motorsports adding to its unique charm.
Unlike the traditional country club feel of most golf facilities, The Bridge’s clubhouse is a space that feels vibrant and modern, aligning with the club’s overall contemporary aesthetic.
The clubhouse not only serves as a gathering point for members but also reinforces the club's commitment to blending luxury with a more informal, approachable vibe.
Whether relaxing after a round or attending a club event, members appreciate the creative and energetic feel the clubhouse brings to the overall experience.
Membership and Exclusivity
The Bridge Golf Club is well known for its exclusivity, offering membership only by invitation and maintaining a level of privacy that adds to its mystique.
As one of the most prestigious clubs in the Hamptons, its membership process, and the benefits it brings, are tightly controlled, ensuring that the club remains a destination for an elite group of golfers.
Private Membership Only
Membership at The Bridge is strictly by invitation, making it one of the hardest golf clubs to join in Long Island.
There is no application process that prospective members can initiate themselves; instead, individuals are invited to join, often based on existing relationships within the club’s small circle of members.
This exclusivity helps maintain the club's intimate atmosphere and reinforces its reputation as a luxury destination for those in the know.
Another key element of The Bridge’s exclusivity is the lack of publicly available tee times or pricing information.
Without any published rates or opportunities for non-members to book rounds, access to the course is tightly restricted.
This policy is intentional, creating a sense of privacy and privilege for those who are part of the club.
It also reinforces the feeling that playing at The Bridge is a rare opportunity, reserved only for a select few.
The Elusive Nature of Membership
Being a member of The Bridge Golf Club goes beyond access to an exceptional course; it’s a gateway to an elite social and professional network.
Members are part of a close-knit community of like-minded individuals, many of whom share interests in both golf and the Hamptons lifestyle.
The prestige associated with membership adds another layer to the appeal, as it signals an alignment with a group of accomplished, well-connected people.
For non-members, the chances of playing at The Bridge are slim but not impossible.
Occasionally, members may bring guests to play, offering a rare opportunity to experience the course without being a member.
Special events or charity tournaments may also provide limited access to outsiders, although these opportunities are few and far between.
For most golfers, playing at The Bridge remains an elusive goal, highlighting just how exclusive the club truly is.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Bridge
Visiting The Bridge Golf Club is a rare and exciting opportunity, so it’s essential to make the most of your time on and off the course.
With its challenging layout and distinctive clubhouse, proper preparation and awareness of the club’s amenities can enhance your experience and leave a lasting impression.
Preparing for the Course
The Bridge’s course demands careful planning and strategic play due to its varied terrain and unique design features.
To fully enjoy the round, golfers should be ready to handle the course’s hilly sections and significant elevation changes, which require precise club selection and thoughtful shot-making.
Tackling uphill and downhill holes will test your ability to judge distance, making it important to stay mentally sharp and focused throughout the round.
In addition to navigating the elevation changes, be mindful of the large bunkers scattered across the course.
These hazards are not just aesthetic; they’re designed to challenge players by forcing them to think ahead and adjust their strategy.
To prepare for these challenges, bring a full range of clubs that can handle varying distances, especially those that offer versatility in uneven lies or challenging bunker shots.
Make sure to dress appropriately for the day, considering the coastal winds that can often affect play near Peconic Bay.
Pack layers if needed, and ensure you have the proper golf shoes to handle the hilly terrain without sacrificing comfort or stability.
Most importantly, come with a mindset ready to embrace the strategic demands of the course, which rewards thoughtful play over raw power.
Enjoying the Clubhouse Experience
After a rewarding round on the course, take time to relax and soak in the motorsport-inspired atmosphere of the clubhouse.
This modern, sleek facility offers a refreshing contrast to the traditional golf clubhouse, with unique decor and design elements that pay homage to the property’s racing history.
Whether you’re reflecting on your game or enjoying a drink with friends, the clubhouse provides a perfect post-game environment to unwind in style.
The clubhouse also offers a range of amenities that can enhance your visit, from dining options to exclusive club events.
If you’re interested in more than just golf, inquire about any ongoing events or social gatherings during your stay.
These events provide an opportunity to mingle with other members and experience the full range of what The Bridge has to offer beyond the course itself.
Conclusion
A visit to The Bridge Golf Club offers an exclusive experience, blending a challenging course with a relaxed, modern atmosphere.
With proper preparation and appreciation for the club’s unique features, both on the course and in the clubhouse, you can make the most of this rare opportunity.
The Bridge stands as a premier destination for those seeking top-tier golf in an unforgettable setting.