Southampton, New York
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a fiercely private club in Southampton, New York. It peaks in summer.
There's no walk-up access here; a member or reciprocal invitation is the only way in. Green fees aren't published — invite only. The property offers lodging close by, which shapes how we build the days around it.
Shinnecock is invite-only, and that scarcity is most of what puts it at No. 8. A U.S. Open host that outside players almost never get to walk, let alone play.
Summer is peak season out on Long Island. When access comes together, we plan the surrounding days around nearby lodging, since the club itself doesn't host guests.