Consider these courses in the Northeast

[titleistglfer]

There are many great courses in the Northeast that golf enthusiasts could rattle off quickly...Bethpage and all the others in the NYC/LI area. But how about the public courses that do an excellent job providing a golfer an excellent product.

If you are in the Western PA, Western NY area here are a few to try out...

Cranberry Highlands, Cranberry PA. (just north of Pittsburgh)

A very well maintained course. The layout is exciting at some points, and repeating at others. As a par 70 and only 6500 from the tips, it is a playable course for anyone who can hit the ball straight, as long isn't as much an issue. Out of the 5 par 3's, numbers 3 and 15 are exciting holes to play. I really enjoyed the way some of the holes were visually stimulating, with very well placed fairway bunkers. Quick greens with sublte breaks, and fescue that swallows up balls. $59 on weekends, $49 on weekdays which includes an electric riding cart. Visit cranberryhighlands.com for more info.

Mill Creek Golf Club, Churchville NY. (just west of Rochester)

Another well maintained course. Very new, so things are still maturing and becoming set. Clubhouse is a work in progress, but pro shop is beautiful. Very accessible and large practice area with bunker green, chipping green, grass driving range, and large putting green. The course is a beautiful layout with forgiving bentgrass fairways and large greens. The Rochester skyline is visible from many of the holes as the course plays off a large hill where the clubhouse sits. A few blind shots make the course difficult for the first time player. I liked the course because each of the holes had something different to offer. Also a links style course with fescue in play on each hole. $64 on weekends and $54 on weekdays which includes the cost of electric riding cart. visit millcreekgolfclub.com for more info

[flap]

There are several public courses on Long Island that are good to great courses.Montauk Downs is everything you could ever want in a golf course.Long Island National,Rock Hill and the new Hamlett at Willow Creek is also outstanding.

[iacas]

If you are in the Western PA, Western NY area here are a few to try out...

Jeff and I just played there on Saturday. We started on the back nine, and after I adjusted to one of my playing partners (not Jeff) and - more importantly - after pulling my head out of my ass, I shot +1 over the last 13 holes. The first five holes were another story. See "head/ass" comment.

I've emailed the guys about doing a course review, but none of the emails (or voicemails) have been returned.

[muskegman]

Cranberry Highlands, Cranberry PA. (just north of Pittsburgh)

Ditto on enjoying Cranberry Highlands and was very impressed with the layout and overall beauty. It reminded me a lot of

The Highlander in Wenatchee, Washington. It is a beautiful spot... plenty of interest hole to hole. Erik was mad the first four or five holes, while the 5-inch first-cut of rough was driving me mad the whole day.