course in Montauk at Camp Hero State Park was once under consideration, it was dropped in 1999 due to environmental concerns. Rees Jones, the son of Robert Trent Jones, began helping to redesign some of the holes at Montauk Downs in 2002. Renovations have included moving back tee boxes to lengthen holes and bring hazards back into play (accounting for recent advances in equipment that allow balls to be hit further distances), reconstructing the bunkers and installing a new irrigation system. These improvements are being made gradually to avoid interrupting play. Every year Montauk Downs holds a gala event at the end of the summer to help raise money for the golf course renovations. Course layout With both the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound located nearby, the golf course is one of the windiest locations in the country and weather conditions can make the course play differently each day. Most of the holes have small greens that require precision approach shots over bunkers and there are five water hazards on the course. The 12th hole at Montauk Downs is considered one of Long Island's toughest holes. The 228 yard par 3 has an elevated tee and green, requiring players to carry a deep valley of fescue grass. The green is guarded by three sand traps, including two deep bunkers in the front. Staff The general manager of Montauk Downs and the other state parks in Montauk is Tom Dess. Charlie Reidlinger serves as the superintendent of the golf course. Before coming to Montauk Downs, he was the superintendent of the Red Course at Bethpage State Park and the assistant superintendent of the Black Course. The current head golf professional at Montauk Downs is Mark Fretto. See also List of New York state parks References External links Montauk Downs State Park Montauk Downs Golf News & Details at LongIslandGolfNews.com East Hampton (town), New York State parks of New York (state) Golf clubs and courses in New York (state) Golf clubs and courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Parks in Suffolk County, New York Sports venues in Suffolk County, New York