When the so-called experts talk about the great courses in the metropolitan New York area, Winged Foot, Quaker Ridge and Westchester come to mind. Let's not leave out The Apawamis Club. Ben Hogan called Apawamis "the toughest short course I have ever played," and the course will test even the best of players. This is a kind of venue that requires every club in your bag. Not so much the big dog, but three-wood to three-iron off the tee and an accurate wedge game. Don't forget the flat stick. The greens at Apawamis are slick and undulating and require a precise touch. A course that you need to play on numerous occasions to understand the nuances of the layout. The clubhouse is historic and inviting. The lone drawback, the driving range, is shared with the first fairway, but if it is a slight, it's minimal at best. The staff is quite accommodating and friendly, which goes a long way in my book. The bottom line: The Apawamis Club is a gem and should not be overlooked.

Read the rest of this golf course review by Phil Sokol at www.sportsnetwork.com.