One of the toughest parts about being a golf club on Long Island is that there are so many great golf courses that you are going to compete with. Even with near perfect conditions and some truly interesting golf holes, Mill River Club still manages to fly under the Long Island radar. However, I don’t think the club minds that much. They have a friendly and fun membership and the vibe of the club is downright joyous. it was a pleasure to be selected as their course photographer in 2026. Please enjoy my top 10 photographs from the beautiful Mill River Club.
#10: Sunset on The Six
The 6th hole looks like a straight away par 4 but some interesting bunkers and undulations set up a compelling photograph at sunset. Some golf courses will present much better in either the sunrise or sunset. I can say with conviction that Mill River Club is a sunset type of golf course.
#9: Clubhouse over 18
There is something undeniably glorious about a clubhouse overlooking the 18th green and Mill River Club does a great job at delivering the classic goods. There is a gorgeous veranda overlooking the 18th green so members can watch and potentially heckle the action.
#8: Par 3 Party
When I got my first glimpse of the 12th hole, I knew that I was going to have some fun finding angles and capturing some great photographs. The only problem was that I wasn’t able to narrow it down to just one favorite photograph. My only gripe is that cart path. Without it these images would have finished higher in the rankings.
#7: White & Black
My camera was compelled to further explore the connection between the 18th hole and the clubhouse at Mill River Club. Using a black and white editing approach, I was able to appropriately meld the pin flag directly into the clubhouse brick.
#6: 90 Degree Sunrise
Fortunately, the only thing that was 90 degrees when I took this photograph was the dogleg on the 2nd hole. This well bunkered green and some morning sun make for a spectacular scene at first light.
#5: Morning Doughnut
I had a lot of images of the 14th hole and it was hard to settle on a favorite. Featuring a strong drop off over the back of the green with a circular bunker protecting the front edge, the green site on 14 is exceptionally photogenic. I would consider it almost as delicious as a freshly baked jelly doughnut on a Sunday morning.
#4: Cross Fairway Connection
One of my favorite things to find on a golf course are the angles that most golfers don’t recognize. That often comes from a fairway or two over. In this particular instance, I am on the 18th fairway looking across the first fairway and capturing the pin flag on the par 3 third hole. Its not a golf shot that you get to play, but its a fun one to look at.
#3: Par 3 Party Part 2
As a follow up to our #4 selection, we find a reverse view of the 3rd hole. This image contains many of the things I look for in a photograph. Beautiful whispy skies and long shadows that highlight the undulating terrain and bunkers. Lastly, I look for a pin flag set in light but put against a dack background. This draws the viewer’s eyes directly towards the intended target.
#2: Elevation over 11
This photograph does a great job at showing off what makes the 11th hole so controversial. A long and straight drive is required here to make this hole manageable. If you are fortunate enough to find the narrow fairway at the top of the hill, you will have a look at the elevated green that is protected by a pond to the left of the green. If you don’t hit your drive long or straight enough, the 11th can quickly become a nightmare.
#1: Solo Sunset Stroll
My favorite photograph from Mill River Club came during the final moments of a furious sunset scramble. From the 3rd hole, I noticed a member taking in a solo sunset stroll and quickly raced up to capture his efforts to hole his short putt. The very last licks of sunset illuminated our target as he made the putt. I zoomed in and pressed the shutter button.
