Thursday, October 1, 2026
Nestled along the South Shore waterfront, the Village of Lawrence is often recognized for its stately homes, oceanfront proximity, and access to New York City.
What many residents and visitors may not realize is the village owns and operates one of the region's most distinctive recreational facilities: the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club.
Offering an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a marina, dining facilities, catering venues, a driving range with heated bays, golf simulator and a variety of social amenities, the club serves as both a recreational destination and a community gathering place.
Unlike many private clubs, membership is available to residents and non-residents, with village residents receiving preferred rates and benefits.
Mayor Samuel Nahmias believes the facility is one of Lawrence's defining assets.
"The club is the crown jewel of the Village of Lawrence," Nahmias said. "Lawrence is probably the only village in New York state that owns a country club and a marina."
That unique combination has helped distinguish the club for generations. "Most villages don't own country clubs, and there's probably only a handful that own marinas as well," he said.
The club's roots stretch back more than a century, making it a local institution. Over time, it has evolved from a seasonal destination into a year-round amenity.
John Morrison, who recently began his first year as manager after serving as head golf professional, oversees daily operations, including golf, tennis, grounds maintenance and clubhouse activities.
"I've really tried to drive a member-first atmosphere here," Morrison said. "We want to make sure they're enjoying their time at the club. It's very important for not only membership retention, but membership recruitment."
Golf remains the club's most popular amenity. The facility currently has approximately 475 golf members and hosts roughly 26,000 rounds of golf annually.
The course itself is a major source of pride. "We put a lot of resources into the maintenance and quality of the golf course," Morrison said. "Everybody who comes and plays here raves about the quality."
Maintaining that standard requires significant effort, he noted, particularly given the challenges posed by weather conditions, turf diseases and evolving agronomic practices.
"We have a very talented golf course superintendent," Morrison said. "People really don't understand just how difficult it is to maintain the quality of a golf course."
In addition to golf, the club has expanded its recreational offerings.
For longtime member Carolyn Argento, Sales Manager of Douglas Elliman’s Long Beach and Merrick offices and licensed associate real estate broker, the club's appeal extends far beyond athletics.
"My husband served as general manager of the club for 26 years," Argento said. "Through him, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how important the club was to so many families in our community."
Argento's personal connection to the club spans decades. "When we were married in 1999, more than 300 club members attended our wedding," she said. "That really speaks to the sense of community that exists there."
After taking up golf in 2009, she became involved in club activities and served as president of the Ladies Club.
"I decided to learn golf later in life and quickly fell in love with the game," Argento said. "Even after my husband moved to another club, I stayed because of the friendships and relationships that had become such an important part of my life.”
She continues to play golf regularly while helping promote newer offerings. "With the addition of two pickleball courts, we are hoping to introduce more members to the fast-growing sport," Argento said. "It's social, fun and appeals to all ages."
Morrison said fostering that sense of community remains a key objective.
"Always bringing up and developing new member programs, whether it be programs or social events, is important," he said. "You want to have camaraderie within the club."
That atmosphere has helped make the club a multigenerational institution.
"We've had fathers, sons coming back. We've had grandfathers,” Morrison said. “It's definitely been a multigenerational club." One member, he noted, has been playing at the club continuously since 1968.
Beyond recreation, village leaders view the facility as an important contributor to Lawrence's quality of life and property values.
"One of the selling points of real estate here is that by living in Lawrence, it's almost your inherent right to be part of the country club," Nahmias said.
The club's marina remains highly sought after as well, with limited availability and waiting lists for slips. Village officials recently secured a $5.5 million federal grant to support infrastructure improvements designed to accommodate larger vessels and strengthen marina operations.
Additional enhancements are also under consideration. Nahmias said village officials are pursuing a long-term plan that includes improvements to catering facilities, expanded event space and additional guest accommodations.
"We're going to be investing a significant amount of money," he said.
Recent renovations have already refreshed portions of the catering facility, which hosts weddings, celebrations and community events.
For Argento, the club's value ultimately comes down to something less tangible than golf rounds or marina slips.
"Communities thrive when they provide opportunities for people to connect, stay active and enjoy their surroundings," she said. "The Lawrence Yacht & Country Club does exactly that."
As Lawrence continues to evolve, village officials, members and residents alike see the club as both a treasured tradition and a key part of the community's future.
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