Unearthing Tradition: Golf and Culinary Culture on Long Island

If you’re a young adult navigating life on Long Island, there’s a good chance you’ve developed a fondness for one of New York’s most underrated treasures: Rose’s Pizza. Tucked away in the bustling corridors of Penn Station, this unpretentious pizza joint encapsulates the spirit of the community that surrounds it. Despite its seedy atmosphere, subpar service, and average pizza, Rose’s stands out as a vital culinary institution for countless patrons, especially those who find themselves drawn to its fluorescent glow after a night out in the city.

Penn Station sees an influx of approximately 650,000 commuters daily. Among them are Long Islanders, a diverse community shaped by their shared history of local delis and miles of traffic. While many claim they stop in for a quick slice or a cold drink, their visits to Rose’s actually offer them something deeper: a nostalgic haven where the rapid pace of New York City slows to a more manageable rhythm. The experience is not just about sustenance; it’s about tradition, community, and a momentary escape from the rush of urban life.

Tradition is especially vital for Long Islanders, who often feel overshadowed by the relentless energy of the adjacent metropolis. In the backdrop of this cultural landscape exists a time-honored golfing ritual that epitomizes connection and camaraderie: "Beers on the Back Nine." This beloved gathering began as a convenient meeting point for local Dads lost amid soccer practices and Little League games. It has since evolved into a symbol of friendship, underscoring the deep-rooted ties that the sport fosters among those who have taken part.

Arriving at West Sayville Golf Course as dawn breaks over Long Island, the air is still crisp as participants gather for their Sunday morning ritual. The Beers on the Back Nine offers more than just an opportunity to swing clubs; it’s a reunion fueled by laughter, banter, and the shared understanding of a life steeped in local customs. Although the initial premise of bonding over golf seems simple, an examination of this group reveals that it embodies a desertion from traditional golfing etiquette.

As cars and Ubers fill the parking lot, the sense of purpose becomes apparent: the gathering centers on friendship, not formality. With early risers providing a comic relief about their previous night’s escapades, the Sunday morning tradition kicks off energetically. One participant, bleary-eyed from a night of revelry, sets up a cooler of drinks while another recalls the tales of their exploits from the night before, creating an exhilarating atmosphere filled with camaraderie.

The group’s founder, Sal, represents quintessential community spirit. He meticulously organized the golf outing to bring camaraderie to the course. With a back-nine shotgun start, the event ensures that local fathers can sneak in golf before their families stir. Notably, the tight-knit group developed a complex tee-time communication system, and a firm 45-second rule governs the textual check-in process. Friends go to great lengths to secure their spot, with alarms set, and phones passed among colleagues to ensure participation.

Local media personality Gregg Giannotti, known popularly as Gio, brings notoriety to the squad. He embodies the spirit of the group—golfing through laughter and community rather than exclusivity. On most Sundays, the energetic buzz amongst this crew echoes the notes of Billy Joel, celebrating everything from weekend banter to scorching competitive spirit. The rivalry adds a rich fabric to the day, with victories met with hearty laughter, while defeats lead to witty taunts reminiscent of competitive locker rooms.

The competition itself is held as serious but remains infused with humor. Their format is a nine-hole Nassau, a unique twist that emphasizes both fun and rivalry. Participants often jokingly attune their approach as if they were walking off the greens of prestigious courses like Augusta. The sense of belonging here is palpable, transforming the local muni course into a cherished enclave affectionately dubbed “West Sayville C.C.” The bond this group shares manifests in an inviting atmosphere that welcomes competitive spirit while cultivating personal connections.

As the sun rises, the ambiance shifts to friendly trash-talk in the parking lot, where the discussions wrap up the day’s thrill of competition. Many recount their rounds of golf with the same intensity as if they had participated in a professional event. A shared laugh over a missed shot reveals a deep understanding of each other’s quirks and competitive natures. It’s a fraternity, a slice of blue-collar bonding existing far away from the elite country clubs that often dominate the conversation about Long Island golf.

After a day filled with memorable moments and laughter, many golfers tuck their clubs away and head home, often returning before their children wake. This treasured practice echoes the broader experiences of Long Islanders: navigating life’s quicker moments while valuing the bonds formed in simple rituals like shared rounds of golf. Gio reflects on this experience, connecting it to life, humor, and competitiveness that defines Long Island identity, a microcosm of community within the ever-evolving landscape that New York presents.

Soon, the scenery shifts once more. A recent renovation of Penn Station saw notable changes, including the temporary disappearance of Rose’s Pizza. However, as time passed, the establishment returned, albeit in an updated form. While it underwent physical transformation for cleanliness and revitalization, the essence of why patrons cherish Rose’s remains intact. It stands as a testament to the continuity of tradition amid modernization.

As people gather again within the redesigned walls of Rose’s, the atmosphere might be different, yet the experience remains unchanged. For each bite of pizza, there’s a gasp of nostalgia, reminiscent of those shared rounds on golf courses and the bonds formed therein. The individuals who frequented Rose’s and participated in the golf tradition may evolve, but the enduring spirit of connection, shared laughter, and communal rituals continues to resonate, reflecting the ever-important essence of Long Island life.

In essence, whether it’s the late-night reverie at Rose’s Pizza or the early morning shenanigans at West Sayville Golf Course, these intertwining traditions weave a rich narrative about the heart and soul of Long Island. This region’s distinctive culture thrives in moments of togetherness, nostalgia, and an unwavering connection to the past, illustrating a beauty found within life’s simplest pleasures.