11 Best Golf Courses in New York, NY

Newcomers to New York City are often pleasantly surprised to find high-quality golf courses in the area. From historic public courses to top-tier championship layouts, the region features a broad range of golfing experiences. Many NYC locals have a favorite course they go to for the love of the game and to leave the city behind for a few hours. This blog explores some of these courses, offering insight and advice on finding the best golf in the NYC area.

Bethpage State Park, located on Long Island, boasts five golf courses, with the Black Course being the crown jewel. This world-renowned course has hosted several major championships and is known for its challenging layout and demanding play. Water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens test even the most skilled golfers. Bethpage Black offers breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable golfing experience despite the difficulty. Be sure to book your tee time well in advance, as this course is highly sought-after.

Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point, also located on Long Island, offers stunning views of the East River and a world-class golf experience. This links-style course features rolling fairways, challenging bunkers, and strategically placed wind hazards. It demands accuracy and shot selection but rewards players with breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable golf. Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point caters to golfers of all skill levels, with multiple tee boxes to adjust the difficulty.

The Links at Union Vale, situated north of New York City, is a public course gem. This scenic course offers a challenging yet enjoyable layout for golfers of all skill levels. Water features, rolling hills, and well-maintained greens provide a dynamic playing experience. The Links at Union Vale boasts a practice facility, a pro shop, and a restaurant, making it a convenient and enjoyable golfing destination. Check tee times and book in advance, especially during peak season.

For a historical golfing experience within New York City limits, head to Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course in the Bronx. Established in 1895, this course is one of the oldest continuously operating public courses in the United States. While not overly long, Van Cortlandt Park offers a challenging layout with tight fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and mature trees lining the course. The course also has a rich history, having hosted prestigious tournaments and notable golfers.

Forest Park Golf Course, located in Queens, offers a public course haven amidst the urban landscape. This 18-hole course features a variety of challenges, from water hazards to strategically placed bunkers, keeping players engaged throughout the round. Forest Park Golf Course is an excellent option for golfers of all skill levels, with multiple tee boxes to adjust the difficulty. The course also features a practice facility and a restaurant, making it a convenient and enjoyable golfing destination.

Marine Park Golf Course, located in Brooklyn, offers a beautiful and challenging golfing experience. This 18-hole championship course, designed in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr., features wide fairways, large greens, and scenic water views. The course is well-maintained, and the tees range from 5,200 yards to over 7,000 yards, providing a fair test of golf for players of all abilities. The facility includes a driving range, practice greens, and a pro shop. Marine Park Golf Course is a popular choice for golfers looking for a high-quality course within the city limits.

Dyker Beach Golf Course, situated in Brooklyn, is one of New York City's oldest and most beloved public golf courses. Established in 1897, this 18-hole course offers a traditional parkland layout with tree-lined fairways and small greens. The course provides a relaxing and enjoyable round of golf with beautiful views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The course features a driving range, practice greens, and a clubhouse with dining options; players enjoy discounted rates for early morning and twilight start times. Altogether, Dyker Beach Golf Course is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a historic course with a welcoming atmosphere.

Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses in the Bronx offer two distinct 18-hole courses in a scenic park setting. Designed 30 years apart by two separate architects, the courses would seem strange bedfellows, but their distinct personalities complement one another. Pelham Bay Golf Course features a classic links-style layout with wide fairways and large greens, while Split Rock Golf Course offers a more challenging parkland layout with tight fairways and numerous water hazards. Both courses are well-maintained and provide delightful golfing experiences.

Silver Lake Golf Course, located in Staten Island, is a charming 18-hole public course offering challenging holes and scenic views. The course features tree-lined fairways, rolling terrain, and well-manicured greens. Laid-back and easygoing, the course is ideal for golfers looking for a relaxed round of golf in Staten Island. It’s open year-round, accepts reservations for group outings, and opens for play at sunrise.

La Tourette Golf Course, also in Staten Island, is an 18-hole public course with a singular history. The premises include the La Tourette House, a National Register of Historic Places dwelling which dates to 1836 and serves as the clubhouse. The course features rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and large greens. It’s perhaps best known as the site of the annual New York City Amateur Championship (held at the end of May) and The March of Dimes Celebrity Charity Event (held every June). La Tourette recently acquired new management and will see many improvements in the 2020s.

Mosholu Golf Course, situated in the Bronx, provides another excellent public course option in the New York City area. This 18-hole course offers a challenging yet enjoyable layout with rolling hills, water hazards, and mature trees framing the fairways. Mosholu Golf Course caters to golfers of all skill levels, with multiple tee boxes to adjust the difficulty. The course also features a practice facility and a restaurant, making it a convenient and fun golfing destination.

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