Best Golf Courses in New York, New York
The New York metropolitan area is surrounded by some of the most legendary courses in golf. From the brutally challenging Bethpage Black on Long Island to the hallowed grounds of Shinnecock Hills and Winged Foot, the Tri-State region offers a density of championship-caliber golf unmatched in America.
New York, New York · A.W. Tillinghast (1936) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,468 yards
The most famous public course in America, Bethpage Black is a brute of a Tillinghast design that has hosted two U.S. Opens and a PGA Championship. The first tee famously warns: "The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers."
New York, New York · William Flynn (1931) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 7,445 yards
One of the five founding member clubs of the USGA, Shinnecock Hills is among the most revered courses on the planet. The windswept links-inspired layout on the eastern end of Long Island has hosted five U.S. Opens and embodies the essence of American championship golf.
New York, New York · A.W. Tillinghast (1923) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,477 yards
Host of six U.S. Opens including the 2020 championship, Winged Foot West is one of Tillinghast's greatest achievements. The demanding par-72 in Mamaroneck features some of the most complex green surfaces in the game.
New York, New York · Roger Rulewich (1998) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,094 yards
Set in the rolling hills of northern New Jersey (an easy drive from NYC), Ballyowen brings Scottish links-style golf to the Tri-State area. The treeless, windswept layout at Crystal Springs Resort is a unique experience for metro New York golfers.
New York, New York · Jack Nicklaus (2015) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,400 yards
A Jack Nicklaus links-style design in the Bronx with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, Whitestone Bridge, and Long Island Sound, Ferry Point is one of the most dramatic settings for a public golf course in the world.
New York, New York · Charles Blair Macdonald (1911) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,779 yards
Founded by C.B. Macdonald, the father of American golf architecture, National Golf Links is a template course that inspired generations of designers. The links-style layout on the Peconic Bay in Southampton features Macdonald's famous renditions of classic British holes including the Redan, Alps, and Cape.
New York, New York · Devereux Emmet / Walter Travis (1899) · 18 holes · Par 73 · 6,840 yards
One of the finest Golden Age courses on Long Island, Garden City Golf Club features flat, windswept terrain reminiscent of British links golf. The Emmet/Travis design rewards ground-game creativity and has hosted numerous USGA amateur championships.
New York, New York · A.W. Tillinghast (1935) · 18 holes · Par 68 · 6,776 yards
Often overshadowed by its famous Black sibling, Bethpage Red is a fine A.W. Tillinghast design in its own right. The par-68 layout offers a challenging test with excellent conditioning at state-park pricing, making it one of the best value rounds in the New York metropolitan area.
New York, New York · Willie Park Jr. / Jack Nicklaus (restored) (1891) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,621 yards
One of the oldest clubs in America, Maidstone occupies a spectacular oceanfront setting in East Hampton with Atlantic dunes, ocean views, and Hook Pond. The Willie Park Jr. design has been sensitively updated while maintaining its raw, natural character that makes it feel closer to Scotland than the Hamptons.
Public Courses in New York
Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in New York .
Overview
While golf within Manhattan is obviously limited, the surrounding boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, northern New Jersey, and Connecticut contain an astonishing collection of world-class courses. Bethpage Black stands as America's most famous public course, while the private club landscape includes multiple U.S. Open venues.
Best Time to Play
May through October, with September and October offering the most beautiful conditions and fall foliage. Summers can be hot and humid. Courses are generally closed or limited December through March.
Travel Tips & Getting There
JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports all provide access. Bethpage is 45 minutes from Manhattan on Long Island. Winged Foot is 30 minutes north in Westchester. Shinnecock requires a 2-hour drive to the Hamptons.
Nearest Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a tee time at Bethpage Black?
State Golf Guides
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