Best Public Golf Courses in New York, New York

You don't need a membership to play great golf in New York. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.

Bethpage State Park - Black Course public

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."

Multiple U.S. Open hostAmerica's most famous public courseLegendary difficulty warning sign

Green Fee: $65–$150 Rating: 4.8/5

Ballyowen Golf Club public

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.

Scottish links style near NYCCrystal Springs Resort settingTreeless windswept design

Green Fee: $70–$140 Rating: 4.3/5

Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point public

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.

Manhattan skyline viewsLinks-style course in the BronxJack Nicklaus design

Green Fee: $100–$200 Rating: 4.4/5

Bethpage Red Course public

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.

A.W. Tillinghast designExcellent value at state-park pricingChallenging par-68 layout

Green Fee: $45–$85 Rating: 4.3/5

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.

Booking Tips

For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.

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.

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All New York Golf Courses

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