The best courses to play in NYC and the best golf courses.
Many people who head to New York State think of Niagara Falls, bright big city lights, the Empire State Building and the iconic Statue of Liberty. It’s true that New York doesn’t have the kind of golf centers you’d find on the West Coast or even in Florida. That’s partly because the expectation of sunshine in New York City is quite different than in sunnier locations.
Nevertheless, when it comes to golf vacations, New York should not be overlooked. The region has a lot to offer golfers, including some of the most famous courses in the northeastern United States. We’ve selected our top recommendations and the best golf courses in New York, starting with Bethpage.
Bethpage Black course
The observations and tips in this article we’ve prepared based on the experience of the team The Bethpage Black Course is a historic 18-hole public golf course near Bethpage and Farmingdale – one of the most challenging courses in the United States.
The par-71 Bethpage Black course is the best course in an area known for its top-notch facilities. At 7,468 XNUMX yards, it’s a beast that has a warning sign before you even start shooting.
Bethpage Black will host the Ryder Cup in 2025 it will become clear why this is one of the most popular golf courses when major golf events are held in New York City.
This golf course is part of Bethpage State Park, located on Long Island east of New York City toward Montauk. If you are choosing an airport with this destination in mind, either LaGuardia Airport or JFK will do.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a links-style golf club located on Long Island, just off Highway 27 between Great Peconic Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Links-style courses are often more closely associated with the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, Shinnecock Hills is considered one of the greatest examples of this style anywhere in the world, of course.
The venue has hosted the U.S. Open tennis championship five times, including the recent 2018 Open, won by Brooks Koepka.
The long par-70 course was designed with the natural terrain in mind. It is 7,440 6,900 yards from the longest tees, but traditionally plays to XNUMX yards from the shorter tees.
Not to be missed for its place in the history books, Shinnecock Hills is considered the oldest golf club in the United States, founded in 1891.
Oak Hill Country Club
Oak Hill Country Club is located in Rochester, New York and was founded back in 1901, giving it a healthy history that proves the course has been popular for several decades.
The venue has hosted many prestigious tournaments in its history, including the 1984 U.S. Open, 1989 U.S. Open, 1995 Ryder Cup, 1998 U.S. Amateur, 2003 PGA Championship, 2008 PGA Championship and 2013 USPGA Championship.
The East Course is a par-70 effort with a total length of 7,145 yards. Meanwhile, the West Course is a slightly shorter driving length test, totaling 6,649 XNUMX yards.
The Hill of Fame, not to be confused with the Hall of Fame, is the landmark of this course. In 1956, Dr. John R. Williams, a member of Oak Hill, had the idea to permanently remember those individuals who have contributed to the game of golf.
Winged Foot Golf Club
Winged Foot Golf Club, which was founded in 1921 and opened in 1923, is fast approaching its centennial.
This private golf course, which regularly competes on the PGA Tour and hosts tournaments, is located in Mamaroneck, NY, a suburb northeast of New York City.
Tradition and excellence distinguish this stunning venue, which includes the 7,264 XNUMX yard West Course with narrow fairways, costly primers and challenging bunkers.
The West Course has hosted the U.S. Open Championship six times, most recently in 2020 when Bryson DeChambeau won. It also hosted the 1997 USPGA Championship.
The venue has hosted many prestigious tournaments in its history, including the 1984 U.S. Open, the 1989 U.S. Open, the 1995 Ryder Cup, and the U.S. Amateur
The 6,750-yard East Course has been featured in two U.S. Women’s U.S. Opens as well as the first U.S. Senior Open. In addition, the 2004 U.S. Amateur was contested at both golf clubs.
Privately, if you are given the opportunity to walk across the fairways of Winged Foot, take full advantage of it.
Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course
Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course is located just outside of Manhattan in the North Bronx. Not surprisingly, its former members include former New York Yankee Babe Ruth.
It is the oldest public golf course in the city and is very accessible. In addition to being a public golf course, the Van Cortlandt Hotel is close to public transportation stops. This is definitely different from many of the places that were researched on this list.
If you’re in New York City and don’t particularly want to hit a country club on the outskirts, a jaunt to the Bronx might be in order.