New York has more than 600 golf courses. Most aren't worth your time. A handful are genuinely unforgettable.
Whether you're chasing a bucket-list round at a U.S. Open venue, escaping the city for a serene Adirondack escape, or squeezing in range time between Manhattan meetings — the best golf courses in New York cover every scenario. This guide cuts through the noise and tells you exactly which courses to play, what to expect, and why each one earns its spot on the list.
Why New York's Golf Scene Is Unlike Any Other State
Most states offer either prestige or variety. New York delivers both. Within a single state, you can walk the same fairways as Tiger Woods at a major championship venue, tee off with the Manhattan skyline behind you, or find a Donald Ross gem hidden in the Adirondacks.
That range is what makes planning a New York golf trip both exciting and overwhelming. The seven courses below represent the best across every category — public, private, resort, and urban.
The Best Public Golf Courses in New York
No membership required. These are the public layouts that punch hardest.
1. Bethpage Black Course — Farmingdale, Long Island
The Verdict: The single best public golf course in America — and it's not particularly close.
A warning sign at the first tee reads: "Warning — The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers." That sign has stood there for decades, and it still earns its keep.
Designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1936, Bethpage Black has hosted two U.S. Opens (2002 and 2009) and the 2019 PGA Championship. The course plays to over 7,400 yards from the tips, with fairways so narrow that missing them often means a double bogey minimum.
What Makes It Special:
- Relentlessly punishing rough that frames every approach
- Heavily contoured, fast greens that test every putting stroke
- Walking the exact ground where Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Brooks Koepka competed
Practical Notes: Tee times sell out fast — book online through the New York State Parks website weeks in advance. Caddies are available on weekends. Walking only; no carts on the Black.
2. Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point — The Bronx
The Verdict: The most visually dramatic golf course in the entire state.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2015, Ferry Point is a modern links-style layout built on landfill adjacent to the East River. There are no trees. The wind is almost always a factor. And the Manhattan skyline frames nearly every shot on the back nine.
What Makes It Special:
- Authentic fescue-lined links conditions — rare for the Northeast
- Sweeping views of the Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges
- The only Nicklaus-designed public course in New York City
Practical Notes: Green fees are higher than most public NYC courses, but the experience justifies it. Extremely walkable terrain with stadium-style mounding.
The Best Upstate New York Golf Resorts
When you need to fully unplug, these upstate destinations deliver the round and the setting.
3. The Sagamore Resort Golf Course — Bolton Landing
The Verdict: The most peaceful round you'll play in New York.
Perched above Lake George in the Adirondacks, the Sagamore's Donald Ross-designed course dates to 1928. Ross rarely built a boring hole — every design decision serves a purpose, rewarding controlled ball-striking over raw distance.
What Makes It Special:
- Dense pine forest framing that creates natural isolation on every hole
- Elevation changes that produce genuinely memorable tee shots
- Seamlessly paired with a full resort stay, spa access, and lake activities
Practical Notes: This is a destination trip, not a day trip. Book a two-night stay at The Sagamore resort to fully experience the property. Early morning tee times offer mist-covered fairways worth waking up for.
4. The Links at Outlook — Warwick, Hudson Valley
The Verdict: The best-kept secret in downstate New York.
The Links at Outlook delivers rolling Hudson Valley terrain, thoughtful design, and a pace of play you simply won't find closer to the city. The course rewards shot-making — players who can work the ball left and right will score significantly better than those who only hit it straight.
What Makes It Special:
- Strategic bunkering that punishes lazy approaches
- Scenic autumn conditions that rival any course in New England
- Accessible handicap range — playable for mid-to-high handicappers without feeling like a pushover
Practical Notes: Green fees are reasonable by New York standards. This course tends to be uncrowded on weekday mornings — plan accordingly.
The Best Private Golf Clubs in New York
These require the right connections — but if you get the call, don't hesitate.
5. Pine Hollow Country Club — East Norwich, Long Island
The Verdict: Traditional club culture done right.
Pine Hollow operates with the kind of quiet excellence that defines Long Island's private golf scene. The layout demands precision — it won't punish brute force, but it will expose any weakness in your iron game. The conditions are immaculate year-round.
What Makes It Special:
- Tight fairways that reward accurate driving over distance
- Pristine greens maintained to country club standards throughout the season
- An atmosphere that balances formality with genuine member hospitality
6. Rolling Hills Country Club — Yonkers
The Verdict: The ideal club for golfers who want a great round without a great battle.
Not every course needs to break you to be worthwhile. Rolling Hills offers a welcoming layout that produces enjoyable, competitive rounds without brutalizing high-handicap players. It's the right call when the goal is a relaxed afternoon with colleagues rather than a grueling scorecard exercise.
What Makes It Special:
- Player-friendly design that sustains momentum throughout the round
- Well-maintained conditioning close to New York City
- A social atmosphere that makes post-round drinks feel like the natural conclusion to a great day
Best Urban Golf Option in NYC
When getting to a full course isn't an option, this is the move.
7. The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers — Manhattan
The Verdict: The best urban golf facility in the country.
Chelsea Piers isn't a golf course — it's a four-level, climate-controlled driving range jutting out over the Hudson River. Automated ball teeing, real turf hitting bays, and target greens make it a legitimate practice facility rather than a novelty attraction.
What Makes It Special:
- Heated bays mean year-round use regardless of New York winters
- Striking practice drives over the Hudson River is a genuinely unique experience
- Club rental and lessons available — ideal for out-of-town guests who didn't pack sticks
Practical Notes: Book a bay reservation online in advance, especially on weekends. Wait times without a reservation can run 45–60 minutes during peak hours.
How to Choose the Right New York Golf Course for Your Trip
The right answer depends on three variables:
Skill Level:
- Scratch to 5 handicap → Bethpage Black is non-negotiable
- Mid-handicap (6–15) → Ferry Point or The Links at Outlook
- High handicap or casual → Rolling Hills, Chelsea Piers, or The Sagamore
Time Available:
- Full golf trip (2–3 days) → Combine Bethpage Black with a Sagamore resort stay
- Day trip from NYC → Ferry Point or The Links at Outlook
- A few hours in the city → Chelsea Piers
Budget:
- Premium spend → Bethpage Black, Ferry Point, The Sagamore
- Mid-range → The Links at Outlook
- Budget-conscious → Rolling Hills Country Club
Commemorate Your NY Golf Trip with Handreamy
A great round deserves more than a photo buried in your camera roll.
Handreamy specializes in crafting high-quality, 3D wooden golf course maps. We meticulously recreate the exact routing of your favorite course using exquisite pinewood. Hang a bespoke map in your home or office to celebrate your greatest rounds.
At Handreamy, we specialize in crafting high-quality wooden golf course maps that let you celebrate your favorite golf course. Whether it’s Bethpage Black or Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, you can have a beautifully detailed map of your favorite course to hang on your wall at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best public golf course in New York?
Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale is widely considered the finest public golf course in New York — and one of the best in the United States. It has hosted two U.S. Opens and offers a championship experience accessible to any skilled golfer willing to book in advance.
Can I play Bethpage Black without a membership?
Yes. Bethpage Black is a public course operated by New York State Parks. Tee times can be reserved online. New York State residents receive a small green fee discount.
What is the easiest major golf course to play in New York?
The Links at Outlook in Warwick offers one of the most accessible layouts for mid-to-high handicappers while still providing a genuinely scenic and rewarding round.
Is there a good golf option in Manhattan?
The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers is the best option for golfers in Manhattan. It's a multi-level driving range with real turf, heated bays, and Hudson River views — open year-round.
