New York isn’t just about skyscrapers and bustling streets; it’s also home to some of the most stunning golf courses in the country.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, the Empire State offers a diverse range of courses that cater to all skill levels.
From the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley to the picturesque landscapes of Long Island, New York’s golf courses provide a perfect escape from the urban grind.
Golf enthusiasts will find everything from historic courses with rich traditions to modern layouts designed by renowned architects.
Each course offers its own unique challenges and breathtaking views, making it an unforgettable experience. Ready to discover the top 15 golf courses in New York? Let’s dive into the fairways and greens that make this state a golfer’s paradise.
15 Must-Play Golf Courses in New York
Discover New York’s top 15 must-play golf courses, offering stunning landscapes, challenging layouts, and unforgettable experiences. From the Hudson Valley to Long Island, explore these golfer’s paradises.
1. Shenendoah Golf Club
Shenendoah Golf Club, located at Turning Stone Resort in Central New York, is a must-visit. Designed by Rick Smith, this 18-hole course offers a par-72 layout featuring rolling hills, native grasses, and scenic water hazards.
Golfers love the full experience, praising the course’s pristine condition and exceptional treatment. The green fee is $160, which includes access to the luxurious amenities at Turning Stone Resort.
Golfers have commended Shenendoah’s challenging yet fair design, suitable for all skill levels. A GolfPass reviewer noted, “Turning Stone Golf is DEFINITELY the crown jewel of central NY golfing.”
2. Monster Golf Club at Resorts World Catskills
Designed to challenge even the most seasoned players, Monster Golf Club at Resorts World Catskills offers a 7,600-yard course with breathtaking views.
Each hole poses its unique challenges, providing an unforgettable golfing experience. According to reviews, the course is in immaculate condition year-round, making it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.
Players are drawn to the course’s difficulty and scenic beauty. From strategic bunkers to water hazards, every element is meticulously crafted. The club also features premium amenities, ensuring a comfortable visit.
One player noted, “The Monster has beautiful views. Each hole has its challenging personality.” Whether you’re aiming for a high score or simply enjoying the game.
3. The Links at Greystone
The Links at Greystone, located in Walworth, offers an exceptional golfing experience with a green fee of $51. Many compare the course’s condition and layout to top private clubs. Golfers appreciate its visually stunning design and scenic views from almost every tee box.
An enthusiastic player, rctoth, mentioned, “Visually stunning when standing on most if not all tee boxes. Just a great place. Get out here if you can. Drive 2 or 3 hours, it’s worth it.”
Golfers recommend traveling just to play here, highlighting the well-maintained greens and challenging holes. The affordable green fee makes it accessible to a wide range of players.
4. Leatherstocking
Located in Cooperstown, New York, the Leatherstocking Golf Course boasts a $150 green fee and seamlessly combines natural beauty with a challenging layout. Its well-maintained fairways and greens cater to both seasoned golfers and beginners.
Renowned for its lakeside views and rolling hills, players frequently acclaim the course’s excellent amenities and friendly staff. Reviewer JRAR64 calls it a New York treasure, noting its broad appeal to golfers of all skill levels.
The course also offers a fully stocked pro shop and fine dining options, ensuring a comprehensive golfing experience.
Additionally, Leatherstocking Golf Course provides private lessons and group clinics, making it an ideal destination for improving your game.
5. The Links at Hiawatha Landing
Located in Apalachin, The Links at Hiawatha Landing is a premium public golf course. Known for its $54 green fee, the course offers exceptional value. Golfers rave about its variety and challenging, yet fair layout.
“One of the best courses dollar for dollar I’ve ever played,” says Michael7428275. The course boasts impeccable greens and fairways, remarkable given the recent dry summer.
Players enjoy returning annually to test their skills. Meticulously maintained, The Links at Hiawatha combines natural beauty with strategic design, making it a favorite destination for golfers of all experience levels.
6. Phillip J. Rotella Memorial
Phillip J. Rotella Memorial in Thiells, New York, is a favored public golf course offering a challenging layout and scenic views, with a green fee of $33. Golfers enjoy its varied elevations and well-balanced hole designs, leading to positive reviews.
Meanwhile, Bethpage Black in Farmingdale is famous for hosting major tournaments and is known for its demanding fairways and greens, appealing to golfers seeking a rigorous test of skill.
Due to its popularity, advance booking is recommended. Venturing further, the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course in the Bronx holds the title of the oldest public golf course in the United States.
7. Hidden Valley Golf Club
Hidden Valley Golf Club, located in New York, is perfect for average golfers seeking variety. With a green fee of $62, this course impresses with its diverse hole configurations and well-maintained greens.
Greens tend to be round and slanted back to front, adding an extra layer of challenge. The back nine features steep drop-offs, so shorter shots can be strategic.
Golfers often complement the friendly staff and the enjoyable clubhouse amenities, including cold beer and tasty food. As one reviewer mentioned, “We’re going again in a couple days and every time we’re in the area.”
8. Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Club
Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Club sits in Lewiston, New York, and offers players a top-tier golfing experience. The green fee is $60, making it affordable for many. Golfers are struck by the course’s superb condition, with well-kept tee boxes, fairways, and greens.
The course layout provides a blend of challenges and fun. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards keep golfers on their toes. The beautiful views around the course add to its appeal.
Golfers consistently praise the course in reviews. For instance, a reviewer stated, “Course is well kept, the condition of the course from the tee box, fairway and green was superb!”
9. Black at Bethpage State Park Golf Course
Known as a golfer’s paradise, the Black Course at Bethpage State Park is legendary. With a green fee of $38, it’s both accessible and challenging. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast, this public course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, making it a must-play for serious golfers.
Golfers rave about its demanding layout, which includes long par-4s, tricky greens, and narrow fairways. DJSlider, in a glowing review, stated, “the Black Course certainly exceeds high expectations,” highlighting its exceptional design and allure.
The course’s reputation is built on its beauty and difficulty, drawing players from around the world. Bethpage Black offers a truly unforgettable golfing experience, cementing its status among the top courses in New York.
10. Pound Ridge Golf Club
Pound Ridge Golf Club stands out with a green fee of $130, offering golfers a premium experience. Nestled in a secluded and quiet landscape, this course is both beautiful and challenging.
Players should hone their driver shots beforehand, as the layout demands precision to avoid landing on the wrong fairways.
Golf enthusiasts often praise the course’s serene environment and strategic design. One golfer, agilkes13, mentioned, “Very beautiful landscape, secluded, quiet, and challenging. I highly recommend this course.”
Also, they suggest grabbing the chicken sandwich available at the 9th hole for a delightful mid-game treat.
11. Patriot Hills Golf Club
Nestled in Stony Point, New York, Patriot Hills Golf Club offers a memorable golfing experience with a green fee of $95. Golfers rave about its stunning vistas, as the course is set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush landscapes.
Designed by architect Richard Jacobson, its layout boasts a combination of challenging holes and playable fairways suitable for different skill levels. Patriot Hills also features a state-of-the-art clubhouse, perfect for relaxing after a round.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, its well-maintained greens and friendly staff ensure a fantastic day on the links.
12. Mill Creek Golf Club
Mill Creek Golf Club in Churchville, New York, offers a pristine golfing experience with a green fee of $38. The course is well-maintained, featuring a challenging layout with numerous water hazards and well-placed bunkers.
Reviewers praise its condition, calling it “highly recommended.” Additional amenities include a relaxed clubhouse and a well-stocked pro shop. Mill Creek Golf Club is a blend of challenge and beauty, making it a top destination for golfers in New York.
Next on the list is Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, renowned for hosting major tournaments. With a green fee of $150, it’s a bucket-list course for many golfers.
13. Seven Oaks Golf Club
Seven Oaks Golf Club in Hamilton, New York, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., features a challenging par-72 course with natural landscapes, water hazards, mature tree-lined fairways, and strategic bunkers.
The course is well-maintained with consistent greens and fairways, offering an engaging experience at reasonable green fees of $40. Amenities include practice facilities, a clubhouse with dining options, a pro shop, and locker rooms.
Additionally, Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, known for hosting the U.S. Open and PGA Tour events, offers a demanding par-71 course with rugged terrain and tight fairways, requiring advance reservations.
14. Top of the World Golf Course
Top of the World Golf Course in Lake George offers a scenic golfing experience with stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains. Established in 1926, it features diverse and challenging layouts suitable for various skill levels.
Highlights include spectacular vistas, challenging greens, and a historic design. Visitors frequently praise its beauty and difficulty, making it a beloved choice. The course is also affordably priced at $43, appealing to both locals and tourists.
Another standout is Bethpage Black Course, renowned for hosting multiple U.S. Open Championships. Known for its extreme difficulty, it demands precision and skill, attracting avid golfers globally.
15. Golf Club at Mansion Ridge
Located in Monroe, New York, the Golf Club at Mansion Ridge is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Course featuring narrow fairways, significant elevation changes, and high-speed greens for a rewarding challenge.
The picturesque surroundings, with stunning Hudson Valley views, enhance the visual appeal, especially at the dramatic 18th hole. Players appreciate the fast but readable greens that balance challenge and fairness.
The club offers amenities like a clubhouse with dining, a pro shop, and practice facilities. Reviews frequently praise the course for its unique design, enjoyable play, and the excitement of the 18th hole’s elevation change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best golf courses in New York?
Some of the best golf courses in New York include Shenendoah Golf Club, Monster Golf Club, Phillip J. Rotella Memorial, Hidden Valley Golf Club, Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Club, and the Black Course at Bethpage State Park.
Which New York golf course is known for its premium setting?
Pound Ridge Golf Club and Patriot Hills Golf Club are known for their premium settings and memorable golfing experiences.
Where can I play a historic golf course with picturesque views in New York?
Top of the World Golf Course in Lake George, founded in 1926, offers picturesque views of the Adirondack Mountains and a historic layout.
What golf club in New York offers a challenging layout designed by Jack Nicklaus?
The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge in Monroe is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Course known for its narrow fairways, significant elevation changes, and high-speed greens.
Which New York golf course offers a good blend of challenge, beauty, and value?
Seven Oaks Golf Club in Hamilton, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., offers a challenging experience with mature trees, water hazards, and strategic bunkers, along with reasonable green fees.
Conclusion
Choosing a golf course in New York can be challenging due to the wide variety available. Each location offers unique experiences, such as history.
Top of the World Golf Course, the challenging Mill Creek Golf Club, and affordable yet high-quality courses like Shenendoah Golf Club, Monster Golf Club, and Phillip J. Rotella Memorial.
Top-tier options include Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Club and Bethpage State Park’s Black Course, while premium courses feature Pound Ridge Golf Club, Patriot Hills Golf Club, and Mansion Ridge.
Golfers can prioritize factors like proximity, difficulty, or scenic views, with options like Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point offering views of the Manhattan skyline and Turning Stone Resorts.
Atunyote course provides a serene environment. New York’s golf courses cater to every golfer’s needs, ensuring a memorable experience.
Colin McCarthy