Golf
Dec 28, 2025
Best Golf Courses in New York - Top Public, Private & Resort Courses
Discover the best golf courses in New York, including top public courses, exclusive private clubs, and scenic resort layouts. Updated 2025 guide with locations, highlights, and travel tips. Photo by: Unsplash
New York is a top golf spot in the US. It has it all, from famous championship courses on Long Island to pretty resort courses upstate. No matter what kind of golf you like public, private, or resort New York has great options.
Here's a guide to the best golf courses in New York, presented in an easy-to-read format:
Top-rated courses in general
Great public golf spots
Exclusive private golf clubs
Awesome golf resorts and destination courses
Where to golf near New York City versus upstate
This setup helps you quickly locate the perfect course, whether you're planning a golf vacation or just a quick weekend game.
Best Golf Courses in New York (Quick Overview)
Course | Location | Access Type | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
Bethpage Black | Long Island | Public | U.S. Open venue |
Shinnecock Hills | Hamptons | Private | Historic links |
National Golf Links of America | Hamptons | Private | Classic architecture |
Oak Hill Country Club | Rochester | Private | Major championships |
Friar’s Head | Long Island | Private | Modern links design |
Fishers Island Club | Fishers Island | Private | Seaside layout |
Turning Stone (Atunyote) | Central NY | Resort / Public | Championship resort |
The Sagamore Golf Club | Lake George | Resort / Public | Scenic Adirondacks |
Wölffer Estate GC | Hamptons | Public | Vineyard views |
Best Overall Golf Courses in New York
No matter how you get in, these courses are always ranked as some of the best around.
Bethpage Black
Bethpage Black is New York's most well-known public golf course, and it's also one of the hardest public courses on the planet. A.W. Tillinghast designed it, and it has been the site of several U.S. Opens and one PGA Championship.
Why it stands out
Championship difficulty
Affordable public access
Iconic warning sign at the first tee
True test for elite golfers
Best for: Serious players and golf purists.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills, one of the oldest golf clubs in the U.S., is a fantastic example of links-style golf. It's also a regular spot for the U.S. Open.
Why it stands out
Wind-driven links golf
Historic USGA roots
Strategic, firm conditions
Best for: Traditionalists and architecture enthusiasts.
National Golf Links of America
National Golf Links of America is a really big deal when it comes to golf course design in the U.S. It has classic template holes that take ideas from famous British courses.
Why it stands out
Timeless course design
Strategic brilliance
Extremely exclusive
Best for: Elite private-club experiences.
Best Public Golf Courses in New York
These golf courses offer a great experience, even if you're not a member of a fancy club.
Bethpage State Park
Besides Bethpage Black, the park has Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow courses, making it the top public golf spot in the state.
Why play here
Multiple difficulty levels
Excellent course conditioning
Easy access from NYC
Wölffer Estate Golf Club
Wölffer Estate, situated in the Hamptons, has beautiful golf courses with vineyards all around.
Why play here
Coastal breezes
Relaxed atmosphere
Unique vineyard setting
Best Private Golf Clubs in New York
These golf clubs represent the best in the U.S. and are often ranked among the top courses worldwide.
Oak Hill Country Club
Oak Hill, crafted by Donald Ross, has been the site for big events like the Ryder Cup, U.S. Opens, and several PGA Championships.
Why it stands out
Championship pedigree
Classic parkland design
Consistent tournament conditions
Friar’s Head
Friar's Head, a Tom Doak design, is a modern classic that mixes tough dunes with simple, clean design.
Why it stands out
Natural terrain
Strategic shot values
Highly ranked modern course
Fishers Island Club
Getting to Fishers Island Club is part of the charm you can only reach it by ferry. Once there, you'll find a fantastic links-style course with amazing views of the Long Island Sound.
Why it stands out
Dramatic seaside holes
Remote, peaceful atmosphere
Historic design
Best Resort & Destination Golf Courses in New York
Great for golf trips and quick weekend escapes.
Turning Stone Resort Casino
At Turning Stone, the Atunyote Course, designed by Pete Dye, mixes challenging golf with nice resort perks.
Why it stands out
Tournament-quality conditions
Casino, dining, and lodging
Public access with resort packages
The Sagamore Golf Club
The Sagamore, located by Lake George, provides a lovely Adirondack golfing experience in a traditional resort setting.
Why it stands out
Mountain and lake views
Relaxed resort vibe
Ideal for couples and families
Best Regions for Golf in New York
Region | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
Long Island & Hamptons | Historic championship courses |
New York City Area | Best public access (Bethpage) |
Upstate New York | Scenic, less crowded, great value |
Central New York | Resort golf and destination play |
Best Time to Play Golf in New York
Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
Spring | Cool weather, fewer crowds |
Summer | Peak season, best conditioning |
Fall | Ideal weather, fall foliage |
Winter | Limited availability |
Many people think fall, specifically September and October, is the nicest time of year.
New York is a great place for golf. No matter if you want to play where the pros have, find good public courses, or just have a nice golf trip, New York has a lot to offer.
From the tough Bethpage Black to the pretty Fishers Island, New York is always a popular place to play golf.
