Golf
Dec 28, 2025
Best Public Golf Clubs Near NYC - Top Affordable Courses
Discover the best public golf clubs near New York City from iconic parkland courses to affordable municipal layouts. Complete 2025 guide with green fees, distances, and course highlights. Photo by: Unsplash
If you're in New York City or thinking about visiting, you'll find plenty of public golf courses a short drive away.
From classic city-owned courses to impressive state park layouts, New York has convenient and fun public golf that doesn't require big fees or memberships.
This guide points out the best public golf spots near NYC for beginners, weekend golfers, and travelers. I'll tell you where they are, how much they cost, and what to expect.
Quick Reference - Top Public Golf Courses Near NYC
Course | Location | Approx. Drive Time | Typical Weekday Rate | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Van Cortlandt Park GC | Bronx, NY | 20-40 min | $35-$55 | Historic municipal layout |
Aqueduct Golf Courses | Queens, NY | 40-60 min | $40-$70 | Three 9-hole courses |
Bethpage State Park (Red/Blue/Green) | Farmingdale, NY | 60-90 min | $45-$80 | Championship conditioning |
Wölffer Estate Golf Club | Sagaponack, NY | 90-120 min | $55-$70 | Scenic vineyard setting |
Hempstead Golf Club | Hempstead, NY | 60-80 min | $45-$65 | Well-maintained public course |
Eisenhower Park (Red/Blue) | East Meadow, NY | 70-90 min | $50-$75 | Nassau County gem |
Rockland Lake GC | Rockland County, NY | 60-75 min | $40-$60 | Views and solid layout |
Century Country Club (Public/Walk-On) | Purchase, NY | 60-80 min | $60-$85 | Classic parkland course |
1. Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course - Bronx, NY
Distance: ~20-40 minutes from Manhattan
Typical Weekday Fees: $35-$55
Best For: City golfers, beginners, affordable municipal golf
Van Cortlandt Park GC, a true piece of history, stands as one of the oldest public courses in the U.S. Found in NYC, its classic parkland layout with fairways lined by trees make it a great place for golfers.
The course is easy to walk. Getting there is easy, whether you take public transportation or drive. The course is always in good shape. While it's not super challenging, it's perfect for playing every day, learning the game, or squeezing in a fast round.
2. Aqueduct Golf Courses - Queens, NY
Distance: ~40-60 minutes from Manhattan
Typical Weekday Fees: $40-$70
Best For: Short rounds, flexible play, beginners
Aqueduct Golf Courses gives you three choices: Red, Blue, and Gold. Each is a nine-hole course. Play them alone, or mix and match for a full 18 holes.
The courses aren't too long or hard, so everyone can have a good time, no matter their skill.
It's easy to get to from anywhere in Queens. Plus, it won't break the bank. If you walk and play later in the day, it's even cheaper.
3. Bethpage State Park - Farmingdale, NY
Distance: ~60-90 minutes from NYC
Typical Weekday Fees: $45-$80
Best For: Championship layout at public prices
If you're near New York City and want some great public golf, check out the Red, Blue, and Green courses at Bethpage State Park. Everyone knows Bethpage Black, and that course is expensive, but the Red and Blue courses will challenge you without costing as much.
The courses are in great shape and almost good enough for a championship, so it is great, especially if you're an intermediate or advanced player.
4. Wölffer Estate Golf Club - Sagaponack, NY
Distance: ~90-120 minutes from Manhattan
Typical Weekday Fees: $55-$70
Best For: Scenic golf in the Hamptons
Wölffer Estate mixes great golf with views of vineyards and the coast. The course isn't too hard, making it fun for a casual round perfect for a quick trip or weekend away.
Since it is open to the public, Wölffer is one of the best places near New York City to play golf with a view.
5. Hempstead Golf Club - Hempstead, NY
Distance: ~60-80 minutes from Manhattan
Typical Weekday Fees: $45-$65
Best For: Solid mid-length public course
Hempstead Golf Club is a local go-to spot. Its course has a classic parkland feel that makes it fun for those who can hit the ball well and want to improve their game. Everyone is welcome to play here, no matter their skill level.
The course has slight ups and downs, and some tricky spots to watch out for, but it's not too hard. It keeps things interesting without being frustrating.
6. Eisenhower Park - Red/Blue Courses, East Meadow, NY
Distance: ~70-90 minutes from Manhattan
Typical Weekday Fees: $50-$75
Best For: Large public park golf with variety
If you're in Nassau County, Eisenhower Park's Red and Blue courses are good for a round of public golf. The grass is in good shape, and the courses have enough variety to keep things interesting for frequent players.
The fairways give you room to work with, and the layout makes you think without being too hard.
Overall, it's a solid option if you want a good deal on some classic parkland-style golf.
7. Rockland Lake Golf Course - Rockland County, NY
Distance: ~60-75 minutes from NYC
Typical Weekday Fees: $40-$60
Best For: Great views and solid daily golf
Rockland Lake GC, located close to the Hudson River, has nice views and an easy-to-follow design. It’s not a super tough course, but it’s dependable, easy to walk, and affordable for most golfers.
Locals like Rockland Lake because the grass is in good shape and it has a chill atmosphere.
8. Century Country Club - Purchase, NY
Distance: ~60-80 minutes from Manhattan
Typical Weekday Fees: $60-$85
Best For: Classic parkland at public walk-on rates
Century Country Club is a private club, but it often lets the public play at reasonable prices. With its old trees, clever bunkers, and long parkland-style holes, you get a private club feel without needing to be a member.
So, if you're a golfer looking for a better course that's open to everyone, this could be a good fit.
Comparing Public Golf Clubs Near NYC
Course | Ease of Access | Green Fee Range | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Van Cortlandt Park GC | Excellent | $35-$55 | Beginner to mid |
Aqueduct Golf Courses | Very Good | $40-$70 | Beginner to mid |
Bethpage (Red/Blue/Green) | Good | $45-$80 | Mid to advanced |
Wölffer Estate GC | Moderate | $55-$70 | All levels |
Hempstead GC | Good | $45-$65 | All levels |
Eisenhower Park | Good | $50-$75 | All levels |
Rockland Lake GC | Good | $40-$60 | Beginner to mid |
Century Country Club | Moderate | $60-$85 | Mid to advanced |
Tips for Finding the Best Deals
Enjoying golf near NYC doesn't have to break the bank–here’s how:
1. Play Weekdays and Twilight Rounds
You can often save 20-50% on green fees by playing golf on weekdays or in the late afternoon.
2. Book Early
Getting a tee time at public courses, like Bethpage, can be tough, more so during spring and fall.
3. Stay Flexible
Some courses offer walk-on rates or reduced pricing if you’re flexible with your slot.
4. Check Resident/Group Discounts
Local clubs sometimes give discounts to New York residents and groups.
Best Seasons to Play Near NYC
Season | Cost Level | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
Spring | Lower | Cool air, firm turf |
Summer | Moderate | Peak growth, lush |
Fall | Moderate | Best visuals, crisp play |
Winter | Lowest (Limited) | Courses may close |
Many people think that fall (September-October) is the perfect time to play golf near NYC because the weather is nice, the scenery is pretty, and the prices are fair.
If you're near New York City and want to play golf, you have plenty of options. You can find everything from simple municipal courses to more challenging, championship-level ones within a few hours' drive. With some smart planning, you can get a great golf experience without spending too much.
This guide points out some of the best public golf courses near NYC. They offer good value, are easy to get to, and make for a fun day on the course, whether you're squeezing in a quick round during the week or looking for a nice place to play on the weekend.
