Top 10 Golf Courses in New York

Not only is the state of New York home to some of America’s most cherished history, but it’s also the site of some of the top golf courses in the US. 

With so many options, it can be hard to choose where to play. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here’s a list of the top 10 golf courses in New York.

Which ones will you try out?

10. Quaker Ridge Golf Club 

Originally designed by A.W Tillinghast and later improved by Reese Jones and Robert Trent Jones, the land this course is built upon is said to have been the campsite of George Washington and the American troops on the eve of their battle against William Howe and the British army. 

Barely hitting the 7000-yard mark from the championship tees, Quaker Ridge is short by today’s standards – but don’t let that fool you. 

With this course’s tree-lined fairways and numerous bunkers, you can find yourself in trouble in the blink of an eye.    

Par: 70
Length: 7,008
Architects: A. W. Tillinghast, Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones
Access: Members and their guests

9. Oak Hill Country Club

This Donald J. Ross-designed course can be found just outside of Rochester and is the only venue to have hosted the PGA Championship three times. 

One of the best things about the tight layout at Oak Hill’s East Course is that it forces you to drive the ball well. If you can keep it in the fairway, you set yourself up for a manageable second shot into the contoured greens that have been known to frustrate even the top tour players in the past. 

Par: 71
Length: 7,390
Architect: Donald J. Ross
Access: Members and their guests

8. Garden City Golf Club

Garden City Golf Club does an accurate impression of some of the greatest Scottish links courses found overseas. 

A visit to this golf course will take you back in time to the early days of American golf as the club’s rich history is represented by a number of golf memorabilia items on display in the clubhouse. 

We love the quirkiness and nostalgia provided by this little track, and it’s one of the few remaining par-73 courses you’ll find. 

Par: 73
Length: 6,922
Architect: Devereux Emmet, Walter Travis, Tom Doak (2015)
Access: Members and their guests

7. Sebonack Golf Club

Set against the post-card-worthy scenery of Peconic Bay, Sebonack Golf Club is the product of the combined effort of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak.

Two of our favourites, these designers each bring a unique vision to every course they create, but at Sebonack hills, their contrasting styles complement each other perfectly.

Here you’ll find strategically placed bunkers and intentional imperfections carved into the natural landscape to create a course that is both challenging and aesthetically pleasing.

Par: 72
Length: 7,220
Architect: Tom Doak, Jack Nicklaus
Access: Members and their guests

6. Black Course at Bethpage State Park

Bethpage State Park is just a short drive from Manhatten and is home to five of the best public golf courses in the state of New York. 

However, due to its notorious difficulty, we’ve decided to single out one course in particular – Bethpage Black. Fair warning, this course isn’t for the faint of heart, making it perfect for those who like a challenge.

It even has a warning sign informing visitors that it is recommended for “highly skilled golfers” only. How cool is that?!

Par: 71
Length: 7,454 yards
Architect: Rees Jones, Greg Muirhead, A. W. Tillinghast
Access: Visitors Welcome
Price (New York residents): $65-75
Out of State Residents: $130-150

5. Friar’s Head

At Friar’s Head, you’ll find large undulated greens, broad fairways, and a seemingly endless array of natural and rugged sand features. 

Its seaside geography means you’ll be constantly second-guessing yourself and the shot you intend to play into each green. 

One of the unique things about this course that we love is that Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed it to be walking-only. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy playing the game in its most natural form with minimal distractions. 

Par: 71
Length: 6,966 yards
Architect: Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw
Access: Members and their guests

4. Fishers Island Club

Located in Long Island Sound and surrounded by water on all sides, we added Fishers Island Club to our list for the truly exclusive golf experience it provides.

While the ocean views here take your breath away, the downside of a seaside course like this one is the constant breeze floating in off the water that makes club selection a tricky challenge while playing at this links course.  

Par: 72
Length: 6,616 yards
Architect: Seth Raynor
Access: Members and their guests

3. Winged Foot Golf Club – West Course

Having played host to several major championships including the PGA Championship and five US Opens, Winged Foot is one of the most storied golf clubs in all of America.

At Winged Foot, you’ll find two golf courses in immaculate condition. However, be warned – The West Course at Winged Foot is an absolute brute, playing over 7,400 yards from the championship tees.

Par: 72
Length: 7,426 yards
Architect: A. W. Tillinghast
Access: Members and their guests

2. National Golf Links of America

US Amateur champion – turned golf course architect – Charles Blair Macdonald is responsible for the brilliant design found at The National Golf Links of America. 

Much to our pleasure, the links-style layout here mimics some of the greatest holes found overseas in Scotland and England, including the Road Hole and Eden from St. Andrews.   

Par: 72
Length: 6,873 yards
Architect: Charles Blair Macdonald
Access: Members and their guests

1. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Located in close proximity to The National and Maidstone golf courses, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club was founded in 1981 and is one of the first courses ever to be built in America.

Since then, it has undergone several renovations including the last of which took place in 2016. 

We decided to bump this course up to the number one spot on our list because of its sweeping coat of natural fescue, firm fairways, gentle hills, and authentic links-style golf experience.  

Par: 70
Length: 6,940 yards
Architect: Willie Dunn Jr.
Access: Members and their guests mmm