New York City may be known as an urban jungle, but don’t let this reputation fool you. Beyond its iconic skyline, there are a range of golf courses in NYC and just across the river that offer unique challenges and incomparable views.
7 golf courses in NYC and nearby
New York City isn’t always thought of as a golfing destination, but it’s not a far drive before you arrive at challenging and award-winning public and private clubs, some designed by renowned golf course architects like Albert W. Tillinghast and Bob Cupp.
And after a day on the green, there’s nothing like returning to this thrilling metropolis to enjoy the perks of upscale accommodations, a thriving foodie scene, and endless entertainment options. Gear up for your next golfing trip with these suggestions of top golf courses in NYC and nearby.
“NYC is one of the biggest and best metropolitan cities in the world. So when people come from all over the globe to do everything you can think of, I’m not surprised they also want to play golf. The combination of urban city and golf is, for many, the best combination.”
Caroline Martens, Norwegian professional golfer and European Solheim Cup Team Vice Captain
Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point
Jack Nicklaus Signature Design
Take a swing on an award-winning 18-hole, links-style course just minutes from Manhattan in the Bronx. You’ll get unbeatable views of the city’s skyline and the Whitestone and Throggs Neck Bridges. Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point is repeatedly hailed as one of the top public golf courses in NYC. Golfers enjoy a tournament-quality experience and an upscale clubhouse that features a premier shop, waterfront restaurant, and state-of-the-art locker room facilities.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
U.S. historic golfing institution
Over on Long Island, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is among the oldest in the nation. It dates back to 1891 when the sport started gaining momentum and was the first American club to admit women. Its clubhouse, built in 1892, is on the National Register of Historic Places. This 18-hole private golf club is steeped in history, but don’t let that fool you into thinking its four courses won’t challenge your game. Through the natural landscape, golfers encounter elevated greens, sandy valleys, and wind blowing off the bays that sandwich the rolling Shinnecock Hills.
Liberty National Golf Club
Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline views
This Championship Golf Course on the western shore of New Jersey was designed by Tom Kite and Bob Cupp. It’s a private golf course that features moderate undulations on its narrow fairways and small greens. Golfers also get an unobstructed view of NYC’s skyline and Statue of Liberty for a majority of its 18 holes.
“NYC is firstly a really great city to be in, the vibe, the energy, there’s something for everyone. There are a lot of fantastic courses up there like Bethpage Black and Winged Foot but if you really want something special, Liberty National is where it’s at in my opinion. Amazing views of the city and a cool ferry ride from Manhattan!”
Mel Reid, English professional golfer and European Solheim Cup Team Vice Captain
Bayonne Golf Club
Top 10 in New Jersey by Golf Digest
This waterfront golf club is a down-the-road neighbor of Liberty National Golf Club. Both were part of a massive reclamation project for this stretch of the Jersey shoreline. Bayonne is renowned for being a challenging man-made links-style course that was called the “most audacious golf course in the world” by Sports Illustrated. Towering dunes will keep you climbing and descending through this 18-hole course as the imposing Manhattan skyline comes in and out of view.
Bethpage Courses
5 courses in one park
Anyone looking for public golf courses in NYC will undoubtedly hear about Bethpage State Park, which features five 18-hole regulation golf courses of varying levels of difficulty. The tough Black Course, meant for low-handicap golfers, is world-renowned, having been designed by golf course architect Albert W. Tillinghast. The Yellow Course is considered the easiest of the five for veteran (not novice) golfers; the Red Course, also designed by Tillinghast, features one of the country’s most challenging starting holes; the Green Course is ideal for novice golfers; and the Blue Course, also by Tillinghast, has a tough front nine with an easier back nine.
Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course
Oldest public golf course in the nation
Known as “Vanny” by locals, this North Bronx public golf course dates back to 1895 and is the oldest in the states. And it’s not too far from the city center. In fact, the number 1 subway from Manhattan will drop you off less than a half mile from the entrance, but you’ll feel as though you’re in a serene park far outside the bustling Big Apple. New management gave Vanny a $1.5 million facelift, with new greens, tee boxes, more cart paths, and upgraded bunkers and drainage.
Winged Foot Golf Club
Elite, invite-only private club
The invite-only membership of this elite private golf club has featured some big names, including Donald Trump and top brass at NBC Sports. The accolades don’t stop there. Winged Foot has hosted the U.S. Open six times, as well as a number of other important golf tournaments. For serious golfers, playing at this club, with its two 18-hole golf courses designed by master architect Albert W. Tillinghast, is a bucket-list experience.
Planning a round in NYC? Read our top tips:
- With golf courses spread out from Long Island to New Jersey, getting around will be easiest in a rental car.
- Flex your network to see if you can score an invite to private golf clubs in NYC.
Other ways to play golf in NYC
Although you won’t get a golf course in the heart of downtown Manhattan, you will find modern driving ranges and other indoor golf activities. So if the weather is keeping you inside or you just want to practice your stroke, here’s where to go to play golf in NYC.
Chelsea Piers Golf Club
Go to the outdoor driving range
The year-round outdoor driving range at this golf club features weather-protected stalls and an automatic ball tee-up system. You can also take private or semi-private lessons, or head indoors and perfect your swing on a Full Swing Simulator. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended.
LoftLinks – Upper East Side Golf
Play a virtual round
Head to this chic club for state-of-the-art golf simulators with vision feedback systems and true-to-life weather conditions that will challenge you at every swing. Book a half-hour or one-hour lesson with a PGA teaching professional to help you fine-tune your game.
Premier Indoor Golf
Experience the virtual simulator
For those whose stroke improves with data, take a swing at the virtual systems inside Premier Indoor Golf. This club boasts immersive HD displays and simulators that track a host of data points to provide every golfer with a comprehensive analysis of their performance.
Plan your golf trip to NYC
While you’re in NYC, don’t miss the opportunity to see its biggest attractions: Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, and Rockefeller Center. There’s an abundance of things to see and do in New York City.
Get your fill of cultural activities by visiting the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, the High Line greenway, and the massive and stunning New York Public Library. Stroll through interesting neighborhoods like SoHo, Chinatown, Chelsea, the East Village, Little Italy, the Upper East Side, and Midtown. Along the way, stop into cafes, restaurants, and hole-in-the-wall eateries to discover why New York City’s international food scene is among the best in the world.
Gearing up for an unforgettable golf trip to New York City? Use Skyscanner to book your flights there, a rental car to haul your clubs, and a hotel to lay your head after a day on the green.
