From the historic courses of Long Island to the scenic upstate gems, New York offers some of America's most prestigious and beautiful golf experiences. Here's our comprehensive guide to the Empire State's finest courses.
Long Island Legends
1. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
- Location: Southampton
- Established: 1891
- Designer: William Flynn (1931 renovation)
- Par: 70, Yardage: 7,445
- Private Club One of America's oldest golf clubs and a five-time U.S. Open host. The windswept course features dramatic elevation changes, fast-running fairways, and challenging green complexes. The iconic Stanford White-designed clubhouse overlooks the property.
2. National Golf Links of America
- Location: Southampton
- Established: 1911
- Designer: C.B. Macdonald
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,873
- Private Club Macdonald's masterpiece features iconic template holes including the "Redan," "Alps," and "Sahara." With views of Peconic Bay and its famous windmill, it's consistently ranked among America's top courses.
3. Bethpage Black Course
- Location: Farmingdale
- Established: 1936
- Designer: A.W. Tillinghast
- Par: 71, Yardage: 7,468
- Public Course Host to multiple majors, this municipal beast features the famous "Warning" sign at the first tee. Walking only, it's America's toughest public course.
4. Maidstone Club
- Location: East Hampton
- Established: 1891
- Designer: Willie Park Jr.
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,719
- Private Club Set along the Atlantic Ocean, combining links-style golf with coastal views. Recent Coore & Crenshaw restoration has enhanced the classic design.
5. Fishers Island Club
- Location: Fishers Island
- Established: 1926
- Designer: Seth Raynor
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,616
- Private Club Spectacular ocean views from nearly every hole. Features Raynor's signature template holes and strategic bunkering.
6. Garden City Golf Club
- Location: Garden City
- Established: 1899
- Designer: Devereux Emmet/Walter Travis
- Par: 73, Yardage: 6,922
- Private Club Known for its challenging "Thumbprint" greens and classic design. Men-only club that has maintained its original character.
7. Friar's Head
- Location: Baiting Hollow
- Established: 2003
- Designers: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
- Par: 71, Yardage: 7,070
- Private Club Modern masterpiece combining sandy terrain with farmland. Spectacular routing and natural design features.
Westchester County Classics
8. Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course)
- Location: Mamaroneck
- Established: 1923
- Designer: A.W. Tillinghast
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,477
- Private Club Six-time U.S. Open host known for difficult green complexes. Recent Gil Hanse restoration has enhanced the original design.
9. Quaker Ridge Golf Club
- Location: Scarsdale
- Established: 1916
- Designer: A.W. Tillinghast
- Par: 70, Yardage: 7,008
- Private Club "Tilly's Treasure" features exceptional routing and strategic interest. Hosted the 1997 Walker Cup.
10. Sleepy Hollow Country Club
- Location: Scarborough
- Established: 1911
- Designer: C.B. Macdonald/Seth Raynor
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,880
- Private Club Dramatic Hudson River views and classic architecture. Gil Hanse restoration has revived original design features.
11. Hudson National Golf Club
- Location: Croton-on-Hudson
- Established: 1996
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 70, Yardage: 7,155
- Private Club Modern classic with stunning Hudson River views. Incorporates natural rock outcroppings.
12. Fenway Golf Club
- Location: Scarsdale
- Established: 1924
- Designer: A.W. Tillinghast
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,724
- Private Club Challenging greens and classic architectural features. Gil Hanse restoration completed.
Upstate Champions
13. Oak Hill Country Club (East Course)
- Location: Rochester
- Established: 1901
- Designer: Donald Ross
- Par: 70, Yardage: 7,394
- Private Club Major championship venue known for tree-lined fairways. Andrew Green restoration completed in 2020.
14. Saratoga Golf & Polo Club
- Location: Saratoga Springs
- Established: 1896
- Designer: Multiple
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,624
- Private Club Historic venue combining charm with challenge. Subtle greens and strategic bunkering.
15. Leatherstocking Golf Course
- Location: Cooperstown
- Established: 1909
- Designer: Devereux Emmet
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,401
- Resort Course Scenic layout along Lake Otsego. Memorable lakeside finishing holes.
16. Turning Stone Resort (Atunyote)
- Location: Verona
- Established: 2004
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,315
- Resort Course Former PGA Tour venue with pristine conditions. Parkland-style layout with water features.
17. Seven Oaks Golf Club
- Location: Hamilton
- Established: 1934
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,074
- Semi-Private Colgate University's home course. Classic RTJ design features and challenging greens.
Capital Region Standouts
18. Troy Country Club
- Location: Troy
- Established: 1897
- Designer: Walter Travis
- Par: 71, Yardage: 6,577
- Private Club Classic architecture with modern updates. Spectacular views of Hudson Valley.
19. Sagamore Golf Club
- Location: Bolton Landing
- Established: 1928
- Designer: Donald Ross
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,821
- Resort Course Scenic Lake George views. Classic Ross design features restored by Ron Forse.
20. Albany Country Club
- Location: Voorheesville
- Established: 1890
- Designer: Multiple
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,852
- Private Club Traditional parkland layout with challenging greens. Rich tournament history.
Western New York Features
21. Country Club of Buffalo
- Location: Williamsville
- Established: 1926
- Designer: Donald Ross
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,854
- Private Club Recently restored Ross classic. Strategic bunkering and subtle greens.
22. Brook-Lea Country Club
- Location: Rochester
- Established: 1926
- Designer: Donald Ross
- Par: 71, Yardage: 6,666
- Private Club Another Ross gem featuring classic design elements. Host of the Danielle Downey Classic.
23. Cavalry Club
- Location: Manlius
- Established: 1965
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,947
- Private Club Challenging layout with signature RTJ features. Beautiful conditioning and scenery.
Additional Metropolitan Gems
24. Engineers Country Club
- Location: Roslyn Harbor
- Established: 1917
- Designer: Herbert Strong
- Par: 71, Yardage: 6,780
- Private Club Dramatic terrain and bold features. Hosted 1919 PGA Championship.
25. Meadow Brook Club
- Location: Jericho
- Established: 1955
- Designer: Dick Wilson
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,988
- Private Club Modern classic with challenging green complexes. Recently renovated by Brian Silva.
26. Fresh Meadow Country Club
- Location: Lake Success
- Established: 1923
- Designer: A.W. Tillinghast
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,817
- Private Club Classic Tillinghast design with strategic bunkering. Hosted 1932 PGA Championship.
Long Island Additions
27. Atlantic Golf Club
- Location: Bridgehampton
- Established: 1992
- Designer: Rees Jones
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,121
- Private Club Modern links-style design in classic territory. Challenging when wind blows.
28. Sebonack Golf Club
- Location: Southampton
- Established: 2006
- Designers: Jack Nicklaus & Tom Doak
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,252
- Private Club Unique collaboration between designers. Spectacular views of Peconic Bay.
29. The Bridge
- Location: Bridgehampton
- Established: 2002
- Designer: Rees Jones
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,341
- Private Club Modern design on former racetrack site. Dramatic elevation changes and views.
30. Piping Rock Club
- Location: Locust Valley
- Established: 1911
- Designer: C.B. Macdonald
- Par: 71, Yardage: 6,879
- Private Club Classic design with famous template holes. Historic clubhouse and atmosphere.
Playing New York's Finest: Essential Tips
Seasonal Considerations
- Peak Season: May-October
- Spring Golf: Can be wet but beautiful
- Fall Golf: Spectacular colors, ideal conditions
- Winter: Most courses closed
Access Strategies
- Public Courses: Book well in advance, especially Bethpage Black
- Resort Courses: Stay-and-play packages available
- Private Clubs: Some allow limited guest access
- Municipal Courses: Resident and non-resident rates vary
Regional Planning
- Long Island Golf Trail: Multiple top courses within short distance
- Westchester Circuit: Several historic clubs nearby
- Upstate Adventure: Combine with scenic tourism
Budget Planning
- Premium Public: $150-350 per round
- Resort Courses: $100-250 per round
- Municipal Courses: $50-150 per round
- Additional Costs: Caddies often required at top venues
Conclusion
New York State offers an incredible variety of golf experiences, from historic links-style courses on Long Island to parkland classics in Westchester and scenic upstate venues. The state's golf history, architectural diversity, and natural beauty make it one of America's finest golf destinations.
Whether you're planning a dedicated golf trip or adding a round to your New York visit, careful planning is essential. Many top courses require advance booking, and seasonal conditions can significantly impact play. However, the reward is access to some of golf's most historic and challenging venues, many of which have hosted multiple major championships.
Remember that while some courses may be exclusive or expensive, public access gems like Bethpage Black offer world-class golf at reasonable rates. With proper planning and timing, experiencing New York's finest golf courses can be the adventure of a lifetime.
