Golf Courses New York City-Dozens of must-play courses in New York were left off of GOLF’s 2020-21 ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the United States. In this article, 28 are highlighted which are worth your attention. Make sure to use the best golf app when you visit these top courses.
The Shinnecock Hills (Southampton)
William Flynn’s indisputable design masterpiece has hosted the U.S. Open five times since 1986, most recently in 2018. Flynn was given more than just a beautiful plot of land to work with: he was given the gift of time. Only in 1931 was the course offered for students to take. Even though the Great Depression began during construction, the beauty of the holes is a testament to the laborious, hands-on procedure.
Members of the United States National Golf Links Association (Southampton)-Golf Courses New York City
Seth Raynor and C.B. Macdonald collaborated for the first time on NGLA, or “National,” and what they produced remains a masterpiece of strategic design. The Alps 3rd, the Short 6th, the Redan 4th, and the Leven 17th are some of Macdonald’s holes borrowed from their namesakes in the United Kingdom. Even as I write this, I can feel my devotion to Westward Ho!, Hoylake, and St. Andrews teetering on the brink of falling away. That was the wise assessment of legendary golf writer Bernard Darwin.
Fisherman’s Island (Fishers Island)
Located off the coast of Connecticut, this private island is inhabited by the oldest members of the “Old Money” population, many of whom still like a good romp. So why wouldn’t they, given the classic Seth Raynor design that runs along its northeast side, the excellent rolling topography, and the stunning vistas of Long Island Sound?? Can you name three holes on this list that are more intoxicating than the third, fourth, and fifth? It’s a fascinating subject to ponder.
Friar’s Head (Riverhead)-Golf Courses New York City
Spectacular views of Long Island Sound may be seen from the bluffs at this Bill Coore-Ben Crenshaw design, which opened in 2003. According to Phil Mickelson, it’s his favorite course he’s played in the last decade. The 14th, a par 5, is reminiscent of Cypress Point’s East Coast counterpart. This course’s consistent rise in the rankings can be attributed to its tiny but consistent improvements. It’s rare to find a course as well-presented as this one.
First and Second Avenues (Mamaroneck)
Seven-over par Hale Irwin won the 1974 “Massacre at Winged Foot” U.S. Open. In 2006, Geoff Ogilvy’s five-over-par total won him the tournament. “There are probably six hard holes, six tough ones, and six impossible holes” is how Mark Brooks, a 1996 PGA winner, described this A.W. Tillinghast design. It’s all about the pear-shaped greens, massive bunkers, and a string of punishing par-fours on this course. Once, Jack Nicklaus gave the West course a difficulty rating of 12 on a scale of 1 to 10. Bryson DeChambeau obtained the 2020 U.S. Open after Gil Hanse’s recent, astounding extension of all the green pads brought back an element of innovation that few parkland courses can cope with.
Garden City (Garden City)-Golf Courses New York City
Devereux Emmet and Walter Travis shared the credit for this classic Long Island design. Sea breezes are a constant companion due to the water’s proximity (10 miles north and south). As a result of the Haskell ball’s debut, Laurie Auchterlonie set a new U.S. Open scoring record in 1902. The 10th and 15th holes at Garden City, with their sloping greens, are the pinnacle of lay-of-the-land construction.
A town in southeast England (East Hampton)
When Maidstone was recently restored by Coore & Crenshaw, its superb setting on the Atlantic coast was visible. You can’t just cover over the sand and expect it to stay put; if you do, you’ll lose your sense of place. In Maidstone, everything is just right. The Willie and John Park greens, several of which have spectacular false fronts, add to the delight of the picturesque site. A course you’d want to play regularly.
Bethpage, New York – Black (Farmingdale)-Golf Courses New York City
A sign at the 1st tee reads, “Only for extremely talented players.” The course intimidates golfers with this warning. It’s not uncommon for highly talented people to be included. As the 2002 “People’s Open” U.S. Open became known, Tiger Woods was the victor. The 4th hole, with its famous cross-bunkering, is a world-class challenge.
New York City’s Sleepy Hollow (Briarcliff Manor)
The stunning Hudson River vistas have long been a significant part of this Westchester County golf course. It lacked intrigue from 50 yards and into its greens in playability. Gil Hanse began a two-year endeavor in 2016 to give the greens a C.B. Macdonald flare that even Macdonald would enjoy.
The crest of Quaker Mountain (Scarsdale)-Golf Courses New York City
Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye have been fans of this small club only a few blocks away from Winged Foot. The course’s significant cluster of gently rolling par-4s, notably the sixth and the eleventh is advantageous to golfers. A.W. Tillinghast developed the course in 1926, and Gil Hanse’s renovation in the last decade has brought it back to its best. It may take a few rounds to comprehend why the par-3 9th is one of the Northeast’s hidden gem one-shutters.
East of Oak Hill (Rochester)
Several majors, including the Ryder Cup, have taken this parkland course. The Rochester suburb’s architectural gem has just undergone a refurbishment that has brought it back to its original design by Donald Ross. The 5th, 6th, and 15th holes were redesigned by architect Andrew Green, who also chopped down trees and reworked the greens on the course. Because of a new drainage system, the 2023 PGA Championship will have a quicker putting surface.
In the East, Winged Foot (Mamaroneck)-Golf Courses New York City
The East, which is not as lengthy nor as challenging as its West brother, has its loyal fan base for its diversity and the excellent manner in which ground game possibilities are now provided. With short, tight fairway grass on the top side of all the greens’ entrances, a great deal of care is made to mow lines. Winged Foot’s dirty little secret is that the 13th and 17th holes are considered by many to be the most incredible par threes on the property.
In the mountains of Piping Rock (Locust Valley)
When C.B. Macdonald arrived at this golf-meets-Gatsby Long Island club, he was fresh off his work at National Golf Links of America. For example, new holes such as the Biarritz and Knoll debuted. One of Piping Rock’s best-known designs is the Knoll 13th, which features an elevated green that slopes sharply on both sides. The front nine follows a former polo field, while the back nine takes golfers into the more hilly terrain of the property’s back nine and back. On the 6th hole of the course, you’ll find one of Macdonald’s best par 5s, which boasts a back plateau surrounded by danger.
The Stream (Locust Valley)-Golf Courses New York City
This McDonald-Raynor classic is an epic blend of parkland and coastal golf, serving up the best of the duo’s favorite architectural aspects. In contrast to the tranquil tree-lined first five holes, the course erupts into splendor at the stunning sixth, which plays into the iconic Redan green. Long Island Sound loomed large in the next phase of the game. Hole Nos. 10 through 14 is a breathtaking journey over sand and water, with an oversized island of Biarritz green as the centerpiece.
New York’s Glens Falls (Glens Falls)-Golf Courses New York City
Finding a “hidden treasure” in 2020 has become increasingly challenging as so much information is available. It’s hard to believe that this Ross course located 30 minutes north of Saratoga Springs was utterly unknown only five years ago. Between Adirondack and Green Mountains, the short par-4 5th with its “top hat” green and the par-3 9th with Volcano green complex are the best Ross holes that you will encounter. The course ends with its last hole across the high ground to a saddle-like green, and a par-3 finisher played on the edge of a lake, which keeps the adrenaline going.
Sebonack (Southampton)
Tom Doak and Jack Nicklaus collaborated to develop a high-end, private course in one of the world’s most revered golf zip codes, next door to the National Golf Links and Shinnecock Hills, respectively. It has strongly shaped greens and rough-cut sand hazards influenced by each of the men. Aside from its ideal location, Sebonack’s creativity can hold up anywhere because of its uphill par-5 9th hole, which gives a stunning perspective of Great Peconic Bay.
Trump National Golf Club – Bronx-Golf Courses New York City
This 18-hole championship course is set on stunningly verdant grounds overlooking the Hudson River. The rolling fairways and well-maintained greens are the work of visionary golf course designer Tom Fazio, who has created widely beloved courses worldwide.
Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point
Designed by Jack Nicklaus and boasting a Gary Player-designed clubhouse, this 18-hole public course in southeastern Queens is one of only two on the list located outside of Manhattan. The rolling fairways and challenging greens make for an exciting and enjoyable round of golf.
Winged Foot Golf Club – Mamaroneck-Golf Courses New York City
This private club in Westchester County is one of the most prestigious in the country, founded in 1922. It’s also amongst the most challenging, with narrow fairways and thick rough. Winged Foot can accommodate golfers of all skill levels with seven separate sets of tees.
Bethpage State Park Golf Course – Farmingdale
This public course near the Great South Bay in Long Island boasts two 18-hole courses frequently ranked among the best in America. The Black Course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and is the only public course in New York.
Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course-Golf Courses New York City
It is one of the best golf courses in New York City. It offers a great variety of challenging holes, perfect for experienced and novice players alike. The park is also beautiful, making it a great place to spend a day out with friends or family.
Dyker Beach Golf Course
It is another excellent course that’s perfect for both experienced and novice golfers. It offers some challenging holes and a few more forgiving ones. The Dyker Beach Golf Course is also situated in a beautiful area, making it perfect for an afternoon out with friends or family.
Pelham Bay Golf Course-Golf Courses New York City
This golf course is relatively popular among locals. It’s also challenging and easy for beginners, so it’s perfect for all skill writing skills since levels. The Pelham Bay Golf Course is a beautiful area, making it ideal for spending an afternoon out with friends or family.
Fort Tryon Park Golf Course
Like many other New York City golf courses, the Fort Tryon Park Golf Course is perfect for experienced and novice players. It offers some challenging holes that will keep you on your toes, as well as a few more have been forgiving ones that are great for beginners. Fort Tryon Park Golf Course is also a beautiful area, making it the perfect place to spend an entire afternoon out with friends or family.
The Bear Mountain Golf Club-Golf Courses New York City
It is located just across the Hudson River in Rockland County. PGA legend Arnold Palmer designed the course, and it offers stunning views of the Palisades. The layout is moderately hilly and features narrow fairways, well-guarded greens, and water hazards.
The Golf Club at Westchester
It is another excellent option located in Harrison, New York. Rees Jones designed the course, and it offers a challenging test for golfers of all abilities. The layout is hilly and features many doglegs, making it suitable for players of all abilities.
The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers-Golf Courses New York City
It has hosted several major professional tournaments. It was designed by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a scratch golfer in his heyday. This course features short, flat holes protected by deep bunkers and dozens of strategically placed sand traps.
The Liberty National Golf Club
It is located in Jersey City, New Jersey, and was designed by Tom Fazio. This course offers a tremendous variety of holes inspired from across the globe, each with its challenges to overcome. The layout also features views of the Manhattan skyline.
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