Tee off into the heart of New York with our curated guide to the Empire State’s finest fairways. From the brutal challenge of Bethpage to the scenic vistas of the Thousand Islands, these 10 public gems combine accessibility with genuine golfing charm.
1) Bethpage State Park (Black Course) – Farmingdale
A legendary “bucket list” challenge known for its “Warning” sign and championship pedigree.
Carved out of the rolling woodlands of Long Island, the Black Course is a golfer’s rite of passage. It has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and a PGA Championship. It demands power and precision, with massive bunkers and thick rough that punish even the slightest mistake.
| Feature | Description |
| Designer | A.W. Tillinghast |
| Yardage | 7,468 yards (Tips) |
| Vibe | The ultimate public test of golf |
2) Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course – The Bronx
The oldest public golf course in America (est. 1895), offering a historic round in the city.
“Vanny” is a living testament to New York’s sporting heritage. Accessible by the 1-train, this course features a classic layout with mature trees and views of the lake. It’s a must-play for any golfer who wants to experience the roots of American public golf.
3) West Point Golf Course – West Point
A historic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design set on the rugged terrain of the Military Academy.
⛳ Bogey Golf AI For The Win!
Personalized golf trip itineraries in seconds.
Golf Trip Planner
Your Next Golf Getaway
Curated by Bogey Golf AI
This course is carved into the granite hills of the Hudson Valley. It offers dramatic elevation changes and a layout that requires strategic thinking. While it serves the Academy, it is open to the public and provides one of the most unique “military-history” golf experiences in the country.
4) Montauk Downs State Park – Montauk
A Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterpiece at the very tip of Long Island.
Originally a private club, this state park course is often called the “Bethpage of the East.” The wind off the Atlantic is a constant factor, making the wide fairways and large, bunkered greens a tactical puzzle. It is world-class golf at a state-park price.
5) Bethpage State Park (Red Course) – Farmingdale
The “gentler” sibling to the Black, often preferred by locals for its fun, strategic layout.
While the Black gets the headlines, the Red is a masterpiece in its own right. It features one of the best opening holes in golf—a long par 4 that plays from a ridge down into a valley. It offers championship conditions with a slightly more “forgiving” penalty for missed shots.
| Feature | Details |
| Designer | A.W. Tillinghast |
| Par | 70 |
| Slope | 134 |
6) Wellesley Island State Park – Fineview
A scenic 9-hole gem (often played as 18) set among the pink granite of the Thousand Islands.
⛳ Bogey Golf AI For The Win!
Personalized golf trip itineraries in seconds.
Golf Trip Planner
Your Next Golf Getaway
Curated by Bogey Golf AI
This course offers a “pure” nature experience. The fairways wind through ancient rock outcroppings and towering pines along the St. Lawrence River. It is rugged, beautiful, and captures the essence of Northern New York.
7) Leatherstocking Golf Course – Cooperstown
A classic parkland course set on the shores of Lake Otsego, steeped in baseball lore.
Located behind the Otesaga Resort, this course is famous for its finishing hole—a par 5 where you must drive over the lake to a narrow fairway. It offers a sophisticated, “Old World” golf experience in the heart of America's most famous baseball town.
8) Saratoga National Golf Club – Saratoga Springs
A luxury public experience that feels like a private resort in the heart of horse country.
Saratoga National is the “high-end” choice for Upstate New York. With no houses on the course, it features bridges, wetlands, and impeccably manicured fairways. The clubhouse and patio are legendary, matching the “track” season's energy.
| Feature | Details |
| Designer | Roger Rulewich |
| Vibe | Ultra-Premium Public |
| Highlight | No houses; pure nature and wetlands |
9) Pound Ridge Golf Club – Pound Ridge
The only Pete Dye design in New York, known for its bold architecture and rock walls.
⛳ Bogey Golf AI For The Win!
Personalized golf trip itineraries in seconds.
Golf Trip Planner
Your Next Golf Getaway
Curated by Bogey Golf AI
Located in Westchester County, Pound Ridge is a visual stunner. Dye used the rugged, rocky terrain to create “island” greens and fairways framed by massive granite boulders. It is a modern, challenging layout that is a favorite for those who love “target” golf.
10) Turning Stone (Atunyote) – Verona
A former PGA Tour site (The Turning Stone Championship) that defines parkland luxury.
Atunyote is the crown jewel of the Turning Stone Resort. It features wide-open spaces, pristine white-sand bunkers, and a secluded atmosphere. It is one of the most impeccably maintained public courses in the Northeast.
| Feature | Details |
| Yardage | 7,315 yards |
| Signature | Impeccable white-sand bunkers and water features |
To Wrap It Up
Whether you’re chasing the ghost of Tillinghast at Bethpage or enjoying the river views at Wellesley Island, the Empire State offers a public golf experience that is second to none. Grab your clubs and see why New York's greens are as diverse and legendary as the state itself.
