New York State offers a diverse landscape of exceptional golf courses, from iconic championship venues to hidden gems tucked away in scenic locations. You’ll find everything from historic courses designed by legendary architects to modern masterpieces that challenge and delight players of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for prestigious private clubs or accessible public courses, New York boasts some of America’s finest golfing destinations with 15 courses featured in America’s 100 Greatest Courses, edging out California for the top spot.
The Empire State’s golf offerings extend well beyond the famous courses of Long Island and Westchester County. Upstate New York presents stunning options set against breathtaking natural backdrops, while metropolitan areas provide conveniently located courses for quick rounds. Many of these exceptional facilities combine challenging play with rich history and tradition, making New York a premier golf destination for enthusiasts seeking quality and variety.
1. Bethpage Black Golf Course
Bethpage Black stands as the crown jewel of municipal golf courses in America. Located in suburban Long Island, this historical 18-hole course is part of Bethpage State Park which features five championship courses in total.
The Black Course has earned its prestigious reputation by hosting major tournaments including the U.S. Open Championships, PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup. Its challenging layout is known for testing the skills of even the most accomplished golfers.
Golf Digest Magazine has praised Bethpage Black as potentially the best municipal course in America. What makes this course particularly special is its exceptional condition, with fairways and greens maintained to standards rivaling private clubs despite heavy public play.
While the course is famous for its difficulty, golfers appreciate that the challenge is fair. The course features well-conditioned fairways, strategic bunkering, and relatively flat greens that provide some mercy on an otherwise demanding layout.
Rating: 4.8 (861 reviews)
Location: 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Contact: (516) 249-0700
Website: Visit Website
2. National Golf Links Of America
Founded in 1908 by Charles B. Macdonald, National Golf Links of America stands as a testament to classic golf course design. Macdonald studied courses in Scotland and England extensively before creating this masterpiece with the help of engineer Seth Raynor.
The course features famous hole designs inspired by legendary British courses. You’ll find replicas of the Road Hole and Eden from St. Andrews, the Alps from Prestwick, the Redan from North Berwick, and the Sahara from Sandwich.
This private 18-hole course spans 253 acres along Peconic Bay in Southampton, New York. Its thoughtful design has influenced countless golf architects who visit to study its challenging features and enduring appeal.
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National Golf Links represents Macdonald’s vision of bringing the best elements of British golf to American soil. The course continues to be regarded as one of the most historically significant and architecturally important golf courses in the United States.
Rating: 4.8 (82 reviews)
Location: 149 Sebonac Inlet Rd, Southampton, NY 11968
Contact: (631) 283-0410
Website: Visit Website
3. Leatherstocking Golf Course
Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Otsego in Cooperstown, Leatherstocking Golf Course offers one of the most picturesque golfing experiences in Upstate New York. Designed in 1909 by renowned architect Devereux Emmet, this historic course combines natural beauty with challenging play.
The course features naturally contoured terrain with sharply defined greens and sloping fairways that will test your skills. Water hazards add another dimension to your game as you navigate this stunning lakeside layout. You’ll find yourself both challenged and captivated by the course’s strategic design.
Leatherstocking has earned impressive recognition in the golf world, including being named among the Top 50 U.S. Golf Resorts by Condé Nast Traveler. The course is open daily from 8am to 5pm during the season, which begins in early April.
Beyond the exceptional golf experience, you can enhance your visit with professional instruction, quality gear from the pro shop, and relaxation at the clubhouse after your round. The Subscriber’s Program offers exclusive benefits for those looking to return regularly to this celebrated course.
Rating: 4.7 (67 reviews)
Location: 60 Lake St, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Contact: (607) 544-2546
Website: Visit Website
4. Montauk Downs State Park
Nestled on the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk Downs State Park offers one of New York’s most challenging and scenic golf experiences. The course, originally developed in 1927, was redesigned in 1968 by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. with assistance from his son Rees.
What makes this course particularly special is how the ever-changing wind patterns from the nearby ocean and bay create a different playing experience each day. The championship layout stretches to 6,976 yards with a slope rating of 135, presenting a formidable test even for skilled golfers.
Beyond golf, the state park includes additional amenities such as a swimming pool and tennis courts, making it an excellent destination for families or groups with varied recreational interests. The course is open year-round, weather permitting, with varying clubhouse opening times throughout the seasons.
For visitors planning a round, green fees range from $95-$106 for non-New York residents, while state residents enjoy significantly reduced rates. Twilight rates are available for those looking to play later in the day at a lower cost.
Rating: 4.5 (336 reviews)
Location: 50 S Fairview Ave, Montauk, NY 11954
Contact: (631) 668-5000
Website: Visit Website
5. Pound Ridge Golf Club
Pound Ridge Golf Club stands as New York’s only Pete Dye-designed course, offering a truly exceptional golfing experience just an hour north of New York City. This prestigious public course has earned its reputation as one of America’s premier golfing destinations since opening.
Designed by Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye, known for creating some of the most challenging and iconic courses in the world, Pound Ridge presents a formidable test of skill. The course shares design lineage with famous venues like TPC Sawgrass, Whistling Straits, and the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island.
You’ll find the course nestled in the beautiful landscapes of Westchester County, providing both scenic views and strategic challenges. The layout demands precision and thoughtful play, making it appealing to serious golfers looking to test their abilities against one of Dye’s masterful designs.
When you visit Pound Ridge, you’re experiencing more than just a round of golf – you’re playing a course created by a legend of the game that rivals some of the most demanding courses worldwide.
Rating: 4 (153 reviews)
Location: 18 High Ridge Rd, Pound Ridge, NY 10576
Contact: (914) 764-5771
Website: Visit Website
6. Oak Hill Country Club
Oak Hill Country Club stands as a pinnacle of golfing excellence in Rochester, NY. The club features the renowned East Course, meticulously restored in 2019 to honor the original design by legendary architect Donald Ross.
This prestigious establishment holds a unique distinction as the only American course to host all six rotating men’s major golf championships, including the 1995 Ryder Cup and 1998 U.S. Amateur. The East Course challenges golfers with championship-caliber play while preserving Ross’s vision to “bring out of the player the best golf that is in him.”
Beyond golf, Oak Hill offers members comprehensive recreational facilities. You can enjoy the aquatics center, racquets facility, fitness center, and even an eight-lane bowling alley. The dining experience provides culinary excellence across various venues including elegant dining rooms, a covered patio, and a ballroom.
The club’s rich history traces back from humble beginnings as a farmhouse-converted clubhouse with nine holes along the Genesee River to its current 355-acre property. The beautiful grounds feature oak trees planted by local physician John R. Williams, adding to the course’s distinctive character and charm.
Rating: 4.8 (555 reviews)
Location: 145 Kilbourn Rd, Rochester, NY 14618
Contact: (585) 586-1660
Website: Visit Website
7. Friar’s Head
Situated along the picturesque North Shore of Long Island, Friar’s Head stands as one of New York’s most exclusive and sought-after golf destinations. This private golf course offers a truly exceptional playing experience that combines natural beauty with masterful design.
The course was designed by acclaimed architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, who took full advantage of the stunning natural landscape. You’ll find yourself navigating through rolling sand dunes and native vegetation that create both a visual spectacle and a strategic challenge.
Friar’s Head is known for its minimalist approach to course design, allowing the natural contours of the land to dictate the flow of play. The layout seamlessly integrates two distinct landscapes – the rolling dunes near the Long Island Sound and the inland farmland – creating a diverse and memorable golfing experience.
Privacy and exclusivity are hallmarks of Friar’s Head, maintaining a limited membership that ensures an uncrowded and peaceful atmosphere. This commitment to exclusivity has helped the course maintain its pristine conditions and reputation as one of the finest golfing venues in the Northeast.
Rating: 4.8 (33 reviews)
Location: 3000 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
Contact: (631) 722-6010
Website: Visit Website
8. Shenendoah
Shenendoah Golf Course, part of the Turning Stone complex, stands as one of New York’s premier golfing destinations. Designed by Rick Smith and maintained to Audubon International standards, this course masterfully incorporates the natural landscape to create a variety of parkland, links, and low-country style holes.
Playing over 7,000 yards from the back tees, Shenendoah presents a worthy challenge for accomplished golfers while remaining playable for all skill levels. Each hole features unique characteristics, from the towering sugar maples on the first hole to the apple orchards that frame the 18th.
The course has earned numerous accolades, including recognition among the Best Golf Courses in New York by GolfPass from 2023-2025 and Top 50 Casino Courses by Golfweek. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the course’s commitment to preservation, with various native grasses, marshlands, and tree species creating habitats for deer, foxes, turtles, and various bird species.
You’ll find the beautiful scenery, wonderful routing, and spectacular playing conditions to be the hallmarks of your Shenendoah experience. The course seamlessly blends challenging golf with natural beauty, making it worth the trip for any serious golfer visiting upstate New York.
Rating: 4.7 (154 reviews)
Location: 5218 Patrick Rd, Verona, NY 13478
Contact: (877) 748-4653
Website: Visit Website
9. Winged Foot West Course
Winged Foot West Course in Mamaroneck stands as one of the most prestigious and challenging golf courses in New York State. Designed by renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast in 1923, this championship course has hosted numerous major tournaments including multiple U.S. Opens, most recently in 2020.
The West Course is famous for its demanding par-70 layout stretching over 7,400 yards. You’ll face narrow fairways bordered by thick rough and approach shots to well-protected, undulating greens that require precise shot-making and strategic thinking. The course’s difficulty has earned it a reputation as one of the toughest tests in championship golf.
Club history runs deep at Winged Foot, with legendary figures like Bobby Jones and Jack Nicklaus having competed on these hallowed grounds. The classic stone clubhouse overlooking the course adds to the venue’s timeless charm and sense of golf tradition. When you play here, you’re walking in the footsteps of the game’s greatest players.
Your round at Winged Foot West will challenge every aspect of your game while providing a pure golf experience free from distractions. The immaculate course conditions and attention to detail reflect the club’s commitment to preserving golf at its finest.
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)
Location: Fenimore Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
10. Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point
Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point offers a unique golfing experience as the only links-style public golf course in New York City. Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, this championship course provides both challenge and beauty for golfers of all skill levels.
While playing your round, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, Throgs Neck Bridge, and Whitestone Bridge. The tournament-quality course creates an exceptional experience that stands out among public golf options in the state.
Located in the Bronx, Bally’s Golf Links makes championship golf accessible to the public. You can take advantage of their two-week booking window to secure your tee time at this impressive facility.
The course combines the expertise of Nicklaus’s design with stunning urban views, creating a golfing experience that feels both challenging and visually rewarding. The facilities also include a golf shop and restaurant for complete visitor amenities.
Rating: 4 (313 reviews)
Location: 500 Hutchinson Riv Pkwy, Bronx, NY 10465
Contact: (718) 414-1555
Website: Visit Website
11. Kaluhyat
Kaluhyat, which means “the other side of the sky” in Oneida, is one of New York’s most challenging golf courses. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this stunning course features dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views throughout its 7,100-yard layout.
At Turning Stone Resort, Kaluhyat demands both distance and accuracy. While power off the tee is advantageous, this classic shot-maker layout prioritizes precision, making it a true test of skill that consistently ranks among New York State’s most challenging courses.
Each hole on Kaluhyat tells a story connected to Oneida culture and history. From “Sky Journey Begins” at the first hole to “Journey’s End” at the eighteenth, you’ll experience a course that blends natural beauty with cultural significance as you navigate through forests, wetlands, and meadows.
The course has received numerous accolades, including being named among Golfweek’s Top 50 Casino Golf Courses and Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses. It has also hosted prestigious events like the PGA Professional Championship and NCAA Division 1 Golf Tournament.
Rating: 4.7 (66 reviews)
Location: 5218 Patrick Rd, Verona, NY 13478
Contact: (877) 748-4653
Website: Visit Website
12. Saratoga National Golf Club
Saratoga National Golf Club stands as one of New York’s premier golfing destinations, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. The traditional course offers breathtaking views and exceptional playing conditions that challenge golfers of all skill levels.
The club features seasonal rates that vary throughout the year, with peak season running from April through early July. During the special Belmont Season in June, you can expect premium rates reflecting the heightened demand during this popular time in Saratoga Springs.
Beyond golf, Saratoga National offers excellent dining at Prime, which serves lunch and dinner daily with live music and happy hour specials. The club also hosts custom outings for groups of eight or more, providing on-course contests, event credits, and personalized touches like custom cart signs and scorecards.
You’ll find a well-stocked pro shop featuring their special 25th anniversary merchandise, including caps, shirts, ball markers, and divot tools. The attentive staff receives consistent praise from guests for their professionalism and attention to detail, from club receiving to course maintenance.
Rating: 4.5 (209 reviews)
Location: 458 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Contact: (518) 583-4653
Website: Visit Website
13. The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge
The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge offers you a remarkable golfing experience designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus himself. This signature course is nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley, at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, providing stunning natural backdrops for your round.
Recently reinvigorated under Troon Golf management, the club has undergone impressive enhancements to both the course and facilities. You’ll appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that has elevated the entire golfing experience here.
The property itself is steeped in history, sitting on a 220-acre estate with landmarks that predate the American Revolution. The clubhouse, a stately 18th-century stone building, adds to the charm and character that makes Mansion Ridge unique among New York’s golf destinations.
Beyond golf, the venue excels at hosting tournaments, weddings, and special events. The combination of superb dining options and the historic setting creates an atmosphere that’s both elegant and welcoming for golfers of all skill levels.
Rating: 4.4 (381 reviews)
Location: 1292 Orange Turnpike, Monroe, NY 10950
Contact: (845) 782-7888
Website: Visit Website
14. Winged Foot East Course
Winged Foot East Course in Mamaroneck stands as one of New York’s premier golfing destinations. Often overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the West Course, the East Course delivers an equally challenging and rewarding experience for golf enthusiasts.
Designed by renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast in 1923, the East Course features strategic bunkering and undulating greens that test your precision and course management skills. You’ll find the fairways more forgiving than the West Course, but don’t let that fool you—the approach shots demand careful consideration.
The course stretches through beautiful Westchester County terrain, offering a peaceful setting among mature trees and natural landscapes. You’ll appreciate the classic design elements that have been carefully preserved while modern maintenance practices ensure excellent playing conditions year-round.
The East Course provides a slightly more accessible challenge compared to its championship-hosting counterpart, making it an ideal option for golfers looking to experience Winged Foot’s prestigious heritage without facing the extreme difficulty of the West.
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Location: Fenimore Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10538
15. The Creek
The Creek is a prestigious golf course located on Long Island’s Gold Coast, just 33 miles from New York City. This classic course was designed by Charles Blair Macdonald during the 1920s, considered the golden age of golf architecture.
The course reflects Macdonald’s vision to capture principles from the great holes he studied throughout Scotland. The membership maintains an unwavering commitment to preserving his original design intent, making this a truly authentic golfing experience.
In 2017, The Creek underwent a major restoration under the guidance of renowned architect Gil Hanse. This project ensured that the course would continue to uphold Macdonald’s extraordinary vision for generations to come.
The property has a rich history dating back to the 1660s when it was owned by the Matinecocks, an Algonquin tribe. The land later passed through several families, including the Frost family whose cemetery remains on the grounds today behind the 17th green, with gravestones dating back to 1776.
Rating: 4.7 (94 reviews)
Location: 1 Horse Hollow Rd, Locust Valley, NY 11560
Contact: (516) 676-1405
Website: Visit Website
16. West Point Golf Course
Nestled in the historic grounds of the United States Military Academy, West Point Golf Course offers a unique blend of challenging play and rich military heritage. Each hole on this course tells a story of American military history, beginning with the first hole commemorating the American Revolution and concluding with holes 17 and 18 honoring servicemembers from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The course features dramatic elevation changes and uneven lies that will test your accuracy both off the tee and approaching the small greens. Dense woods line the fairways, demanding precision with every shot. This challenging layout has earned West Point recognition as the third best military golf course in the United States for 2024.
You’ll find excellent course conditions year-round, with many golfers praising the maintenance standards. The staff provides exceptional service, with starters who are known to check on players throughout their rounds. After your game, you can enjoy the highly-rated food options, including a convenient snack shack on the back nine.
As home to Army Golf, the Academy’s Division I golf team, you’re playing on the same turf where collegiate tournaments and the storied Army-Navy matches take place. The course perfectly balances historical significance with quality golf, making it worth the trip for both military and civilian golf enthusiasts.
Rating: 4.5 (154 reviews)
Location: 1230 NY-218, West Point, NY 10996
Contact: (315) 774-9228
Website: Visit Website
17. Quaker Ridge Golf Club
Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale is one of New York’s hidden gems, consistently ranked among America’s top 100 courses. This A.W. Tillinghast masterpiece opened in 1916 and has maintained its prestigious reputation for over a century.
The course features strategic bunkering, subtly contoured greens, and natural rolling terrain that challenges golfers of all skill levels. You’ll find the par-70 layout demands precision rather than power, with tight fairways and well-protected greens requiring thoughtful shot selection.
Quaker Ridge has hosted several important tournaments, including the 1997 Walker Cup and the 2018 Curtis Cup. Its exclusivity as a private club adds to its mystique, with the club maintaining limited membership to ensure an exceptional experience for those fortunate enough to play there.
The classic clubhouse overlooks the course and provides a refined atmosphere that complements the traditional golfing experience. You’ll appreciate the club’s commitment to preserving golf’s traditions while providing modern amenities.
Rating: 4.6 (119 reviews)
Location: 146 Griffen Ave, Scarsdale, NY 10583
Contact: (914) 725-1100
Website: Visit Website
18. Country Club of Rochester
The Country Club of Rochester stands as one of New York’s most prestigious private golf destinations. Established in the early 20th century, this exclusive club offers a meticulously maintained course that challenges golfers of all skill levels while providing stunning scenery.
The course layout features strategic bunkers, mature trees, and rolling terrain that demand thoughtful shot selection. You’ll find the greens to be exceptionally well-maintained, with subtle breaks that can test even the most experienced putters.
Beyond golf, the club provides members with a comprehensive country club experience. The elegant clubhouse serves as a social hub where you can enjoy fine dining and participate in various events throughout the year.
The club’s location in Rochester’s upscale East Avenue neighborhood adds to its appeal, placing it among the elite golf establishments in Upstate New York. While maintaining its traditions, the Country Club of Rochester continues to evolve to meet the expectations of modern golfers.
Rating: 4.7 (156 reviews)
Location: 2935 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14610
Contact: (585) 381-1800
Website: Visit Website
19. Monroe Golf Club
Monroe Golf Club stands as one of the premier private golf destinations in Western New York since 1923. The club features an exceptional Donald Ross designed course that has maintained much of its original layout, earning it recognition on Golfweek Magazine’s Top 100 Classic Course list.
Located in Pittsford, this prestigious club recently celebrated its centennial in 2023, marking 100 years of golfing excellence. The course’s classic design showcases why Donald Ross is considered one of golf’s most influential architects, with thoughtfully crafted holes that challenge players of all skill levels.
Beyond golf, Monroe offers a private club lifestyle with various family-friendly activities. You’ll appreciate the well-preserved features and traditional golfing experience that has made this club a standout in the Rochester area for generations.
The course combines strategic challenges with aesthetic beauty, making each round both a test of skill and a visually rewarding experience. You’ll find yourself planning return visits to master its nuanced design.
Rating: 4.5 (193 reviews)
Location: 155 Golf Ave, Pittsford, NY 14534
Contact: (585) 586-3440
Website: Visit Website
20. Centennial Golf Club
Nestled in the rolling hills of Carmel, New York, Centennial Golf Club offers a premier golfing experience across its magnificent 27-hole championship course. The layout was designed by Larry Nelson, a World Golf Hall of Fame member who captured both the U.S. Open and two PGA Championships during his illustrious career.
The course spans an impressive 340 acres of naturally suited terrain that Nelson himself praised as among the most ideal for golf he had ever encountered. You’ll appreciate the diverse landscape featuring rolling hills, serene ponds, and distinctive natural rock outcroppings that create both visual appeal and strategic challenges.
Each hole at Centennial takes advantage of the property’s breathtaking views while providing varied playing experiences for golfers of all skill levels. The club also offers additional amenities including banquet facilities, restaurant dining, and professional instruction to complete your visit.
For those looking to improve their game, Centennial provides access to qualified golf instructors who can help refine your technique through personalized lessons. The combination of championship-caliber holes and comprehensive facilities makes this a standout destination for golf enthusiasts in New York State.
Rating: 4.3 (311 reviews)
Location: 185 John Simpson Rd, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512
Contact: (845) 225-5700
Website: Visit Website
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