Located in Farmingdale, Bethpage Black is arguably the most famous public golf course in New York and perhaps the United States. Designed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast, this course is a pilgrimage site for avid golfers from around the world. Known for its challenging layout, Bethpage Black has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, attracting the top talent in the sport. The course is not for the faint-hearted, as it demands precision and skill at every turn, with long roughs and deceptive greens that test even the best golfers.
Golfers are greeted by a sign warning them of the course’s difficulty level, a testament to the challenge that awaits. This iconic sign is both a warning and an invitation, daring players to test their skills against one of the toughest courses in the country. Despite its difficulty, the course is beautifully maintained and offers a rewarding experience for those willing to take it on. The lush fairways and strategically placed hazards make every hole a memorable challenge, ensuring that a round at Bethpage Black is both a test of skill and a celebration of golf’s rich history.
2. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills, situated in Southampton, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States, boasting a legacy that dates back to the 19th century. This private course is a piece of living history, offering a glimpse into the origins of American golf. It has hosted numerous U.S. Open championships, underscoring its status as a premier golfing destination. The course’s design takes full advantage of the natural landscape, offering stunning views and a true test of golfing prowess that challenges players with its undulating terrain and tricky wind conditions.
Its rolling fairways and strategic bunkers require thoughtful play, rewarding those who approach each hole with strategy and skill. Golfers will find themselves navigating a variety of challenges, from well-placed hazards to elevation changes that demand both power and finesse. Beyond its physical challenges, Shinnecock Hills offers an unparalleled aesthetic experience, with breathtaking vistas and a serene atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game. Playing here is not just a round of golf; it’s a journey through one of the sport’s most revered landscapes.
3. Winged Foot Golf Club
Winged Foot, located in Mamaroneck, is home to two 18-hole courses, East and West, each offering its own unique set of challenges. The West Course is particularly famous, having hosted several major championships, including the U.S. Open. Known for its narrow fairways and punishing rough, Winged Foot demands accuracy and strategy from even the most seasoned golfers. This course is a favorite among professionals and is often ranked among the best golf courses in New York State, a testament to its challenging yet rewarding nature.
The East Course, while slightly less notorious, still offers a formidable challenge with its own intricate design and tricky greens. Both courses are characterized by their immaculate conditioning and the level of strategic thinking required to navigate their layouts successfully. Winged Foot’s reputation is built not only on its difficulty but also on its beauty, with tree-lined fairways and perfectly manicured greens providing a stunning backdrop to every round. Playing at Winged Foot is an experience that combines the thrill of competition with the appreciation of golf as an art form.
4. Oak Hill Country Club
Situated in Rochester, Oak Hill is another gem in New York’s golfing crown, revered for its rich history and exceptional design. The East Course, designed by the legendary Donald Ross, is renowned for its challenging greens and immaculate condition, making it a favorite among golfers who appreciate both strategy and skill. Oak Hill has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the PGA Championship, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier golf courses in the country.
The course’s layout is both beautiful and demanding, requiring players to carefully consider each shot as they navigate its rolling fairways and strategically placed hazards. Oak Hill’s East Course is a masterclass in course design, with its combination of natural beauty and challenging play providing a memorable experience for all who take on its challenges. Beyond its physical demands, the course offers a serene setting that allows golfers to immerse themselves in the game, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Rochester countryside.
5. The Black Course at Turning Stone Resort
Turning Stone Resort, located in Verona, offers several golf courses, but the Black Course stands out for its exceptional design and playing conditions. Designed by Rick Smith, this course is known for its pristine condition and challenging layout, attracting golfers from all over the region. The course features a mix of long fairways and strategically placed hazards that test every aspect of a golfer’s game, from driving accuracy to short-game finesse.
As one of the best public golf courses in Upstate New York, the Black Course provides a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. Its well-maintained greens and fairways offer a perfect canvas for golfers to showcase their skills, while the stunning natural scenery enhances the overall enjoyment of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, a round at the Black Course is sure to be a memorable experience that highlights the best of what New York golf has to offer.
6. Fishers Island Club
Fishers Island Club offers a unique golfing experience with its stunning coastal views and challenging course design. Located on Fishers Island, this private course is accessible only by ferry or private boat, adding to its exclusivity and allure. The course’s natural beauty and demanding layout make it a favorite among those who have the opportunity to play there, offering a golfing experience that is both challenging and visually stunning.
The course’s design takes full advantage of its coastal setting, with holes that wind along the water’s edge and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. Golfers are challenged by the course’s strategic bunkers and undulating greens, which require both skill and strategy to navigate successfully. Playing at Fishers Island Club is an experience that combines the thrill of the game with the serenity of nature, offering a unique and unforgettable round of golf that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
7. The Sagamore Resort Golf Course
Nestled in the Adirondacks, the Sagamore Resort Golf Course offers breathtaking views and a challenging game, making it a favorite among golfers who appreciate both natural beauty and competitive play. Designed by Donald Ross, this course is known for its rolling terrain and beautiful scenery, providing a picturesque backdrop for a round of golf. It’s a great option for golfers looking to enjoy a round in a serene setting, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
As one of the best public golf courses in New York, the Sagamore Resort Golf Course provides a memorable experience for all who play there. Its well-maintained fairways and challenging greens offer a perfect balance of difficulty and enjoyment, allowing golfers to test their skills while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, a round at the Sagamore Resort Golf Course is sure to be a highlight of your golfing experience in New York.
8. Atunyote Golf Club
Atunyote Golf Club, part of the Turning Stone Resort, is another top choice for golfers in New York, offering a unique blend of challenge and beauty. This Tom Fazio-designed course is known for its wide fairways, large greens, and beautiful landscaping, providing a welcoming environment for golfers of all skill levels. It has hosted several professional tournaments, including the PGA Tour’s Turning Stone Resort Championship, highlighting its status as a premier golfing destination.
The course provides a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf, with its combination of strategic bunkers and water hazards offering a test of skill and strategy. Atunyote’s stunning natural setting, with its lush greenery and tranquil ponds, adds to the overall enjoyment of the game, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, Atunyote Golf Club offers a golfing experience that is both challenging and rewarding, ensuring that every round is a memorable one.
9. Leatherstocking Golf Course
Located in Cooperstown, Leatherstocking Golf Course is a classic example of a challenging yet picturesque course, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Designed by Devereux Emmet, it features tight fairways and well-placed bunkers, requiring both precision and strategy from golfers. The course’s location on the shores of Lake Otsego offers stunning views, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors who appreciate a round of golf in a beautiful setting.
As one of the best public golf courses in New York, Leatherstocking provides a memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Its well-maintained fairways and challenging greens offer a perfect balance of difficulty and enjoyment, allowing players to test their skills while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, a round at Leatherstocking Golf Course is sure to be a highlight of your golfing experience in New York.
10. Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Sleepy Hollow Country Club, located in Scarborough, offers a historical golfing experience that combines classic course design with stunning natural beauty. The course, originally designed by C.B. Macdonald and later updated by A.W. Tillinghast, is set against the backdrop of the Hudson River, providing a picturesque setting for a round of golf. The layout features challenging holes and beautiful scenery, making it a favorite among those who appreciate classic course design and the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley.
Playing at Sleepy Hollow is a journey through time, as golfers navigate a course that has retained its historical charm while offering a challenging and rewarding experience. The course’s well-maintained fairways and greens provide a perfect canvas for golfers to showcase their skills, while the stunning views of the Hudson River enhance the overall enjoyment of the game. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, a round at Sleepy Hollow Country Club is sure to be a highlight of your golfing experience in New York.
Conclusion
New York’s diverse landscape provides a perfect setting for some of the best golf courses in the country, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging play. From the challenging layouts of Bethpage Black and Winged Foot to the scenic beauty of the Sagamore Resort and Fishers Island, there’s something for every golfer to enjoy. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, make sure to check out these top courses for an unforgettable golfing experience, as each offers its own unique challenges and rewards.
With this guide, you’re ready to explore the best golf courses in New York State. So grab your clubs, hit the greens, and enjoy the game in one of the most iconic states for golf. Each course offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and natural beauty of New York while testing your skills on some of the most challenging and rewarding layouts in the country. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of competition or the tranquility of nature, New York’s golf courses offer the perfect setting for an unforgettable round of golf.
