New York may be known for its bustling city life and iconic landmarks, but it’s also a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts. With its stunning landscapes and top-notch courses, the Empire State offers a golfing experience unlike any other. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in New York’s golf scene.
From historic links to mountainous layouts, major championship venues to hidden gems, this state has it all. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the top golf courses in New York that should definitely be on your bucket list. So grab your clubs and get ready for a golfer’s paradise in the Empire State!
The Historic Links of Long Island
New York’s golf scene is steeped in rich history and tradition, and nowhere is this more evident than on the courses of Long Island. This region is home to some of the world’s most iconic and prestigious golf courses. These historical links have hosted numerous major championships and continue to challenge and impress golfers of all levels.
Bethpage State Park Golf Course
This public golf course is home to five 18-hole courses, including the famous Black Course, which hosted the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009. The course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast in the 1930s and is considered one of the country’s most challenging and scenic courses.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
This private golf club is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the U.S., dating back to 1891. It is also one of the founding members of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and has hosted five U.S. Opens, most recently in 2018. The course was designed by Willie Davis, with later revisions by William Flynn and C.B. Macdonald.
National Golf Links of America
This private golf club is located next to Shinnecock Hills and was founded in 1911 by Charles Blair Macdonald, the father of American golf course architecture. The course features holes inspired by famous European courses like St. Andrews, Prestwick, and North Berwick. The club is also known for hosting the first Walker Cup in 1922.
Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
This public golf course is located at the eastern tip of Long Island and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound. The course was originally developed in 1927 by Carl Fisher, who also built the Montauk Manor and the Montauk Yacht Club. The course was redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1968 and later by his son Rees Jones in 2008.
Piping Rock Club
This private golf club is located in Locust Valley and was founded in 1911 by Charles Deering, a wealthy industrialist and art collector. The course was designed by C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor, who also collaborated on National Golf Links of America. The club is known for its distinctive clubhouse, which resembles a Scottish castle, and its challenging greens.
The Mountainous Layouts of the Adirondacks
The Adirondack Mountains are not only a popular vacation destination but also a golfer’s paradise. These courses offer a unique golfing experience with stunning views and challenging terrain.
Some of the famous golf courses located in the Adirondacks Mountains are:
The Lake Placid Club
This golf club offers the 18-hole links course, the 18-hole mountain course and the 9-hole short course. The courses feature scenic views of the mountains and lakes and are suitable for players of all skill levels. The club also has a wedding venue and a restaurant on site.
Saranac Lake Golf Club
This 9-hole golf course is halfway between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid in Ray Brook. The course is challenging but fair, with a variety of holes and elevation changes. It also has a pro shop, a driving range and a snack bar.
Craig Wood Golf Course
This 18-hole golf course is owned and operated by the Town of North Elba and was designed by Seymour Dunn. The course has beautiful vistas of the mountains and valleys and is very affordable. It also has a clubhouse, a practice green and a grill.
Saranac Inn Golf & Country Club
This 18-hole golf course is a classic Scottish design by Seymour Dunn on Upper Saranac Lake’s shores. The course is well-maintained and has four sets of tees to welcome players of all levels. It also has a pro shop, a restaurant and a lodging facility.
Inlet Golf Club
This 18-hole golf course is in the heart of the Adirondacks, surrounded by forests and lakes. The course is fun and challenging, with water hazards, sand traps and doglegs. The course also has a pro shop, a driving range and a restaurant.
Relaxing Rounds with Stunning Views
For a more serene and picturesque golfing experience, New York offers a variety of courses with stunning views. Here are some popular golf courses in New York with stunning views:
Dyker Beach Golf Course
Located in Brooklyn, this 18-hole course offers scenic views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the New York Harbor. It also has a snack bar, a pro shop, and a chipping green area.
Friar’s Head Golf Club
Located in Baiting Hollow, this modern course is a creation of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. It features holes in dunes, farmland, meadows, and stunning views of the Long Island Sound from 200 feet above sea level.
Winged Foot Golf Club (East)
Located in Mamaroneck, this classic course is one half of a two-course complex designed by A.W. Tillinghast. It shares the same features as its more famous counterpart, the West course, while offering unique ‘corner-pocket’ hole locations and views of the wooded landscape.
Turning Stone Resort
Located in Verona, this resort is home to three excellent golf courses: Atunyote, Kaluhyat, and Shenendoah. Each course offers a different challenge, style, and scenic views of the countryside and the Oneida Lake. The resort also has a golf academy, a golf superstore, and a sportsplex.
Saratoga National Golf Club
Located in Saratoga Springs, this 18-hole course was designed by Roger Rulewich, a protege of Robert Trent Jones Sr. It features water hazards on 14 holes, large bunkers, and bentgrass fairways and greens. It also offers panoramic views of the Adirondack Mountains and the historic Saratoga Battlefield.
Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
While the major championship venues and scenic mountain courses may steal the spotlight, New York is also home to some hidden gems that avid golfers should not overlook. These courses may not have the same level of recognition, but they offer unique golfing experiences that should not be missed.
The Ridge Golf Course
Located in Chittenango, this course offers a scenic and challenging layout with rolling hills, ponds and bunkers. It also features a music and events venue that hosts live concerts and festivals.
Heron Creek Golf Club
This public 9-hole course in Clinton was voted Utica Observer Dispatch’s Best of the Best for area golf courses in 2019 and 2020. It has a variety of holes that test your accuracy and strategy, as well as a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar.
Gooney Golf
This fun and affordable mini-golf course in Lake George has two 18-hole courses with different themes and obstacles. It also has a gift shop with a great selection of souvenirs.
Bluff Point Golf Resort
This historic course in Plattsburgh is the oldest resort golf course in America, dating back to 1890. It has panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, and a challenging layout that requires precision and finesse.
Thendara Golf Club
This semi-private course in Thendara is one of the few Donald Ross-designed courses in New York State. Its classic layout follows the land’s natural contours, with tree-lined fairways, elevated greens and strategic bunkers.
Leatherstocking Golf Course
This par 72 resort course in Cooperstown is one of the East’s most challenging, according to GOLF.com. It borders Lake Otsego, which provides spectacular views and water hazards on several holes. It also has a rich history, being designed by Devereux Emmet in 1909 and played by famous golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
Don’t miss out on these hidden gems in New York, as they offer a different and memorable golfing experience you won’t find anywhere else. Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite course.
Conclusion
New York truly is a golfer’s paradise. With a variety of courses to choose from, each offering unique challenges and stunning views, there is something for every golfer in the Empire State. New York’s golf courses are steeped in tradition and offer world-class experiences.
Whether you want to test your skills at major championship venues or enjoy a relaxing round with picturesque scenery, these top golf courses in New York should definitely be on your bucket list. So pack your clubs and discover the beauty and excitement of golfing in the Empire State.