Golf Courses in New York City – 10 Best Public Golf Courses in New York

Are you looking for the best golf courses in New York City? If yes, you have landed on the right webpage. In this article, I am going to share a list of the best public golf courses in New York, and along with that, we will also cover some of the best golf courses in specific areas such as Rochester, Albany, and more.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started –

The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in New York City

The city of New York is a natural destination for some of the outstanding golf courses in the country. With its luxuriant greenery and enormous woods, the city provides a real resort for several golfers. 

The popularity of golf in the USA can be stated by the fact that  24.8 million people played golf in the United States in 2020. According to the National Golf Foundation, a rise of 500,000 and 2 % over 2019. With this count, it is the largest net increase in 17 years.

Therefore, if you are planning to enjoy golf, you can visit any of these public golf courses in New York –

Bethpage State Park Golf Courses, Farmingdale – One of the best public golf courses in New York

This golf course is one of the most famous and admired golf courses in the nation. It is located on suburban Long Island near New York City and was designed by one of the most famous golf course architects, A.W. Tillinghast, in the 1930s.

Bethpage is a public golf course, and it features five 18-hole regulations, including the world-famous Bethpage Black. In addition, it has hosted the United States Open Championship twice.

Pound Ridge Golf Club, Pound Ridge

Next, we have Pound Ridge Golf Club on our list. It is another very popular golf course in New York City. This golf course boasts an 18-hole golf facility and features around 7165 yards of course from the back tees. Pound Ridge is a par of 72 and is 172 acres.

This golf course was designed by Pete Dyes, and it was his first and only designed golf project in New York City. This golf course offers amazing scenery, including rock formations, cliffs, and trees, and is definitely a must-go public golf course in New York.

Leatherstocking Golf Course, Cooperstown

Leatherstocking Golf Course, Cooperstown, was designed in 1909 by Devereux Emmet. This golf course is recognized as one of the east’s chief scenic and one of the most struggling golf resorts. It is located very near to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

According to the Zagat Golf Course Survey, it has received the second-highest overall rating for public courses in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Also, it has been awarded 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, making it a great golf course to visit. This is the 18- hole golf course, a 505-yard par 5 with an island tee box on Lake Otsego. If you are traveling to Connecticut, I highly recommend visiting the safest places in Connecticut.

Atunyote at Turning Stone, Verona – One of the biggest golf courses in New York

Atunyote golf course was opened in 1993, and since then, the Oneida Indian Nation has been operating and managing it. It boasts a 7,315–yard course, making it one of the longest layouts of any golf course. Again, it has an 18-hole configuration.

Each hole at this golf course is named after a bird, starting with Red Tail Hawk on the 398- yard 1st and ending with Bald Eagle on the long par five 18th. Several of these species can be seen around this golf course. The surrounding of the Turning Stone golf course comprises waterfalls, streams,  lakes, and much more.

Montauk Downs State Park, Montauk –

The Montauk Downs State Park is a 6,988-yard isolated golf course. This golf course is best recognized for its Championship-length and 18-hole. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1927.

The park also contains a driving range and six championship tennis courts. In addition, it has a main swimming pool and a wading pool for kids, as well as a wonderful catering facility, a club, and a grill house serving breakfast and lunch.

The Sagamore, Bolton Landing

This golf course was designed by Donald J.Ross, and it opened in 1928. The 18-hole “Sagamore” course features 6,771 yards of golf from the biggest tees for a par of 70. Lush Adirondack vegetation, long, skinny fairways, and the spectacular scenery of Lake George are simply some of the reasons why this golf course is the most loved.

Golf Magazine honored the Sagamore golf course as one of its Silver Medal Resorts. The championship course is located on the mainland and features a practice range, experienced instruction, and an award-winning Pro Shop. Sagamore is always ranked among the best-hold resorts in the U.S. 

Dunwoodie Golf Course, Yonkers

The 18-hole Dunwoodie golf course in Yonkers features 5,815 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. This golf course has a rating of 68.3, and it possesses a slope rating of 117 on Bent grass. This golf course was also designed by A.W. Tillinghast, and it was publically opened in 1903.

This golf resort benefits from the city’s glorious natural landscapes and abrupt topography. This resort also has a driving range that is lit for practicing at night.

Saratoga National Golf Club, Saratoga Springs

This is a public golf course featuring  18 holes of award-winning golf. It was designed by one of the most famous architects in the world, Roger Rulewich. Golf Digest ranked this golf course as one of America’s Best Golf Courses and is the jewel of Saratoga Springs, NY.

This par-72 golf course is known for its blue-water ponds, lush fairways, excellent resort, and vicinity to the Saratoga horse racing track.

Ravenwood Golf Club, Victor

 This is an award-winning 18-hole golf course located in the south of Rochester, New York, in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region. It is considered one of the top public golf courses in the area. It opened in 2003, and Golf Digest selected Ravenwood as the 5th “Best New” public golf course in the United States.

This golf course has hosted various USGA and  PGA qualifiers, as well as the Home of the 2003 and 2009 New York Men’s Amateur Golf Championships. This Championship Golf Course possesses bentgrass tees, greens, and fairways. However, five sets of tees can be a reasonably challenging test even for skilled golfers. 

Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester

Lastly, we have Oak Hill Country Club golf course on our list. This golf course was established in 1901 and is best recognized for its East golf course. Oak Hill Country Club managed to host the Ryder Cup, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the United States Amateur in a span of fewer than 25 years.

This has two courses, the East and West courses. The east extends 7,152 yards and is a par 71 layout, whereas the West is shorter at 6,723 yards but also plays as a par 71. The world-renowned architect Donald Ross designed both courses in Pittsford. The world-renowned lush fairways have attracted golfers from around the world.

So, these were the best public golf courses in New York, and I hope this article has helped to pick the right golf course for you. We have also shared a list of the best golf courses in Minnesota.

However, if you still want more suggestions, we have picked the best golf courses from specific locations below.

Best Golf Courses in Rochester, New York

Ravenwood Golf Club

The first on the list is Ravenwood Golf Club. Yes, this golf club is also included in the list of top 10 golf courses in New York City. You can simply refer to the above information in this article to get to know this golf course. Let us begin with the next on the list.

The Links at Greystone

This golf course was designed by the architect Craig Schreiner, and it was started in 1996. This golf course consists of an elegant 18-hole Scottish links-style golf resort. The Links at Greystone has a par of 72 and is spread over 7,200 yards from the championship tees.

This golf course has a rating of 74.3, and it possesses a slope of 130. The course offers four sets of tees on every hole to ensure the course is playable, challenging, and rewarding for players of all skill levels. This golf course has received a 4.5-star rating by  Golf Digest. The other aspect to note is that only a few other golf courses across the country have ever been rated that nicely.

This golf course was carved amidst the natural aspects of the land with Scottish-style mounding, pot bunkers, and tall native grasses.

Blue Heron Hills

This golf course is located in Macedon and is a semi-private golf course that is open to the public with seasonal memberships and daily-play golf. It was built in 1987 by Peter Craig and Dick Bator.

The unique characteristics of the Blue Heron Hills encompass bentgrass fairways, large and green tees, and a large natural water supply that helps keep the golf course in excellent condition throughout the season.

Wildwood Country Club

This golf course does not only serve as a golf course, but it serves as a venue for weddings or parties. So whether you are looking for an ideal place to play golf, cheer a drink in a bar or wish to have dinner at a quiet place with your partner, this place has it all.

This golf course was established in 1969 as a private country club called Thunder Ridge Country Club. In 1980 the club switched its name to Wildwood Country Club. Later the club became semi-private, permitting non-members to play. In 2019, WildWood was designated as the #18 Public/Semi-Private golf course in New York. 

Sheffield Golf and Country Club

Sheffield Golf Course is one of the premier golf courses in Western New York. It underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2015. It is entitled as one of the crown jewels of the golf community in the Finger Lakes and Rochester.

Sheffield Golf Course was designed by Pete Craig. This course is constructed on over 350 acres. It is a big old course with five sets of tees that can challenge skilled golfers considerably. Ponds, bunkers, Creeks,  and cliff shifts make this golf course additionally desired.

So, these were the five best golf courses in Rochester, New York. Now, let’s move to the best golf courses in Buffalo.

Best Golf Courses in Buffalo, New York

Delaware Park Golf Course

The 18-hole Delaware Park golf course in Buffalo features 5,359 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 68. This golf course rating is 70.0, and it possesses a slope rating of 114. This golf course opened in 1930.

Diamond Hawk Golf Course

Diamond Hawk Golf Course is a premier public golf course, and it offers a fun bar, restaurants, and banquet facilities. The 18-hole golf course in Cheektowaga, NY, features 7,058 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. This golf course opened in 2006 and was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan.  

Hideaway Golf and Sports Center

This golf course has a wonderful par 3 course and is located at 161 Cloverleaf Avenue, Lackawanna, NY, on the border of Lackawanna and West Seneca. This is a 9-hole golf course, with the longest hole being 109 yards, and is ideal for children and beginners.

The course is enriched with beautiful scenery. However, it has got a challenging layout. This course is a nut-and-bolt golf course. If you are looking for a spot to enrich your game through a mix of self-discipline and repetition, the kind only nuts and bolts golf courses can serve, then Hideaway Golf and Sports Center is the best you can get.

Glen Oaks Golf Course

This is an 18-hole championship golf course built by well-known golf course architect Robert Trent Jones. Apart from being the top golf spot, it sometimes serves as a wedding destination. This golf course has been rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest.

It has GPS-equipped Club Car golf carts, and hence you can never get lost while searching for a golf ball. This course is equipped with a large practice area with natural grass. The Glen Oaks Golf Course offers a combination of serene beauty and a top-notch course with all the fixings. The course also has a full-service golf shop. 

Deerwood Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course features 6,948 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The golf course rating is 73, and it possesses a 117 slope rating on Blue grass. 

Deerwood golf course was founded in 1975. This course is the residence of several deer who wander freely in the woods and fairways. The Deerwood golf course is retained and maintained through the city’s Youth & Recreation department.

These were the top 5 golf courses in Buffalo. Let us have a look at the most popular golf courses in Albany. 

Best Golf Courses in Albany, New York

Saratoga National Golf Club

Opened in June 2001, Saratoga National is a public golf course, but it gives a private club atmosphere featuring  18 holes of award-winning golf. This golf course is designed by one of the most renowned golf architects, Roger Rulewich. Golf Digest rated Saratoga National Club as one of America’s Best Golf Courses.

The course is well maintained and is quite challenging, with various tees available to play. The grasslands are receptive, rendering this golf course a simple choice.

Fairways of Halfmoon, Mechanicville

This 18-hole golf course features 6,432 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. It has a course rating of 70 and 119 as a slope rating on Bent grass.

This golf course was built by Gary Van Alstyne, and it was opened in 1999. Every hole in this golf course has its way of challenging the player, making it an awesome choice for professional golfers and the ones who like challenges.

Orchard Creek Golf Club, Altamont

This is an 18-hole  in Altamont, NY, featuring 6,553 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. This course has a rating of 72.2, and it retains a slope rating of 133 on Blue grass. It was built by Paul Cowley in 1999. 

Saratoga Lake Golf Club, Stillwater

This is a stunning Par 72, 18-hole Golf Course that challenges golfers of all skill levels. Saratoga Lake Golf Club has tees extending 6284 yards.

This golf course consists of uneven fables and elevation differences. Its features will make you utilize your skills as much as your swing while driving these tree-lined courses. Therefore, it should be a great choice for people who wants to sharpen their golf skills.

Schenectady Municipal Golf Course, Schenectady

This is an 18-hole golf course and features 6,570 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course has a rating of 71.1 and possesses a slope rating of 123 on Blue grass. It was built by Jim Thompson and was opened in 1935. 

These were the top 5 golf courses in Albany. Below, you can see a list of top golf courses in Syracuse.

Best Golf Courses in Syracuse

Drumlins Country Club

This 18-hole “West” golf course features 6,030 yards of golf from the biggest tees for a par of 70. This golf course has a rating of 68.2 and 113 as a slope rating on Blue grass. It was built by Leonard Macomber, and it opened in 1923. It is one of the promising golf courses located in Syracuse.

This scenic course comprises the private East Course and the public West Course. A golfer can enjoy endless play on the private East Course and the public West Course. Also, free and unlimited use of the driving range is possible on this golf course.

Bellevue Country Club

This 18-hole golf course in Syracuse, NY, features 6,614 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71 and a course rating of 71.9. It possesses a slope rating of 128 on Bent grass. It was built by Donald J. Ross, and this golf course opened in 1916.

Its lush fairways, undulating greens, acres of trees, well-placed bunkers, and brilliant shot-making are all part of the Bellevue history that makes this golf course a pleasure to enjoy.

Tanner Valley Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course in Syracuse features 6,081 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. Tanner Valley’s course rating is 69.1 and has a slope rating of 117 on Rye grass. It was built by Richard Burt and the course opened in 1966.

The course has well-trained coaches who deliver the best golf services and have a passion for making golf competent. Further, they provide cutting-edge technology with a FlightScope doppler machine that will regulate and prepare you for a better golfer. You can enjoy food and drinks in their recently renovated Tavern in Tanner Valley Golf Course.

Tecumseh Golf Club

This is a short 9-hole golf course in Syracuse featuring 2,830 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 35. This course has a rating of 65.6 and a slope rating of 102 on Blue grass.

This golf course was opened in 1933. This course also provides drinks, food, and an area for meetings or receptions.

Burnet Park Golf Course

This golf course was built in 1901 and therefore is one of the oldest golf courses in New York State. This par 28 course was rebuilt by legendary golf professional Larry Murphy. This course is located on the city’s west side on famous Tipperary Hill. As the course is located at the city’s greatest height, golfers get to see breathtaking views and dynamic hole designs.

Closing Comments

There you have it – a list of the 10 best golf courses in New York. Along with that, we also covered the best golf courses in some specific locations, including Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, and Syracuse. I hope this article helped you pick the right golf course for you.

With that said, here I am wrapping up this article. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot them in the comment section below. Our team will try to respond ASAP.