New York boasts a rich tapestry of golf courses—home to over 830 venues that combine history, innovation, and natural beauty. While GOLF Magazine’s top 100 list highlights many national masterpieces, our state-by-state breakdown reveals a host of must-play designs that may have missed the top spots but remain essential experiences.
Whether you’re chasing the legacy of classic layouts or seeking new challenges amid breathtaking vistas, this comprehensive guide to the best New York courses provides insight into what makes each venue unique.
New York by the Numbers
- Total Courses: 832 (Ranked 5th in the U.S.)
- Golfers Per Capita Rank: 23rd
- Average Public Course Fees: Moderate ($$)
- Annual Precipitation: 41.8 inches (25th)
Top 10 New York Courses
1. Shinnecock Hills – Southampton
A timeless masterpiece that has hosted numerous U.S. Opens, Shinnecock Hills is revered for its historic design and sweeping vistas along Long Island. Its fluid routing and storied past make every round a walk through golf history.
2. National Golf Links of America (NGLA) – Southampton
“National” is celebrated for its ingenious strategic design and template holes that have redefined course architecture. Its blend of subtle challenges and panoramic landscapes set the benchmark for classic American golf.
3. Fishers Island
Accessible only by ferry or air, Fishers Island is a secluded gem. With a celebrated Seth Raynor design and undulating terrain that meets the sparkling waters of Long Island Sound, this course is as exclusive as it is captivating.
4. Friar’s Head – Riverhead
Combining tree-lined dunes with sweeping bluff-top views, Friar’s Head is a modern creation by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Its refined presentation and consistent quality have quickly earned it a spot among the elite.
5. Winged Foot – West (Mamaroneck)
Known for its brutally challenging layout and iconic tournament history, Winged Foot – West demands precision and courage. With rugged par-4s, contoured greens enhanced by recent restorations, it remains a supreme test for any golfer.
6. Garden City – Garden City
An old-school design by Devereux Emmet and Walter Travis, Garden City is steeped in tradition. Its expansive layout, accented by refreshing sea breezes from nearby waters, offers a classic Long Island golfing experience.
7. Maidstone – East Hampton
Recently restored to emphasize its coastal allure, Maidstone blends natural dunes with impeccably designed greens. The course’s graceful architecture and romantic setting evoke the very essence of New York’s seaside charm.
8. Bethpage Black – Farmingdale
Nicknamed “only for highly skilled golfers,” Bethpage Black is a formidable challenge with punishing bunkers and rugged rough. Its reputation is as legendary as its layout—with Tiger Woods among its notable conquerors.
9. Sleepy Hollow – Briarcliff Manor
Overlooking the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow marries dramatic views with a modern reimagining of its greens. Renovated by Gil Hanse, its revitalized design now offers a brilliant blend of history and contemporary challenge.
10. Quaker Ridge – Scarsdale
With gently rolling par-4s and a meticulously restored signature par-3, Quaker Ridge captivates every golfer who plays its fairways. Its balance of challenge and approachability has made it a perennial favorite in the Northeast.
Additional Notable Courses
Beyond our top 10, New York is home to many other distinguished venues, including:
- Oak Hill – East (Rochester)
- Winged Foot – East (Mamaroneck)
- Piping Rock – Locust Valley
- The Creek – Locust Valley
- Glens Falls – Glens Falls
- Sebonack – Southampton
- Whippoorwill – Armonk
- St. George’s – Setauket
- Atlantic – Bridgehampton
- Wykagyl – New Rochelle
- Fenway – Scarsdale
- Oak Hill – West (Rochester)
- Westchester – West (Westchester)
- Monroe Golf Club – Monroe
- Hudson National – Croton-On-Hudson
- Century – Harrison
- Westhampton – Westhampton Beach
- Southampton – Southampton
- The Bridge – Bridgehampton
- Engineers – Glen Head
Final Thoughts
New York’s diverse golf course offerings provide challenges and experiences that span history, natural beauty, and modern innovation. Whether you’re re-living the glory of classic designs or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, every round contributes to the storied tapestry of New York golf. As you prepare for your next round, don't forget to check out the latest in New York golf apparel to ensure you're both stylish and comfortable on the greens.