Best Golf Courses on Long Island

Did you know the 2023 Ryder Cup drew over 600 million TV viewers? This shows how much people love golf worldwide. Long Island is a top spot for golf lovers, with its amazing courses.

Long Island has everything from tough Bethpage Black to fancy Shinnecock Hills. You can play on public courses that have hosted big tournaments or private clubs in the Hamptons. No matter your skill, Long Island’s golf courses offer great games in beautiful settings.

Long Island’s golf scene is a mix of old and new. Courses like National Golf Links of America and Fishers Island are among the best in the U.S. They attract players from everywhere. The area’s love for golf is clear, with many big tournaments, including U.S. Opens.

Key Takeaways

• Long Island hosts world-renowned golf courses suitable for all skill levels
• Bethpage Black, a public course, has hosted multiple PGA Tour events
• The area features a mix of historic and modern course designs
• Several Long Island courses rank among the top 100 in the United States
• Both public and private options are available for golf enthusiasts

Unveiling Long Island’s Golfing Gems

Long Island is a treasure trove for golf lovers. It has historic clubs and modern marvels, making it home to some of the top-rated golf clubs in the country. Golfers from all over rank Long Island among the best places to play in America.

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a standout. It’s hosted the U.S. Open multiple times and is ranked 4th in the U.S., 6th globally. The National Golf Links of America is also a gem, ranked 5th in the U.S., 7th worldwide.

Friar’s Head in Riverhead offers a fresh take on golf. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, it’s ranked 21st in the U.S., 33rd globally. Many courses here offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean or Long Island Sound, making your game even more special.

Public courses like Bethpage State Park are also highly regarded. It has five 18-hole courses, including the famous Black Course, which has hosted the U.S. Open Championship. Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is known for its fast greens and strong winds.

Best Golf Courses on Long Island for Public Play

Long Island has many public golf courses for all skill levels. You can play on world-class greens without needing a special membership. These courses offer great golfing experiences.

Bethpage State Park’s Additional Courses

Bethpage Black is famous, but the park has four more great courses. The Red Course, by A.W. Tillinghast, is a tough but rewarding challenge. These courses meet different needs and skill levels.

Other Notable Public Options

Long Island has more than Bethpage. Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course is among the top public courses in the US. Eisenhower Park’s Red Course, where the 1926 PGA Championship was held, offers a piece of golf history. Cherry Creek Links has a unique 644-yard par 6 hole.

Green Fees and Booking Tips

Planning your round at these popular courses needs some planning. Here’s a look at green fees and booking info for top Long Island public golf courses:

Book your tee times early, especially for Bethpage Black. Many courses let you book online. Rates can change based on where you live and the time of day.

Bethpage Black: The People’s Country Club

Bethpage Black is a top public golf course. It’s known for being tough and hosting the U.S. Open. Located in Bethpage State Park, it welcomes over 200,000 golfers each year.

Public Access and Tee Time Bookings

Booking a tee time at Bethpage Black is tough. Out-of-state golfers pay $165 to play. Despite the cost, it’s worth it for its challenge and history.

Major Championships Hosted

Bethpage Black has hosted many big events. This makes it a top-notch course:

• U.S. Open: 2002 (Tiger Woods), 2009 (Lucas Glover)
• The Barclays: 2012 (Nick Watney), 2016 (Patrick Reed)
• PGA Championship: 2019
• Upcoming: 2024 Ryder Cup

Course Difficulty and Ratings

Bethpage Black is very challenging. It’s 7,468 yards long and requires skill and endurance. The back nine is especially tough, adding to the score.

• #8 Public Course in America
• #38 Best Golf Course in America
• #6 Toughest Golf Course in America

Be ready for a long day – rounds can last over 5 hours. The course is for walkers only. Bethpage Black is known as “the people’s country club,” offering top golf to everyone.

Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course, Montauk

Located at the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course is a challenging public golf spot. It was built in 1928 and is a favorite among Long Island golf fans.

The course was designed by famous architects Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Rees Jones, and Bryce Swanson. It has a layout that tests golfers of all levels. With its elevated greens and deep bunkers, Montauk Downs offers a unique challenge in beautiful scenery.

Players love the course’s conditions, layout, and amenities. The golf season is from April 1st to November 30th, giving plenty of time to play. Although extreme humidity and bugs can affect the course, its scenic walk and challenging design make it a top public golf spot.

Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course offers great value and top-notch golfing. Its well-kept facilities and challenging layout make it a must-visit for quality public golf on Long Island.

Eisenhower Park – Red Course, East Meadow

Eisenhower Park’s Red Course is a top choice for public golf in Nassau County. Designed by Devereux Emmet in 1914, it offers a fun challenge for all golfers.

The course is 7,107 yards long from the championship tees. It has a par-72 layout with holes that test your skills. Large bunkers and tricky greens make each game exciting.

The Red Course is known for its history. It hosted the 1926 PGA Championship and was on the Champions Tour until 2008. Golf legend Lee Trevino called it one of the toughest courses.

Green fees are affordable. They cost $42 for Nassau County residents on weekdays and $70 for non-residents on weekends. This makes it a great value at 9/10.

Despite some design flaws, the Red Course at Eisenhower Park is a must-visit for golf fans. Its rich history, challenging layout, and easy access make it a highlight in Long Island’s golf scene.

Crab Meadow Golf Course, Northport

Crab Meadow Golf Course in Northport is a standout among Long Island’s golf spots. Opened in 1963, it offers a tough but beautiful game. The course features Bermuda Grass greens and Bent Grass fairways, covering 6598 yards with a par of 72.

Many golf fans love Crab Meadow. It has a 4.1 rating from 425 reviews, with 98.4% of players saying it’s a must-play. The layout, value, and friendliness are all top-notch, scoring 4.3, 4.5, and 4.6 respectively.

Designed by William F. Mitchell in 1963 and Stephen Kay in 1986, the course has a 71.8 rating and a slope of 128. The golf season is from March 1st to October 31st, giving you lots of time to play.

Crab Meadow Golf Course is perfect for all golfers. It’s well-kept and easy to get to, making it a favorite for locals and visitors. It’s a top spot for public golf on Long Island.

Timber Point Golf Course, Great River

Timber Point Golf Course is in Great River and is a classic golf design. It was built in 1927 and has 27 holes. The course is by the Great South Bay and has Blue Grass fairways and Bent Grass greens.

The main 18-hole layout is 6,641 yards long. It has a par of 72 and a slope of 127. The course rating is 72.5, making it challenging for all players. The design is by famous architects H. S. Colt, C. H. Alison, and William F. Mitchell.

Most golfers love Timber Point, with 90% saying they would recommend it. The layout and value are top-rated, both at 4.1 out of 5. It’s perfect for those who enjoy Great River golf. Winter golfing fans will be happy to know it’s open all year.

Private Clubs with Limited Guest Access

Long Island’s golf scene is filled with exclusive courses that welcome few guests. These clubs are the top spots for golf, mixing history with tough play. Inwood Golf Course is a standout with its 18-hole course, blending parkland and links styles over 6,639 yards.

Inwood has a rich history, hosting big wins by golf legends like Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. The club is alive with activities for all, from men and women to juniors. It hosts weekly events and tournaments all year.

Fishers Island Club is the epitome of Long Island’s private golf scene. Designed by Seth Raynor in 1926, it’s known for its tough tee times and top-notch Golden Age holes. Its island setting offers stunning views of Long Island Sound, making the game even better.

These clubs keep their guest lists short to keep their charm. They offer top-notch golfing without the need for fancy amenities. Golfers looking for quality over show will find their home here.

Shinnecock Hills: A U.S. Open Legend

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is a top-ranked golf course. It was founded in 1891, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in the U.S. The club is on Long Island, between Peconic Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Course Design and Challenges

William Flynn redesigned Shinnecock Hills in 1931. The course has narrow fairways, tough rough, and tricky greens. It’s rated 74.4 and has a slope of 140, making it a challenge for all players.

There are different tee options for players of all levels. This makes it a great place for everyone to play.

Historical Significance

Shinnecock Hills has hosted the U.S. Open five times. Brooks Koepka won in 2018. It will host again in 2026, solidifying its place as a U.S. Open legend.

The club was the first in America to let women join from the start. This shows its commitment to inclusivity.

Membership and Booking Information

Shinnecock Hills is a private club. It only allows members. But, it sometimes opens to the public for special events.

Even if you can’t play, you can watch it on TV. It’s a great way to see the course’s beauty.

National Golf Links of America: C.B. Macdonald’s Masterpiece

The National Golf Links of America is a gem on Long Island’s eastern end. Founded in 1908 by C.B. Macdonald, it’s a 253-acre masterpiece. It’s ranked as the world’s fifth-best golf course.

The course is a par-73 layout, stretching to 6,900 yards. It offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Players are in for a treat.

Macdonald’s design is a tribute to famous holes from Scotland. The par-3 17th, “Eden,” is a nod to St. Andrews’ 11th. The par-4 6th, “Alps,” is inspired by Prestwick’s 17th. These nods show Macdonald’s dedication to Scottish golf in America.

The course offers stunning views of Peconic Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Its natural, links-style setting feels like a trip back in time. This exclusive club, only accessible by invitation, has hosted big events like the Walker Cup in 1922 and 2013.

Fishers Island Club: An Isolated Wonder

Nestled off the coast of Connecticut, Fishers Island Club is a gem in golf course design. Designed by Seth Raynor in 1926, it’s ranked 18th globally. Its unique location, despite being in New York, offers a golfing experience like no other.

The club has 18 holes that take you through different landscapes. You’ll see rolling hills, coastal dunes, dense woodlands, and stunning ocean views. Each hole is a new challenge. The course is 6,556 yards long from the back tees, keeping its original par-72 layout.

Players love the club’s perfect course conditions. You’ll find lush fairways, fast greens, and clean bunkers. The course features Raynor’s famous designs, like the Redan, Biarritz, and Eden. These holes show off the architect’s timeless design.

Getting to this paradise takes a 45-minute ferry ride. The 5th hole, a 207-yard Par 3 Biarritz, is a favorite. The 7th, a 363-yard Par 4, is often called the course’s best hole.

Fishers Island Club also cares deeply about the environment. It blends beautifully with the island’s nature. This makes it a top-notch golfing spot that also protects the ecosystem.

Friar’s Head: Modern Brilliance in Baiting Hollow

Friar’s Head Golf Club is a top example of modern golf design on Long Island. It was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened in 2003. It quickly became famous in the golf world.

Coore & Crenshaw’s Design Philosophy

The design at Friar’s Head mixes the natural landscape with strategic golf elements. It covers 7,078 yards with a par of 71. This makes it a challenging yet fair course. Its rating of 74.4 and slope of 140 show its difficulty and need for precision.

Unique Features and Standout Holes

Friar’s Head has a variety of holes that show off the property’s unique features. The course goes from dunes overlooking Long Island Sound to old potato fields. This creates a stunning and varied playing experience.

Membership Details and Guest Policies

Ken Bakst, the 1997 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion, owns Friar’s Head. The club has an exclusive membership policy. Although guest access is limited, the club sometimes lets non-members play. This gives lucky visitors a chance to see this modern masterpiece.

Maidstone Club: East Hampton’s Coastal Gem

The Maidstone Club is in East Hampton and is a historic golf course. It was founded in 1891. Now, it’s a top golf spot in East Hampton.

The Maidstone Club has a challenging course. It’s a par-72 layout of 6,742 yards from the tips. The course mixes marshland and links-style holes along the Atlantic.

It’s known for its tough play. The Blue Tees rating is 73.0, and the slope is 139. This makes it a challenging course for golfers.

The Maidstone Club is highly ranked. It’s the 66th best golf course globally, according to Golf Magazine. It’s also ranked 13th in New York. These rankings show the club’s commitment to top-notch golf.

The club offers more than golf. It has nearly 30 grass tennis courts. This makes it a great place for sports lovers who enjoy different activities.

The Maidstone Club has a rich history and stunning views. It’s a must-visit for golf fans in Long Island. Its mix of challenge and beauty makes it a top historic golf course in America.

Garden City Golf Club: A Walter Travis Legacy

Garden City Golf Club is a historic gem on Long Island. It was founded in 1899 and is closely tied to Walter Travis, a golf legend.

Course Layout and Characteristics

The course at Garden City Golf Club showcases classic golf design. Devereux Emmet initially designed it, but Walter Travis later made significant changes. The layout boasts fast fairways, dense fescue rough, and 175 bunkers.

When it opened, it was the longest course in the U.S., stretching over 6,000 yards.

Historical Tournaments and Champions

Garden City Golf Club has hosted many top tournaments. It was the site of the U.S. Open in 1902 and the U.S. Amateur in 1900, 1908, 1913, and 1936. The Walker Cup was held here in 1924, solidifying its status as a premier golf venue.

Membership Information

Garden City Golf Club has a selective membership policy. It’s one of the few men’s-only clubs in the U.S., keeping its traditional spirit alive. This choice has led to discussions, but it shows the club’s dedication to its heritage.

Sebonack Golf Club: A Modern Classic

Sebonack Golf Club is a top example of modern golf courses. It opened in 2006, thanks to the work of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak. This 300-acre layout quickly became a favorite among golfers.

The course combines the best of both designers, offering a challenge and joy. It has views of Peconic Bay and different landscapes. Each hole is a new adventure.

The first hole is a short par-4, great for a birdie. The twelfth hole is a 136-yard par-3 with amazing views. The second hole is a 414-yard par-4, known as the best hole.

Sebonack Golf Club is very exclusive. It has about 220 members and a $650,000 initiation fee. It’s a private golfer’s dream. Guests need a member to play, making it a special experience.

Scenic Views and Course Aesthetics

Long Island’s golf courses have stunning views that amaze everyone. You can see the ocean or enjoy the beauty of the land. These views make playing golf even more special.

Oceanfront Holes and Vistas

Shinnecock Hills Golf Course is famous for its views of the Atlantic Ocean. It has hosted many U.S. Opens, making it a top spot for golfers. The Creek Club in Locust Valley also offers beautiful seaside views, making your game unforgettable.

Inland Beauty and Landscape Design

Inland courses are just as beautiful. Century Country Club in Purchase has rolling hills and lovely views. Meadow Brook Club has great practice areas surrounded by stunning scenery. Sebonack Golf Club combines amazing facilities with beautiful design, making it a visual treat for players.

Many courses are adding high fescue rough areas to their design. This adds beauty and challenge to the game. The Creek, for example, uses fescue at the 6th tee to mix nature with strategy.

Planning Your Long Island Golf Trip

Your Long Island golf trip is set to be unforgettable. You’ll play on courses that have hosted 23 prestigious championships. These courses are known for their challenges and stunning views.

Getting to the courses is easy. Public courses like Bethpage State Park are near train stations. For courses like Mill Pond or Wind Watch, use the Long Island Rail Road and taxis. Many courses are close to train stations, perfect for those without cars. Knowing the course hazards will help you play better.

There are many ways to get around Long Island. From New York City, you can easily get to Douglaston and Clearview by Uber. Try Holtsville’s TopGolf for a unique experience. Don’t forget to book your tee times early, especially for Bethpage Black, hosting the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Here’s a quick guide to some notable courses: