What is the Best Public Golf Course in NYC?
Have you ever thought about escaping the urban jungle in New York and going to a more relaxed atmosphere, like, for example, a golf course? Well, you’re in luck, just because there are plenty of golf courses in NYC.
Yes, some are exclusive for members, and getting a membership costs a lot of money, but there are also plenty of public golf courses, where regular people like you and me can play a few holes.
There are around 13 municipal courses and a few gems just outside city limits; there is plenty of choice for people who want to go on a golfing journey. But we are interested in the top of the top. Just because we are talking about a public golf course, it doesn’t mean that we have to settle for something mediocre.
Let’s go deeper and find out some of the local NYC public golf courses and highlight what makes the perfect one.
Which Are the Best Public Golf Courses?
NYC’s golf scene is a mix of historic and modern stunners, each with its own flavor.
There is Van Cortlandt in the Bronx, the oldest public golf course in the U.S., offering a tranquil, tree-lined landscape and easy subway access. This is a solid choice, and you’ll be amazed at how good it actually is.
Dyker Beach in Brooklyn offers ocean views and a classic layout. Marine Park, also in Brooklyn, is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design with championship vibes. Forest Park in Queens brings tree-lined fairways and wallet-friendly fees.
Since you are in Queens, you should also consider going to Elmont, but not for golfing, for horse racing. This is a place where they host one of the most popular horse races in the world - Yes, Belmont Stakes horses are already lining up, so if you want to spice up your golfing adventure, this is your chance.
Douglaston, also in Queens, boasts skyline views and a Stephen Kay redesign. Then there’s Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx, a Jack Nicklaus masterpiece that feels like it was airlifted from Scotland.
Design and Playability
A great course should test your skills without breaking your spirit, and Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point delivers. Designed by Jack Nicklaus in 2014, this 7,400-yard, par-72 links-style track is tournament-ready—think narrow fairways, fescue-lined dunes, and greens that demand precision.
But it’s not just for pros; multiple tee boxes (from 5,200 to 7,400 yards) make it playable for all levels, unlike Bethpage Black’s punishing layout, which Golf Digest calls a “toothy beast” for low handicappers only.
Ferry Point’s open design rewards smart shot-making, with forgiving landing areas if you avoid the rough.
Compared to Marine Park’s long but less varied layout or Van Cortlandt’s shorter, quirkier holes, Ferry Point’s blend of challenge and accessibility feels like a love letter to golfers. Step up to the tee, pick your yardage, and you’re playing a course that’s as fun as it is fierce.
Scenery
Golf in NYC isn’t just about the game—it’s about the views, and Ferry Point’s got the best seat in the house.
Positioned near the Whitestone Bridge, it offers breathtaking panoramas of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Throgs Neck Bridge.
Every hole feels like a postcard, with native grasses swaying and elevated tees (some 55 feet high) framing the city like a painting. Douglaston’s skyline glimpses are nice, and Dyker Beach’s Ocean backdrop is cool, but they can’t touch Ferry Point’s cinematic drama.
Most people call it a “Bronx gem” for its “stunning” setting. After your round, grab a drink at the waterfront restaurant and soak it in—you’re not just golfing, you’re living a bucket-list moment.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
NYC golfers know the struggle—traffic, trains, and tee times are a hassle. Ferry Point’s a 20-minute drive from LaGuardia or 27 minutes from Midtown, but public transit’s trickier—think a subway to a bus, about an hour from Penn Station.
Forest Park is easily accessible via the Jackie Robinson Parkway, while Van Cortlandt stands out for its convenience, with the one train stopping right nearby. However, Ferry Point’s new two-week advance booking system makes securing a tee time simpler compared to crowded courses like Marine Park."
If you’ve got a car (or a patient Uber driver), Ferry Point’s reachable enough to justify the trip. Plan your route, book early, and you’re on the fairway without a meltdown.
Worth the Price of Admission?
Here’s where things get spicy — Ferry Point’s not cheap. Weekend rates for NYC residents hit $185, while Marine Park’s $51 or Dyker Beach’s $30-$50 feel like steals. But you get what you pay for.
Ferry Point’s country-club conditions, top-tier design, and unreal views justify the splurge, especially compared to Van Cortlandt’s slower pace (six-hour rounds, anyone?) or Forest Park’s more basic setup. Golfweek ranks Ferry Point No. 3 public-access in NY, behind only Bethpage Black, and its “tournament-quality” rep holds up.
If you’re a resident, grab a weekday slot for $149, or split the cost with buddies—it’s a premium experience that feels like sneaking into a private club.
So, there are plenty of good-looking public golf courses in NYC. The only thing you need is to pack your special golf clubs (or rent ones at the property), get in the right spirit, and go and spend a day in nature.
Article Author: P. Narkev, Freelance Writer.
Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not to Where2Golf.com, its writers or editors. The author is speaking solely for himself, not for the company or as a formal representative of the company.
Women’s (British) Open: the last women’s major championship of the season is hosted by Royal Porthcawl GC. It’s the first time this fabulous seaside links course has hosted the event (July 31-Aug 3).
Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7). After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).
Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.
Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
You can subscribe to the Where2Golf channel on YT if you like to see more video content. You'll find a "Subscribe" button on any of our YouTube videos. Or if you want a quick and direct access subscribe here. Once done, any new published videos will show up in your Subscriptions feed.
