Dapper Scout’s Unofficial Guide to Golf in New York City
What are the best golf courses in New York City you ask?
Golf and New York City seem to go together like ketchup and mayonnaise. At first the thought of the pairing sounds absurd, but then you slowly realize that it actually makes complete sense. Bear in mind that New York City golf isn’t for the weary. It’ll require equal parts passion and patience. But if you’re up for passing through turnstyles with golf bag and MTA card in hand, then you might have a trip to the links in your near future.
There are actually quite a few golf courses in New York City–not Manhattan mind you, but the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island have a number of great golf courses. But before you call to book that tee time, you may want to consider what type of game fits you best. If you’re looking for a speedy round, get the earliest tee time you can, otherwise you’ll be staring down the barrel of an angry six hour round. Granted, not every trip to the city courses will take up a full work day, but just be ready for slow play. With that said, if you’re just learning the game and taking one too many an extra mulligan, you’re probably better off teeing off later in the day–the hecklers usually tee off early morning.
And if you’re not from around these parts, you’ll notice the “no jeans policy” isn’t strictly enforced at these courses–just a side note to consider.
Easiest New York City Golf Course to Reach by Public Transportation
The most accessible golf course is Van Cortlandt in the Bronx. Take the 1 train to the very last stop in the Bronx (Van Cortlandt Park-242 St), walk down the stairs to the street and cut through to the park. Walk behind the golf tennis courts and follow the trail to the course. Enjoy your round! Book a tee time at Van Cortlandt golf course.
New York City Golf Courses by Car
Now if you’re up for a daily rental, Zipcar or have access to a set of wheels, well now we’re talking. The following is our list of the best golf courses in New York City–the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Let us know if you agree!
1. La Tourette Golf Course: 6,500 yards from the longest tees for a par of 72, a course rating of 71.3 and a slope rating of 116. The course is beautiful. The back nine makes you feel like you’re tucked away in a lonely country course nowhere near New York City. The layout of the holes are challenging with a variety of elevations to groom your shot-making prowess. The pace of play is decent, relatively speaking. It’s also one of the few New York City courses with a driving range. Book a tee time at La Tourette golf course.
2. Pelham Bay: 6,691 yards from the longest tees for a par of 70, a course rating of 70.9 and a slope rating of 116. This is a great course and almost accessible by train. Take the 6 train to the last stop (Pelham Bay Park) and you’ll be welcomed by taxi cabs ready to take you to the first tee. The course is surprisingly wide and roomy. A couple of the par 5s feel like you’re driving into an open field. Unfortunately, this course is almost always overbooked so the pace of play can be very slow, but it’s lush, green and in pretty decent condition. The clubhouse recently had a makeover so you’ll be able to enjoy food and drink in a very clean/modern setting. Book a tee time at Pelham Bay golf course.
3. Marine Park: 6,866 yards from the longest tees for a par of 72, a course rating of 72.2 and a slope rating of 119. This is a great course and like LaTourette, the back nine is where it’s at. A few of the holes at the very start feel cramp, flat and dry, but the course is great overall and a few of the holes run alongside the ocean. Marine Park boasts a small driving range and a very nice practice area including a practice bunker. Book a tee time at Marine Park golf course.
4. Forest Park: 6,053 yards from the longest tees for a par of 70, a course rating of 69.3 and a slope rating of 120. Like its name, the course is surrounded by trees and you’ll be lucky to find a shot where the trees don’t come into play. The fairways are narrow and tight, but the layout is intriguing and makes for challenging play. The course site is nearby a park so you’ll be surrounded by nature nonstop. Book a tee time at Forest Park golf course.
5. Dyker Beach: 6,548 yards from the longest tees for a par of 71, a course rating of 70.5 and a slope rating of 116. Dyker Beach might be one of the most crowded and busiest golf courses in New York City, but it has a beautiful layout and is relatively well maintained. Book a tee time at Dyker Beach golf course.
And if you just want to hit the range, be sure to check out the facilities at Chelsea Piers or Randall’s Island.
