Top 10 Public Golf Courses in New York

New York State has a rich selection of public golf courses that offer top-shelf experiences to residents and international golfers alike. From world-famous championship courses to hidden gems off the beaten path in beautiful countryside, these are ten of New York's best public golf courses and why they are so special.

1. Bethpage Black – Farmingdale, Long Island

Perhaps the state's most famous public course—and one of its most difficult in the nation—Bethpage Black has hosted a number of major championships, including the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Infamously difficult, with deep rough and dramatic bunkering, it posts a notice at the first tee: "The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers." Even at its difficulty, though, it's a course that appears on a lot of people's bucket lists.

Distinctive Feature: Tournament lineage and intimidating level of difficulty.

2. Leatherstocking Golf Course – Cooperstown

Located along Otsego Lake and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Leatherstocking offers classic golf in a postcard-beautiful setting. Designed by Devereux Emmet in 1909, this course combines classic architecture with stunning lake views, especially on the 18th hole, with a classic downhill shot over water.

Distinctive Feature: Historic character with a lakefront conclusion.

3. Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point – Bronx

Set against the Manhattan skyline, Jack Nicklaus's layout brings a links-style challenge to New York City. Built on a former landfill, Ferry Point is both ecologically impressive and strategically demanding, with wide fairways, severe bunkers, and nagging wind off the East River.

Unique Feature: A city skyline view Scottish-style links design.

4. Turning Stone Resort (Atunyote Course) – Verona

Part of an upscale resort and casino in Central New York, the Atunyote Course is a beautifully maintained and well-manicured course that formerly hosted PGA Tour play. With generous fairways, finely manicured greens, and pro-style service, it's a private club with public facilities.

Unique Feature: Upscale resort with tournament-level quality.

5. Saratoga National Golf Club – Saratoga Springs

Saratoga National has championship-level conditions, rolling greens, and water features on a beautiful property just outside Saratoga Springs. The course itself is famous for sophistication and amenities, from its stone clubhouse to its fine restaurant and spa-quality amenities.

Unique Feature: Country club atmosphere in high-end public golf.

6. Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course – Montauk

Seaward of Robert Trent Jones and then redesigned by his son Rees Jones, this oceanfront course is a hidden gem at the tip of Long Island. Windy and challenging, Montauk Downs has natural terrain, tight fairways, and seashore breeze that can radically change the character of the game.

Signature Feature: Classic design with shoreline elements and always changing weather.

7. Doral Arrowwood Golf Club – Rye Brook

This short but strategic 9-hole course is perfect for a quick round without sacrificing quality. Designed by Robert von Hagge, it's nicely manicured with slopes, water hazards, and challenging greens. Being close to NYC, it's a favorite among city dwellers seeking a weekend retreat.

Unique Feature: Upscale 9-hole course with resort feel.

8. The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge – Monroe

Situated on an historic estate and designed by Jack Nicklaus, Mansion Ridge integrates rugged beauty with Golden Bear strategy. Dramatic elevation changes, dense forests, and natural rock outcroppings make the course require both power and finesse.

Unique Feature: Jack Nicklaus design with Hudson Valley terrain.

9. The Sagamore Golf Course – Bolton Landing

Looking over Lake George, this Donald Ross design is a classic mountain golf experience with magnificent views. The course, owned by the Sagamore Resort, features tight fairways, elevated tees, and rapid greens—all signatures of Ross's strategy.

Distinction: Classic Donald Ross design with Adirondack scenery.

10. Corning Country Club – Corning

Although it is reminiscent of having your own private club, Corning welcomes the general public to play on certain days. This impeccably groomed course winds its way through the forest and boasts rolling terrain, with water hazards and tight landing areas forcing players to think quickly.

Unique Feature: Semi-private setting amidst peaceful Finger Lakes views.

Conclusion

From the gritty championship test of Bethpage Black to the serene lakeside holes at Leatherstocking and Sagamore, New York's public golf is as diverse as the state itself. Whether you need high-level competition, bucolic views, or a fast-city course, there's a New York public course to suit every golfer's game and mood. With such diversity and excellence, it's no wonder New York remains the perfect destination for golfers worldwide.

If you happen to want to have us out for photographs or videography for your golf course please feel free to reach out!