Public Golf Courses in Greater NYC
New York City’s suburbs are widely known for their leafy country club enclaves, but golfing around greater Gotham is hardly a members-only experience. Tee up a visit to one of these public courses in Manhattan’s immediate shadow — some are even within city limits.
It’s no secret that New York has its head in the game, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to golf. Across four of the five boroughs, you’ll find a whopping 16 courses that are open to anyone, including America’s very first municipal golf course. And beyond the city, the fairway’s horizon only expands. You’ll find world-class public courses all throughout the Tri-State Area, from New Jersey across the Hudson Valley and on to Connecticut’s Gold Coast. Some are county or town-run, like the half-dozen in Bergen County; others are private with open doors to the general public, no dues required.
Here’s but a small sampling of the courses you can play across Corcoran markets in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Their verdant greens are enjoyable at any skill level, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting the swing of it. Fore!
Hudson & Essex Counties
Jersey City | Skyway Golf Course
The only public golf course in Jersey City, the nine-hole links at Lincoln Park West offer one of the most sought-after golfing experiences in the area, framed by dramatic views of the Pulaski Skyway (hence the course’s name) and New York City beyond. Rates for non-county registered guests range from $43 for nine holes on weekdays to $78 for 18 holes on weekends.
West Orange | Rock Spring Country Club
One of just two public courses in the country conceived by legendary designer Seth Raynor, Rock Spring’s 6,600-yard, par-71 course fills a rolling tree-lined landscape just 15 miles from Midtown. Tee times start around $80 on weekends, with discounted weekday and twilight rates available.
Newark | Weequahic Golf Course
Weequahic Golf Course sits beside the Olmsted Brothers-designed Weequahic Park, and it’s the oldest public course in New Jersey, opening in 1913 as a nine-holer laid out by George Low. Today, it’s a full 18-hole course, with recent upgrades that have only enhanced its historic charm. Green fees start at $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends.
Bergen County
Mahwah | Darlington Golf Course
Unfurling from the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, Darlington’s greens are exciting for any skill level, whether you play the par-72 middle tees and par-71 championship tees. It’s one of six public courses operated by the Bergen County Parks System — a coveted perk of these scenic suburbs. Nonresidents should expect green fees in the $45-$55 range.
Teaneck | Overpeck Golf Course
Cross the George Washington Bridge and you’ll be right around the corner from Overpeck — another county-owned gem in Bergen. What’s distinctive about this 18-hole, par-72 course is its challenging water hazards, with one at every hole. Fees are priciest for unregistered guests ($90), who can book up to three days in advance.
River Vale | Valley Brook Golf Course
Bunkers, a winding creek, and a pond at the first tee greet golfers at Valley Brook, a former private club that, too, has joined the impressive ranks of Bergen’s county-owned courses. Valley Brook boasts a fleet of late-model golf carts for rent, though it’s a short enough course that they’re hardly required. Registered nonresidents can play 18 holes from $42 to $55.
Westchester County
Yonkers | Dunwoodie Golf Course
Nestled in the hills of Westchester’s biggest city (and the third-largest in New York State), the storied Dunwoodie golf course, which began as a sceney private club in 1906, delivers a challenging game due to its steep slopes and rises. Weekday rates for the par-70 course, which has been county-owned since 1955, start at $35 with a park pass (full course) and $50 without.
Ossining | Hudson Hills Golf Course
Situated in the easternmost reaches of Ossining — home to Mad Men‘s Don and Betty Draper on TV, and Pulitzer-winning author John Cheever, the “Chekhov of the suburbs,” in real life — scenic Hudson Hills welcomes duffers with views over about a third of the course from the elevated first tee. The par-71 course offers weekday rates from $51 with a park pass, and from $71 without.
Pound Ridge | Pound Ridge Golf Club
Snug against the Connecticut border in Northern Westchester, bucolic Pound Ridge Golf Club features the first and only New York course by the late acclaimed designer Peter Dye. The privately-owned club, developed by Kenneth Wang (brother of Vera), is fully open to the public, with peak rates starting at $170 for a full 18-hole round.
Fairfield County
Greenwich | Griffith E. Harris Golf Course
A big swing here could send your ball into the NetJets hangar. Conveniently off King Street, where Backcountry Greenwich meets Rye Brook and Westchester County Airport, the “Griff” is anchored by a Robert Trent Sr.-designed, par-71 course, with putting and chipping greens rounding out its facilities. Public rates are around $62 per 18-hole round, with members enjoying a discounted $36 per round.
Westport | Longshore Golf Course
Laid out a century ago by Orrin E. Smith and subsequently refreshed by John Harvey, the Longshore course is renowned for its beauty, with dreamy panoramas overLong Island Sound. Online reservations aren’t just a must: they’re required up to four days in advance (for Monday Thursday play, while Friday-Sunday takes a day’s notice, provided there’s a tee time available). Non-member rates start at $57 on weekdays.
Stamford | Sterling Farms
Just 40 minutes from Manhattan, Sterling Farms Golf Course offers a serene escape with its rolling fairways set across 144 acres of former farmland. Designed by Geoffrey Cornish and later refined by Robert McNeil, this par-72 public course is celebrated for its pristine conditions, challenging par 3s, and consistently top-rated amenities. Day rates start at $36; if you plan to be a frequent flyer, a $350 permit get you 12 to 19 rounds.
Rockland County
Nyack | Rockland Lake State Park Golf Course
The 1,133-acre Rockland Lake State Park offers not one but two 18-hole courses: a par-3 executive course that’s perfect for novices, along with a championship course for longer play. No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery of this hilly, forested terrain high above the Hudson River. Rates start at $20 for the executive course and $32 for the championship course.
Pearl River | Blue Hill Golf Course
Love flexibility? The oldest course in Rockland County, Blue Hill sprawls over 27 holes, with tree-flanked fairways and Lake Tappan as a scenic backdrop. However you play it, this well-kept course is sure to delight. The lowest rates are for weekend twilight play ($31); the highest are for weekends and holidays ($48).
Haverstraw | Philip J. Rotella Memorial Golf Course
Originally called Minisceongo Golf Course, this par-72 course between the hamlets of Thiells and Mount Ivy was renamed to honor Haverstraw’s town’s long-tenured supervisor, who championed its development on the grounds of a former asylum. Designed by Hal Purdy and opened in 1984, the 6,517-yard course has an in-house PGA pro and a pub, Lynch’s on the Green, on site. Nonresident play starts at $66.
Putnam & Lower Dutchess Counties
Mahopac | Putnam County Golf Course
This 18-hole, par-71 course, designed by William F. Mitchell and doubling as an entertainment venue, delivers sweeping Lower Hudson Valley vistas; there’s also a golf simulator for practice or on rainy days. Weekday fees for the full 18-hole experience start at $52 (or $42 for golfers 55+).
Carmel | Centennial Golf Club
Located in Carmel Hamlet, on the Brewster side of town, Centennial boasts 27 Championship holes designed by Larry Nelson. With multiple tees, golfers can play any combination of the nines in a way that’s suited to their skill level. The course, which rambles over 340 acres, utilizes dynamic prices based on demand — expect to pay, on average, around $55 per round.
LaGrangeville | The Links at Union Vale
In South-Central Dutchess, in the heart of the Clove Valley, this popular course delivers a true country golf experience that’s remarkably close to the city and its suburbs. Punctuated with surreal ridge lines, silos, and occasional wildlife, the 18-hole course has short holes on the first nine, yielding to four par-3s to start the latter. Green fees will set you back $43 for full play.
New York City
Bronx | Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course
The oldest municipal golf course in the city boasts a picturesque setting in the North Bronx on the Yonkers border. “Vanny,” which also provides instruction at La Tourette Golf Learning Center, offers rates from $26 to $52 during high season, with a senior rate (62+) holding steady at $30.
Brooklyn | Dyker Beach Golf Course
Originally laid out in 1897 by Tom Bendelow and reimagined in 1935 by John van Kleek, this 6,438-yard, par-72 course near the Gowanus Expressway is the closest geographically to Lower Manhattan. Its groomed greens and tree-lined fairways are easily reached via the D,R, or W trains or the express bus. Green fees start at $26, peaking at $66.
Queens | Forest Park Golf Course
This Woodhaven, Queens, course is incredibly historic, originally designed in 1896 and restored and lengthened in 1995. Playing at over 6,000 yards, Forest Park offers high season rates from $26 to $52, with twilight play for $36 on weekdays ($37 weekends).
