Living in New York City isn't exactly conducive to being an avid golfer. You can't just hop in the car and play a course within 15 minutes. But that doesn't mean your golf obsession needs to take a back seat! There are enough golf courses, indoor practice facilities, and driving ranges to choose from.
After living in NYC for 12 years and playing golf at NYU I got a pretty good idea of where to play, shop for clubs, and practice. Our Golf NYC guide will give you plenty of ideas.
NYC Public Golf Courses You Should Know About
Whether you have access to a car or are OK taking the train, there are plenty of golf courses near New York City to play. You can view a complete listing of public courses using our unique map directory here.
Here is my list of recommended Golf NYC options:
Van Cortland
Van Cortland golf course is one of the most popular options for golf in NYC due to its geographic location. "Vanny" is located just 15 miles north of midtown Manhattan in The Bronx. It takes about an hour on the 1 train to get there from Penn Station, which makes it a great option for golfers without access to a car. It is also a pretty good bargain - 18 holes will only set you back between $30-$50.
Marine Park
Brooklyn boasts a great Robert Trent Jones Sr. design with its Marine Park Golf Course. This is one of the few championship NYC golf courses, measuring almost 7,000 yards from the back tees. It is accessible by public transportation if you are willing to hop on the subway and then connect to the Q35 bus - it will take roughly 75 minutes from Penn Station. This is one of the great courses in the area and should not be missed!
Douglaston Golf Course
Douglaston is another popular pick for golf in NYC. Located just 15 miles east of midtown in Queens, it is easily accessible by car. Douglaston Golf Course has been one of the stalwarts of public golf around Manhattan since the early 60s and offers beautiful views of the skyline. Stephen Kay completely renovated the course in 2004, and the rates are extremely reasonable for 18 holes.
Dyker Beach Golf Course
Dyker Beach is another Brooklyn golf course that should be on your list. It is easily accessible by the R Train and located close to the Battery Tunnel. The 6,438-yard, par 72 layout will challenge golfers of any level and offers very reasonable rates ($30-$50).
Skyway Golf Course
This is one of the lesser-known NYC area gems. Located in Jersey City, this 9-hole facility has breathtaking views of the city and top-notch course conditions. If you can't afford the membership to Liberty National, Skyway golf course your next best option!
Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point
You can't talk about golf courses around New York City without mentioning the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. It's a fantastic facility that gives golfers arguably the most unique view of the NYC skyline. While there is some controversy over their pricing (residents have to pay upwards of $175) - there is no question you should play there at least once to have the experience.
Other Golf NYC Area Options (if you can drive)
If you have a car, or one of your buddies does - here are golf courses I recommend that are within a 90-minute drive of New York City:
Where You Can Practice
Your options are fairly limited if you want to practice your golf game in New York City. There are only a couple of outdoor ranges within the city limits. However, there are more indoor facilities popping up that you should know about.
The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers
If you are an NYC golfer than you have likely been to Chelsea Piers. This is the top facility in the whole city and features four tiers of hitting bays overlooking the Hudson River. Be prepared to open up your wallet though, it is expensive!
Randall's Island Golf Center
If you have a car, Randall's Island Golf Center is another great option. With 82 stalls, this is a great practice facility that is within city limits just across the RFK Bridge.
Brooklyn Golf Center
Located right next to the Marine Park Golf Course, the Brooklyn Golf Center is a great option for those located in Southern Brooklyn.
Five Iron Golf
This is one of the premier indoor facilities in the city. They are located on 19th Street & Fifth Avenue and offer a fun environment to play on golf simulators and have fun with your friends. Billed as an "indoor country club" Five Iron Golf offers simulator rentals, lessons packages, and even a monthly membership.
Premier Indoor Golf
This facility is located on 28th street and Third Avenue. They offer 4 simulator bays equipped with launch monitors that can be rented for up to 4 people. Prices range from $45 - $70 an hour based on times. Premium Indoor Golf also offers instructional packages as well.
Golf Manhattan
Golf Manhattan is located at 108 39th street and offered three simulators that can be rented for $45 - $70 per hour.
Golf & Body NYC
This is arguably the best indoor facility in the entire city, but there is just one catch - it's private. You can find out how to join on their website. Recently, they opened up the doors for non-members to get custom club-fitting services from the experts at Pete's Golf.
Where to Shop for Golf Equipment
If you are looking for clubs or any other kind of golf related products in NYC there is really only one game in town, The New York Golf Center.
They have three locations in Manhattan - in Herald Square (35th st), at Chelsea Piers, and on 40th Street between Madison and Park Avenue. They've got a great selection of just about everything golf related, and offer custom fitting.
Wrapping it Up
If you know all of your options, there are plenty of places to play and practice golf in and around New York City. If we missed anything in our guide please feel free to add your recommendations in the comments section so we can make this a valuable resource for all NYC golfers!
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