Looking to play the best golf courses in New York State? GolfReviewsGuide.com picks out the top courses to play in New York.

Many who head to New York state think about Niagara Falls, the bright lights of the big cities, the Empire State Building, and the iconic Statue of Liberty.

It’s true that New York doesn’t have the same golfing hubs that one will find on the west coast or even down in Florida. Partly because the expectation for sunshine in New York just isn’t the same as for sunnier counterparts.

However, New York shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to golf vacations. The region has plenty to offer to golfers, including some of the most renowned tracks in the northeastern parts of the USA.

We’ve selected our top recommendations and the best golf courses in New York, starting with Bethpage.

1. Bethpage Black Course

The Bethpage Black Course is a historic 18-hole public golf course near the towns of Bethpage and Farmingdale – and one of the most difficult in the US.

A par-71 course, Bethpage Black is the best course in an area known for top class venues. At 7,468 total yards, it is a monster and comes with a warning sign before you have even teed off.

Bethpage Black hosted the USPGA Championship most recently in 2019 and also staged the US Open in 2002 and 2009. It has also hosted regular PGA Tour events.

Bethpage Black will host the Ryder Cup in 2025 it is clear why this is one of the go-to golf courses when major golf events are held in New York.

This golf course is part of Bethpage State Park is located on Long Island east of New York City toward Montauk. If you are selecting an airport with this destination in mind, either LaGuardia Airport or JFK will do fine.

2. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, a links-style golf club located on Long Island, is situated near Highway 27 between the Great Peconic Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Often, links-styled courses are more closely associated with the United Kingdom. However, Shinnecock Hills is considered to be in be of greatest examples of this style of course anywhere in the world.

The venue has already hosted the US Open a total of five times, including a recent open in 2018 won by Brooks Koepka.

In the future, the 2026 US Open championship will also be held at Shinnecock.

The lengthy par-70 course was designed with the natural topography of the area in mind. It features 7,440 yards from the lengthiest tees but traditionally plays around 6,900 yards from the shorter tees.

Not to be missed due to its place in the history books, Shinnecock Hills is thought to be the oldest golf club in the USA having been incorporated in 1891.

3. Oak Hill Country Club

Oak Hill Country Club is located in Rochester, New York and was formed back in 1901, giving it a healthy history that proves that the course has been popular over several decades.

The venue has held numerous prestigious tournaments in its history including the 1984 US Senior Open, the 1989 US Open, the 1995 Ryder Cup, the 1998 US Amateur, the 2003 PGA Championship, the 2008 Senior PGA Championship, and the 2013 USPGA Championship.

The East Course is a par-70 effort that totals 7,145 yards in length. Meanwhile, the West Course is a little less testing for driving length at just 6,649 yards.

The Hill of Fame, not to be mistaken with Hall of Fame, is an attraction at this course. Dr. John R. Williams, an Oak Hill member, had the idea in 1956 to forever remember those individuals who have contributed to the game of golf.

4. Winged Foot Golf Club

Winged Foot Golf Club, which was founded in 1921 and opened in 1923, is quickly nearing its centennial.

A regular on the PGA Tour and as a major tournament host, this private golf course is located in Mamaroneck, New York, a suburb northeast of New York City.

Tradition and excellence mark this stunning venue, which includes the 7,264-yard West Course, which features narrow fairways, stroke-costing rough, and difficult bunkers.

The West Course has staged the US Open on six occasions, most recently in 2020 when Bryson DeChambeau was victorious. It also staged the 1997 USPGA Championship.

The 6,750-yard East Course has featured in two US Women’s Opens as well as the first U.S. Senior Open. Furthermore, the 2004 U.S. Amateur event was played over both of the courses that the club has to offer.

While private, if you are granted an opportunity to negotiate Winged Foot’s fairways then take full advantage of it.

5. Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course

Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course is just a short distance from Manhattan in the North Bronx.

Not surprisingly, it can boast former New York Yankee, Babe Ruth, as among its former members.

Designated as the oldest public golf course in the city, this venue scores high for accessibility. In addition to being a public golf course, Van Cortlandt is close to mass transportation. That’s certainly different from a lot of the venues that were examined in this list.

Steven Kay designed this course, with a thorough renovation completed as recently as 2008.

If you are in New York City and not really looking to get out to a country club on the outskirts, then a jaunt to The Bronx might be in order for you.