When it comes to world-class golf, Long Island delivers, and not just for private-club members. Some of the finest public courses in the U.S. are on Long Island, offering ocean views to rolling hills to parkland classics. And with Bethpage Black set to host the Ryder Cup this September, there’s never been a better time to plan your golf getaway to Long Island. We’ve rounded up a handful of Long Island’s top public golf courses that all the locals love. So, chase that championship-level challenge or enjoy the views of these courses that will leave you awestruck, and your Instagram followers jealous.
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1. Bethpage State Park (Black & Red) - Farmingdale
Bethpage State Park is host to the very prestigious Ryder Cup for a reason. Bethpage Black is the crown jewel of public golf in America. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast in the 1930s, the Black course was the first public golf course to host the U.S. Open, when Tiger Woods romped to victory. But it’s not just pros who tee up here. You can walk in their footsteps for around $100.
** Important to note: The abbreviated course schedule at Bethpage Black has begun, in advance of this September's Ryder Cup. The Black Course is currently walk-ups only with early afternoon closures this summer. The course will shut down for good in mid-August. **
Don’t sleep on Bethpage’s four other courses though, specifically the Red Course. Also a Tillinghast design, locals familiar with the course consider it Black’s scrappy little sister. It is known to be just as challenging in spots, and a favorite amongst many.
Credit: Benny Migs Photography
2. Montauk Downs State Park - Montauk
Out on “The End” of Long Island, Montauk Downs is as rugged and beautiful as its surroundings. Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later refined by son Rees Jones, this course plays long and tough. The ever-changing winds of the east end keep players on their toes. Views of the water against the green never get old.
3. Spring Lake Golf Club - Middle Island
Tucked into a quiet, wooded setting, Spring Lake is a family-owner public course that offers 27 holes of pristine play. Its main 18, the Thunderbird Course, is known for lush fairways and well-kept greens in fantastic condition.
Credit: James Trezza
4. Timber Point Golf Course – Great River
With sweeping sea views of Long Island’s south shore, Timber Point is one of the most unique public courses on Long Island. Designed in the 1920s by Harry Colt and Charles Alison (famed for work mostly across the UK and other parts of Europe), the layout blends historic legacy with links-style charm. The club has 27 holes with the Blue and Red making up the ‘championship’ 18. Yet it is the Blue course which players seem to enjoy the most.
5. Sunken Meadow State Park - Kings Park
Set on the North Shore, Sunken Meadow offers three distinct 9-hole layouts. The Red and Green courses opened in the early 60s, designed by Alfred Tull (who also designed Bethpage’s Yellow course). The Blue course winds through dense woods, full of tight doglegs and narrow approaches. Don’t let the shorter yardage fool you, it demands accuracy and precision.
