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On the heels now of the 2023 Ryder Cup, the largest and most prestigious golf event in the world, all eyes were on the host city of Rome as Team Europe claimed victory over Team USA. But the global golf spotlight and excitement, which drew in more than 600 million television viewers for the 2023 event, are now shifting to the iconic event’s next destination: Long Island, New York, home of the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Long Island has long been a golfer’s paradise. The region’s relationship with the professional sport dates back to the 1896 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur championships played at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (private) in Southampton – and the world’s best golfers have competed here ever since. Shinnecock Hills was also home to the 2018 U.S. Open Championship, while Long Island’s famed Bethpage Black course set the stage for the 2019 PGA Championship.
But the best part is many courses on Long Island are public, so even YOU can tee off where legendary pros have done so for decades. Whether you’re an amateur or aspiring pro, grab your clubs and check out our guide to Long Island’s world-class greens, simulators, and more.
Bethpage State Park Golf Course (Farmingdale)
Credit: Jeremy Garretson
Bethpage State Park Golf Course is one of the most popular golf courses in the nation. It is home to five public 18-hole regulation golf courses, including the world-famous Bethpage Black Course, which has been described as “brutally fun” by expert golfers. Originally designed by notable golf architect A.W. Tillinghast, Bethpage Black has hosted multiple national and internationally renowned PGA Tour events and Championships, so even the best golfers should expect to be put to the ultimate test.
Montauk Downs (Montauk)
Credit: Jeremy Garretson
Montauk Downs Golf Course was originally developed in 1927 and was redesigned in 1968 by Robert Trent Jones before being purchased by New York State Parks in 1980. The ever-changing wind currents off the ocean and bay add an extra challenge to the way the course plays each day. Open year round, the 18-hole course offers a one-of-a-kind beachfront experience.
Eisenhower Park (East Meadow)
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Considered Nassau County’s own “Central Park,” this 930-acre park first earned its reputation as a golfer’s refuge during the ‘20s when it was the five-course Salisbury Golf Club. Today, it is a mecca for sports and leisure fun for all! Visitors can test their skills at the driving range or compete for a winning title on one of the park’s three 18-hole courses. The famed Red Course was designed by 20th-century Golden Age golf architect Devereux Emmet and has ties to PGA Championships and Tour events dating back to 1926. The park’s additional Championship-level courses (White and Blue) were designed by golf architect Robert Trent Jones, whose contributions can be traced across golf courses throughout the nation. Not feeling up to one of the full courses but still want to work on your short game? Stop by one of the park’s two mini-golf courses and test out your putting skills.
Governor Alfred E. Smith Sunken Meadow State Park Golf Course (Fort Salonga)
Sunken Meadow State Park features three courses designed by renowned golf course architect Alfred Tull in the early 1960s. The courses may be played as either 9 or 18 holes, and all three courses are known for utilizing the natural topography of its surrounding landscape in their gameplay through hilly woodlands—resulting in a relaxing and unique outdoor experience for all levels of golfers.
Harbor Links (Port Washington)
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Harbor Links, built in 1998 and designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, is seated adjacent to Hempstead Harbor, atop rolling hills and long fescues that give the feel of a country-club quality round. Its well-manicured fairways and greens serve players well. With its award-winning 18-hole Championship Course, hidden gem of the 9-hole Executive Course, world-class instructional program, miniature golf and banquet facilities for all occasions, Harbor Links provides everything you desire for a memorable experience.
Christopher Morley Park Golf Course (Roslyn)
Since the 1960s, this nine-hole course has been an excellent place for beginners, or even experienced golfers who just want to play a quick round. The course itself is hilly with large trees but no water features. It’s a relatively straightforward course that offers a relaxed pace of play. The highlight of the course is hole #9, with a big tree hanging over the fairway to challenge your aim. This course is one of five municipal courses in Nassau County; the others are located at Cantiague Park, N. Woodmere Park, Bay Park, and Eisenhower Park.
X-Golf (Commack & Westbury)
A combination indoor golf simulator, restaurant and bar venue, X-Golf touts their tech as the most innovative and accurate golf simulator in the world. Players swing real clubs at real golf balls against a screen projecting famous courses from across the globe. A professional-grade software and hardware package comprising cameras, impact sensors and infrared lasers will calculate the ball’s distance and speed. Whether you’re looking for a unique indoor networking activity, solo lessons to up your golf game in the off season, or a spot to kick back and enjoy with friends and family of all ages, X-Golf, at both the Commack and Westbury locations, has it all: a full bar with beer and cocktails, shareable appetizers, and courses designed for all ages and levels from amateurs to pro athletes.
PGA Tour Superstore (Commack)
A brand-new PGA Tour Superstore is officially open in Commack, NY. This store, now becoming Long Island’s second location for the golfing chain, stands at 39,109 square feet within the Mayfair Shopping Center along Jericho Turnpike. The PGA Tour Superstore chain currently has 55 stores across 21 states in the U.S. This new golfers’ paradise within Commack offers more than just shopping – the store features two club-fitting bays, a putting bay, six practice bays, four simulator bays, and a nearly 1,300-square-foot putting green. Looking to learn the game or improve your skills before getting out on the course? The Superstore also offers lessons and clinics.
TopGolf (Holtsville)
Can’t make it to the course? Head to Long Island’s first and only TopGolf location for a technology-driven driving range experience complete with music, games, food, drinks, and your own private hitting bay! It’s the perfect family-friendly atmosphere for novices and advanced players alike.
