Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Golfers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Golfers
1. Chelsea Piers Golf Club
A Manhattan waterfront driving range with multi-tiered hitting bays that launch balls over the Hudson River. TrackMan-equipped stalls, short-game areas, and skyline views make practice feel like play.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the most iconic place to groove your swing without leaving Manhattan, ideal for tune-ups between rounds or a bad-weather day.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings year-round; sunset sessions in late spring and early fall feel magical on the river.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a bay with a left-hand side view for unobstructed skyline sightlines; bring a light layer—breezes off the Hudson can be cool.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the novelty of smashing balls into the river backdrop and praise the tech-forward, well-run operation.
2. Van Cortlandt Golf Course
America’s oldest public course winds through the rolling woodlands of the Bronx. A historic, walkable layout with character-rich holes and classic parkland vibes.
✓ Why Go:
You’re playing living history while still getting a full, satisfying test—great for golfers who appreciate tradition.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
April to June and September to October for firm conditions and brisk pace; early tee times beat commuter crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk if you can—the routing reveals more charm on foot and it’s easier to navigate a few tight transitions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Players admire the nostalgia and setting, noting it’s a Bronx gem with better-than-expected conditioning.
3. Dyker Beach Golf Course
A beloved Brooklyn staple near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, featuring generous fairways, old-growth trees, and a lively local scene.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Brooklyn golf culture at its finest—fun, accessible, and scenic with views that remind you you’re in NYC.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through fall; book twilight for golden-hour light over the bridge.
✓ Insider Tip:
Snack shack turns are efficient—grab-and-go keeps pace moving on busy weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Golfers appreciate the friendly vibe, forgiving layout, and value for a full 18 in the city.
4. Marine Park Golf Course
A breezy, links-style experience on Jamaica Bay with fescue, wind, and wide-angle views. Strategic bunkering rewards smart play.
✓ Why Go:
It delivers seaside golf drama without leaving the five boroughs—perfect for golfers craving a links feel.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May to October; calmer morning winds offer a kinder introduction to the course.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack an extra club for the prevailing bay winds and favor the low ball when it’s gusty.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Players rave about the coastal setting and the challenge that shifts with the wind.
5. Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses
Two distinct Bronx layouts in Pelham Bay Park: forgiving Pelham Bay and tree-lined, classic Split Rock. A full-service complex with depth for repeat play.
✓ Why Go:
Choose your challenge—warm up on Pelham Bay or test shot-making on the tighter, older-school Split Rock.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall for peak turf; weekday afternoons often mean smoother pacing.
✓ Insider Tip:
If playing 36, start on Split Rock then enjoy Pelham Bay’s wider fairways as a relaxed second round.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Golfers like the variety and appreciate the value of two different experiences in one destination.
6. LaTourette Golf Course
Set around a landmarked manor house, LaTourette rolls over Staten Island hills with panoramic parkland views and a classic feel.
✓ Why Go:
It’s scenic, strategic, and surprisingly serene—an escape that still feels distinctly New York.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall; morning tee times keep you ahead of weekend traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Leave time for a post-round bite at the clubhouse—the porch overlooks the course and the Manor’s grounds.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the charming setting and say the routing rewards thoughtful club selection.
7. Clearview Park Golf Course
A Queens favorite with open fairways, gentle elevation changes, and a welcoming practice setup—great for mixed-skill groups.
✓ Why Go:
Friendly conditions and accessible design make it ideal for casual rounds or family golf days.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekdays for a relaxed pace; spring and fall bring the best turf.
✓ Insider Tip:
Warm up at the range and short-game area—getting the speed of the greens pays off immediately.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Golfers highlight the approachable layout and efficient pace-of-play management.
8. Kissena Park Golf Course
A fun, compact Queens course perfect for sharpening wedges and scoring clubs. Tree-lined corridors demand accuracy.
✓ Why Go:
Short on time? This is where you keep the swing fresh and work on precision without committing a full day.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings year-round; winter golf is often playable with light crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring an extra sleeve—tight fairways can be punishing to wayward tee shots.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Players like the convenience and skill-building challenge packed into a shorter round.
9. Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point
A modern links-style track in the Bronx with sweeping views of the Whitestone Bridge and dramatic, wind-swept mounding.
✓ Why Go:
For a championship-caliber experience inside city limits, this is the headline round—bold visuals and demanding shot values.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early fall; morning slots mitigate wind and deliver the crispest conditioning.
✓ Insider Tip:
Play conservatively off the tee—positioning is more valuable than raw distance when the wind is up.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Golfers call it a must-play NYC bucket-list course, impressed by views and challenge.
10. Randall's Island Golf Center
A spacious driving range and practice complex minutes from Manhattan with covered bays, short-game areas, and mini golf for families.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a convenient, affordable way to log quality practice time with real-flight feedback and city-skyline proximity.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings on weekdays for open bays; shoulder seasons are comfortable and less crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Aim for end bays to work on shot shaping with clearer targets; buckets are best value in multi-bucket packs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate the easy access and straightforward setup that makes regular practice a breeze.
