The State of New York is known for The Big Apple, majestic mountain ranges, waterfalls, vineyards, and golf. There are many options for golfing in New York; according to Golf.com, the Empire State has 832 courses in total, with a mix of some of the best elite and private clubs in the country and plenty of public-access options. You can't golf year-round like in warmer states such as Florida or Arizona, but you'll definitely want to visit some of these N.Y. courses to see what they offer.
Best Public Golf Courses in New York
While experts claim that New York's public courses can't compare to the cream of the crop ones, there are still beautiful, challenging courses that you will be able to play on. Elite clubs only let members play, and the fees can be astronomical. Golfweek's best public golf courses in New York is the Black Course at Bethpage in Long Island. Bethpage hosts the U.S. Open, PGA Tour events, and the Ryder Cup; it's ranked as the 6th most challenging golf course in the country. Weekday green fees for the Black Course are $65 for 18 holes; you'll pay $85 on weekends, but it costs less if you're a senior or junior player.
Turning Stone Resort (Atunyote) in Verona also made the list, and this facility includes a resort, casino, and highly-reviewed golf course. It was the site of the Broome County Open and the PGA National Championship; Tiger Woods, Steve Flesch and Mutt Kuchar have all played here. The course has a parkland setting, gently rolling hills, lakes, and small waterfalls. The greens fees at Atunyote range from $70 to $125.
Best Golf Courses in Upstate New York
Speaking of Verona, it is west of Syracuse in upstate New York; this region is home to many of the state's other best golf courses. Golflink covers these best golf courses in upstate New York, beginning with Seven Oaks Golf Course in Hamilton. It's on the grounds of Colgate University and boasts a challenging course. You must become a paying member to play, though, since it's private; a whole family yearly membership is currently $2,275.
Sagamore Golf Course in Bolting Landing is near Lake George in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains. It was chosen as one of Golf Magazine's Silver Medal Resorts, was designed by Donald Ross and offers deep bunkers and rolling greens. You can play 9 or 18 holes; guest fees include carts ranging from $124 to $190. You'll pay less without a cart rental.
Prettiest Golf Courses in New York
Golf.com and GolfDigest both rate Long Island's Shinnecock Hills as the top golf course in New York, and it's a natural beauty to behold. Shinnecock Hills is considered the oldest and most difficult in the country, but it's also one of the most prestigious. This course will host the U.S. Open in 2026. It's a members-only club, but invited guests are permitted to play with members. There are many rules, too: you can't pay by cash or credit card in the clubhouse, and charges get put on member accounts. You can't use cell phones here or on club grounds.
The private and secluded Fisher's Island Club is also spectacular, an exclusive property located on the eastern end of the Long Island Sound off the coast of Connecticut. You even have to take a ferry to get there! This exclusive spot offers incredible water views and has a tennis and beach club, making it one of the prettiest golf courses in New York. According to golfproperty.com, members pay a one-time initiation fee of close to $43,000, plus annual dues of $24,824. There are some other membership options as well.