GOLF’s Course Raters and Ran Morrissett, Architecture Editor have released their Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and Top 100 Courses You Can Play rankings. These rankings were determined by a panel of 100-plus expert golfers who identified the best golf courses in every state. The rankings include a mix of public, resort, and private courses, showcasing the diversity of golfing options available across the country. If you’re planning a golf trip in the future, GOLF’s Course Finder tool can help you create the perfect itinerary based on your preferences and budget.
New York is home to some of the best golf courses in the country, with iconic courses like Shinnecock Hills and National Golf Links of America leading the pack. These courses have hosted major championships and are known for their strategic design and challenging layouts. Other notable courses in New York include Fishers Island, Friar’s Head, and Oak Hill East, each offering a unique golfing experience amidst stunning natural landscapes. From Long Island to upstate New York, there are plenty of top-tier courses to explore in the Empire State.
Shinnecock Hills, located in Southampton, is a design masterpiece by William Flynn and has hosted numerous U.S. Opens since 1986. National Golf Links of America, also in Southampton, is a strategic design by Seth Raynor and C.B. Macdonald, featuring iconic template holes and challenging gameplay. Fishers Island, accessible by ferry or air, offers a classic Seth Raynor design with breathtaking views of Long Island Sound. Friar’s Head in Riverhead boasts tree-dotted dunes and open meadows, showcasing the artistry of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s design.
Winged Foot West in Mamaroneck is a challenging A.W. Tillinghast design with frighteningly contoured greens and rugged par-4s. Garden City in Hempstead Plain is an old-school design by Devereux Emmet and Walter Travis, known for its tilted greens and sea breezes. Maidstone in East Hampton underwent a recent restoration by Coore & Crenshaw, highlighting its coastal dunes and dramatic false front greens. Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, a Rees Jones-restored Tillinghast layout, is famous for its rugged terrain and massive bunkers.
Oak Hill East in Rochester has hosted major events and undergone a restoration to maintain its Golden Age masterpiece status. Sleepy Hollow in Briarcliff Manor saw a renovation by Gil Hanse to enhance its playing interest and green design. Quaker Ridge in Scarsdale, a course near Winged Foot, features a cluster of gently rolling par-4s and hidden gem par-3s. The Creek in Locust Valley and Piping Rock in Long Island offer a mix of parkland and seaside golf, showcasing the design elements of McDonald-Raynor and C.B. Macdonald, respectively.
Overall, New York offers a diverse range of top-tier golf courses for players of all levels to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a challenging championship layout or a scenic coastal experience, the Empire State has something for everyone. With a rich golfing history and a commitment to course excellence, New York’s golf courses continue to attract players from around the world. Explore the best courses in New York and create your own golfing itinerary to experience the best that the state has to offer.
