Best Private Golf Courses near NYC & How to Play

Embark on a journey into the heart of New York City's elite golfing scene as we unveil the best private golf courses near NYC. This meticulously curated guide brings you an insider's perspective on nine of the most prestigious golf courses near the city, each a testament to luxury, history, and unparalleled golfing experiences.

Want to experience the prestige of private golf at courses in the New York City area? Links Golf Club provides access to over 30 private courses in the greater New York City and New Jersey area. Take our short quiz to find out which specific courses are available to play near you.

Top NYC Golf Courses

Winged Foot Golf Club/Mamaroneck, NY

Winged Foot Golf Club is a premier golfing destination with two 18-hole courses both ranked in the top 100, the West and the East. Both courses offer a par 72 and have hosted numerous prestigious championships, including the U.S. Open and Women's U.S. Open. With its challenging design and rich history, Winged Foot Golf Club is a must-visit.

• Founded: 1923

• Holes: 36 (2 Eighteen Hole Courses–East/West)

• Course Architects: A. W. Tillinghast / Robert Trent Jones, Sr. / Dick Wilson / George Fazio / Tom Fazio / Gil Hanse

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: East: 73.6 Rating / 140 Slope, West: 76.4 Rating / 140 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 100

Quaker Ridge Golf Club

Quaker Ridge Golf Club, founded in 1916, is located on a site where golf was first played in 1915 as the Metropolitan Golf Links. Renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast redesigned the course, creating a beloved layout known as “Tilly’s Treasure,” which opened in 1918. The course, set in undulating, heavily wooded terrain, offers a challenging test of golf. Though relatively unheralded, Quaker Ridge has hosted notable events like the 75th Walker Cup in 1997 and the 2018 Curtis Cup. Gil Hanse's restoration work since 2002 has enhanced the course’s historical charm, earning it accolades. Notable members have included champions Jess Sweetser and Willie Turnesa, and composer George Gershwin.

• Founded: 1915

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: John Duncan Dunn / A. W. Tillinghast / Robert Trent Jones, Sr. / Francis Duane / Rees Jones / Gil Hanse

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.8 Rating / 143 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 97.6

Lake Success Golf Club

Lake Success Golf Club is a challenging yet rewarding course with a 6,329-yard, par 70 course with immaculate greens and fairways. Situated on the former site of The Vanderbilt's private golf club, the course is steeped in history. It provides a unique golfing experience for players of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Lake Success Golf Club is the perfect place to hone your skills and enjoy a day on the greens.

• Founded: 1921

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: H. S. Colt / C. H. Alison / Orrin Smith / Stephen Kay / Keith

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.1 Rating / 137 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 93.4

Baltusrol Golf Club

Baltusrol Golf Club, located at the base of Baltusrol Mountain in northern New Jersey, is renowned for its championship golf courses and proximity to New York City. Baltusrol was envisioned as a world-class golf club for America's leading city. The club features two acclaimed courses, the Lower and Upper, designed by architect A.W. Tillinghast. Over its history, Baltusrol has hosted 18 major championships, including seven U.S. Opens and the 2023 Women's PGA Championship. In 2014, the club was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance in Tillinghast's career as a course designer.

• Founded: 1922

• Holes: 36

• Course Architects: A. W. Tillinghast / Robert Trent Jones, Sr. / Rees Jones

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: Upper: 75.9 Rating / 151 Slope, Lower: 76.2 Rating / 145 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 100

Bayonne Golf Course

The Bayonne Golf Club, designed and developed by Eric Bergstol, is a unique golf course on a 150-acre site along the Hudson River, just five miles from Manhattan. The project transformed the site, previously known for abandoned cars, into a premier golf destination. Utilizing millions of cubic yards of dredged material from New York Harbor, the site was elevated and sculpted into a challenging course with the assistance of agronomy consultant Richard Hurley. Construction began in 1999, with the final landforms and seeding completed by 2005, leading to the club's opening in June 2006. The course features traditional links grasses and over fifty-eight thousand plants to achieve its natural look. The clubhouse, completed in 2008, adds to the club's distinctive charm with its castle-style architecture and attached lighthouse.

• Founded: 2006

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: Eric Bergstol

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.5 Rating / 149 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 89.2

Plainfield Country Club 

Plainfield Country Club, established in 1890, offers a premier family-oriented environment featuring top-notch golf, racquets, swimming, and entertainment facilities. The club is renowned for its Donald Ross-designed golf course, recently restored by architect Gil Hanse. Additionally, Plainfield boasts one of New Jersey's largest racquet programs, including tennis, paddle, and squash, along with a state-of-the-art pool facility. The clubhouse on the highest point in Middlesex County provides fine dining with views of New York City and the Watchung Mountains. The club's heritage includes hosting major PGA TOUR events and supporting local charities through initiatives like the First Tee Program.

• Founded: 1890

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: Donald Ross / Gil Hanse

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.7 Rating / 138 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 94.8

Trump National Golf Club Bedmister

Trump National Golf Club Bedminster is a private golf club known for its luxurious amenities and state-of-the-art facilities. Located on historic grounds with the picturesque Somerset Hills as a backdrop, the club features two 18-hole championship courses. An Olympic-size swimming pool, fine dining options, tennis and paddle facilities, overnight accommodations, and a vibrant social calendar complement the elegant 1939 Georgian Revival clubhouse. Recognized as one of the top golf clubs in the United States, it has hosted prestigious events such as the 2017 U.S. Women's Open and the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. The club continues to earn high accolades, including rankings in America's Best Modern Courses and the NJPGA Club of the Year.

• Founded: 2004

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: Tom Fazio

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 76.4 Rating / 153 Slope  

• GolfDay Rating: 91.5

Sleepy Hollow Country Club 

The Sleepy Hollow Country Club has a rich history and was designed by renowned architects Stanford White and Charles Blair Macdonald. It offers exceptional golfing and amenities such as tennis courts, swimming pools, squash courts, a fitness center, and equestrian facilities for a luxurious experience.

• Founded: 1911

• Holes: 27

• Course Architects: C. B. Macdonald / Seth Raynor / A. W. Tillinghast / Tom Winton / Robert Trent Jones, Sr. / Rees Jones / Gil Hanse

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: Upper: 74.6 Rating / 141 Slope, Lower: 30.5 Rating / 110 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 100

Inwood Country Club

Located on a former potato farm in Inwood, Long Island, the club initially featured a nine-hole course designed by Dr. William Exton and Arthur Thatcher. It expanded to 18 holes in 1906, becoming notable for hosting major golf events such as the 1921 PGA Championship and the 1923 U.S. Open. The Georgian-style clubhouse, built in 1917 and renovated multiple times, stands as a testament to the club’s rich history. Over the years, various golf professionals, including Herbert Strong, have enhanced the course, making it a venue for some of the sport’s most significant figures like Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. Today, Inwood Country Club remains a prestigious destination, celebrated for its deep-rooted traditions and tremendous contributions to American golf.

• Founded: 1901

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: William Exton / Arthur Thatcher / Herbert Strong / Hal Purdy / Francis Duane / Bruce Hepner

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 72.4 Rating / 133 Slope 

• GolfDay Rating: 84.1

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