Long Island has long been a golfer’s paradise for those in the know. The region’s relationship with the professional sport dates back to the 1896 U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton – and since then, Long Island’s courses have served as the host destination for 23 world-renowned golf championships.
Most recently, Long Island’s Bethpage Black Course was the site of the 2019 PGA Championship and 2021 North Trust Open. In 2025, the biggest international golf event in the world, The Ryder Cup, will also fly these greens. The best part is many of these courses are public—so even you can tee off where legendary pros have for decades. And did you know that many are accessible by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)?
So if you’re interested in exploring world-class greens, fairways, and rolling hills against the backdrop of Long Island’s beaches, waterways, and wooded acres, grab your clubs and check out our guide for experiencing these premier golf destinations car-free.
Bethpage State Park (Farmingdale)
Bethpage State Park Golf Course is home to five public 18-hole regulation golf courses, including the famed Bethpage Black Course which has been described as “brutally fun” by expert golfers. Originally designed by notable golf architect, A.W. Tillinghast, and as host of multiple national and internationally renowned PGA tours and Championships, even the best golfers should expect to be put to the ultimate test. For rates and tee times, visit their website.
WHERE TO STAY: Homewood Suites by Hilton Long Island- Melville, Hilton Garden Inn Melville, Courtyard by Marriott Republic Airport Long Island/Farmingdale
HOW TO GET HERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Bethpage or Farmingdale, then grab a cab or schedule a rideshare app service to your hotel or the course.
LIRRGovernor 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. For rates and tee times, visit their website.
WHERE TO STAY: Hampton Inn & Suites Huntington Downtown, Harbor Rose, The Northport Hotel
HOW TO GET HERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Northport or Kings Park, then hail a cab, hop in a rideshare or call your hotel or the course in advance to secure a shuttle.
Eisenhower Park (East Meadow)
Considered Nassau County’s own “Central Park” this 930-acre Park first earned its reputation as a golfer’s refuge during the ‘20s. 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 international golf architect, Devereux Emmet, and has ties to PGA tours and championships tracing back to 1926. The park’s additional Championship-level courses (White and Blue) were designed by golf architect, Robert Trent Jones, who’s contributions can be traced across golf courses throughout the nation. For rates and tee times, visit their website.
WHERE TO STAY: Garden City Hotel, Long Island Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Carle Place Garden City, Hilton Garden Inn Westbury
HOW TO GET HERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Westbury. From there, grab a rideshare, a cab to your hotel, or call the course to book a shuttle in advance.
Montauk Downs (Montauk)
Montauk Downs Golf Course was originally developed in 1927 and was redesigned in 1968 by Robert Trent Jones Jr. 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. For rates and tee times, visit their website.
WHERE TO STAY: Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, Marram, Surf Club at Montauk, Hero Beach Club, Montauk Blue Hotel, Wavecrest Resort
HOW TO GET HERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Montauk. From there book a rideshare service, grab a taxi, or a complimentary shuttle to your hotel.
Christopher Morley Golf Course (Roslyn)
Since 1967, this short nine-hole course has been an excellent place for beginners or those who want a quick round to tee off. The fairways are wide open, and the greens are large. 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 in the middle of 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. For rates and tee times, visit their website.
WHERE TO STAY: Fathoms, Hilton Garden Inn Roslyn, The Roslyn Tapestry Collection by Hilton, The Andrew Hotel, The Garden City Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Westbury Long Island
HOW TO GET HERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Roslyn, then hail a cab, schedule with a rideshare app or hop on a free shuttle bus to your hotel.
TopGolf (Holtsville)
Head to Long Island’s first and only TopGolf 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. For rates and tee times, visit their website.
WHERE TO STAY: Residence Inn by Marriott Long Island Holtsville, Courtyard by Marriott Long Island MacArthur Airport, Hampton Inn Long Island- Brookhaven, Danford’s Hotel & Marina
HOW TO GET HERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Medford, then take a taxi, schedule a bus shuttle or a rideshare app service to your hotel.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Course (Southampton)
Historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club was founded in 1891 and is the oldest incorporated golf club in the U.S. and was one of the five founding member clubs of the USGA. The original 12-hole golf course was designed by Willie Davis and expanded to eighteen holes in the spring of 1895. These links were revised four times before the present course, designed by William Flynn, was opened for the 1931 season. The current course utilizes the natural hilly topography of Shinnecock Hills to bring a unique golfing experience—that’s only comparable to the courses found on the British Isles—to Long Island’s East End. For rates and tee times visit their website.
WHERE TO STAY: Southampton Inn, The Atlantic, The Hampton Maid, Capri Hotel Southampton, Aria & Mare Hamptons
HOW TO GET HERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Southampton. You can then take a taxi, schedule with a rideshare app or get on a complimentary shuttle bus to your hotel.
