No matter one’s skill level, Long Island is home to hundreds of golf courses for all types of players. Whether you’re just starting to learn the game or have been playing for years, there’s a course for everyone.
From practice courses to places that have hosted PGA of America tournaments and events, there’s no shortage of fantastic options to up your golf game this summer.
Here’s a list of courses best suited for golfers of all levels.
Beginner/Amateur
Bethpage Yellow
Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale
One of five courses at Bethpage State Park, the yellow course was designed more than 60 years ago with the idea of having an accessible course for those still learning the game. Today, it’s played some 300,000 times annually, and for good reason.
For around $40, Bethpage Yellow is a great course for people of all ages looking to improve on all facets of their game. The green and blue courses are also nice options for amateur golfers.
Gull Haven Golf Course
1 Gullhaven Dr., Central Islip
An accessible 9-hole track, Gull Haven offers a nice option to build your game without much worry. Unlike some other 9-hole courses, Gull Haven provides full-length holes and unique par 3s.
Its wide-open fairways on longer holes also allow for more leeway with your longer shots.
Peninsula Golf Course
50 Nassau Rd., Massapequa
If you aren’t comfortable with a full 18-hole course yet, but still want a challenge, Peninsula Golf Course is a great option. With giving fairways, the 3,346-yard, 9-hole course allows a lot of room for error, while also providing a unique and challenging experience for beginners.
With two short par 5s to start and begin the card, and a straight par 3 in the middle, this Massapequa course is perfect for some good exploration of your game.
Experienced
Montauk Downs
50 S. Fairway Ave, Montauk
Right near the eastern tip of Long Island, this state park course is often made unpredictable because of heavy winds. The front nine is more difficult than the back half, but is easy to build momentum off of.
Most of the holes on the 7,000-yard track are inland, but you’ll still be treated to plenty of stunning views during a round.
Crab Meadow Golf Course
220 Waterside Rd., Northport
A prime location on the Long Island Sound offers great views and a fun round for the average golfer. Each of the 18 holes provides a unique challenge with changing elevation and smaller-than-usual greens.
Watch out for the wind, though, which can take you on a journey through the 6,574-yard track.
Mill Pond Golf Course
300 Mill Rd., Medford
The only links-style course on this list, Mill Pond’s wide-open fairways offer some relief for a course that plays a lot longer than its listed yardage of 6,304.
The back nine plays a bit more difficult than the front, with shallow fairways and ample room to lose a ball.
Looking for a tough challenge?
Bethpage Black
Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale
If it gives professionals trouble, this behemoth of a course will challenge anyone. At more than 7,000 yards, this course features some of the longest and toughest holes on the island, but can deliver one of the most exhilarating days for any golfer.
Staying on the fairway is one of the toughest challenges at Bethpage, and the long rough is a struggle to get out of. With that said, Black is one of the best courses for experienced golfers across America. It is set to host the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Rock Hill Golf Club
105 Clancy Rd., Manorville
Another long course, approaching 7,000 yards, Rock Hill is one of the nicer courses on Long Island. While the scenery might be nice, it doesn’t play so nice for the average golfer.
Where you’ll find the most trouble here is on the greens. Between its changing elevation and unpredictable slopes, a 10-foot chance for par can quickly turn into a look for double bogey. But between the gorgeous views and the fair price for a public course, Rock Hill is a treat for experienced players.
Pine Hills Golf and Country Club
2 Country Club Dr., Manorville
Pine Hills feels more like a private course when you first start, and it plays like a difficult one too.
Between narrow fairways and plenty of traps, the 7,132-yard track doesn’t offer much forgiveness, but provides one of the best rounds on Long Island.
