Golfing In Nyc: A Beginner's Guide

how to golf in nyc

New York City may not be the most obvious place to play golf, but there are plenty of courses and facilities to choose from. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, an indoor or outdoor golfer, there are options for everyone. If you're looking for a course, you can choose from the likes of Van Cortland in The Bronx, Marine Park in Brooklyn, or Skyway in Jersey City. For a driving range, you could try Chelsea Piers, Randall's Island Golf Center, or Brooklyn Golf Center. And if you're looking to join a club, there are plenty in Westchester, just a short Uber ride from the train station. So, if you're keen to golf in NYC, read on to find out more about the best places to tee off.

Characteristics Values
Golf courses in NYC Van Cortland Golf Course, Marine Park Golf Course, Douglaston Golf Course, Dyker Beach, Skyway, Trump Ferry Point, Bethpage, Chelsea Piers, Alley Pond, Galloping Hill, Hyatt Hills, Randall's Island Golf Center, Brooklyn Golf Center
Transport Accessible by car, public transport, Uber
Cost $30-50, $175 (Trump Ferry Point), $35-50 (Chelsea Piers), $200 (Uber round trip for 4 people)
Other info Some courses are within 15 miles of Manhattan, some are 90 minutes away, some are accessible via the R Train

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Golf courses in NYC: Van Cortland, Marine Park, Douglaston, and Dyker Beach

New York City is home to several golf courses, including Van Cortland, Marine Park, Douglaston, and Dyker Beach. Each course offers a unique golfing experience with varying features and amenities.

Van Cortlandt Golf Course, affectionately known as "Vanny" by some, is located in the North Bronx near the Yonkers border. It boasts the distinction of being the oldest public golf course in the USA. The course is renowned for its history and provides golfers with a traditional golfing experience.

Marine Park Golf Course, located in Brooklyn, is accessible by car or Uber, and it offers a challenging and enjoyable round of golf. It is considered one of the best city courses by some golfers.

Douglaston Golf Course, situated in Queens, was formally known as North Hills Country Club before becoming a municipal course in the early 1960s. Douglaston is perched at a high point, offering golfers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Dyker Beach Golf Course, also in Brooklyn, combines exhilarating play with extraordinary event services. Designed by Tom Bendelow in 1897 and later redesigned by Jon Van Kleek in 1935, this 6,438-yard par 71 course provides a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. The course is complemented by a recently renovated event facility that includes catering halls, a full-service bar and grill, and a specially designed ceremony site, making it an ideal location for weddings, parties, and corporate events.

Each of these golf courses in NYC presents golfers with distinct features, scenery, and amenities, ensuring a varied and enjoyable golfing experience right in the heart of the city.

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Getting to golf courses: Ubers, driving, and public transport

There are several ways to get to New York City's golf courses, including by Uber, driving your own car, or using public transport.

Ubers

If you're looking to avoid driving, Ubers are a convenient option to get to many of the golf courses in NYC. For example, Harbour Links in Roslyn is a highly recommended course that is accessible via a 7-minute Uber from Roslyn station or Port Washington. Similarly, South Shore is a little further from the ferry, but you can still get there via an Uber.

Driving

If you do choose to drive yourself to the golf course, here are the directions to some of the courses:

  • To get to the Clearview Park Golf Course, take the Grand Central Pkwy. to Little Neck Pkwy. and take exit 24.
  • For the Kissena Park Golf Course, take the Long Island Expressway to Utopia Parkway, exit 25.
  • For the Pelham Bay Park Golf Course, take the Major Deegan Expressway to exit 13.

Public Transport

Many of the golf courses in NYC are also accessible via public transport, including subway, bus, and train. For example, the Douglaston Park Golf Course can be reached by taking the F train to Jamaica (169th St.) and then the Q-17A bus to Marathon Pkwy, followed by a short walk to the course. The Dyker Park Golf Course is also accessible by subway—take the D train to the 18th Ave stop and then take the B1 to 11th Ave.

Some other golf courses that are reachable by public transport include:

  • Kissena Park Golf Course: Take the 7 train to Main Street, then the Q65 Queens/Nassau bus. Alternatively, take the E train to Parsons Boulevard, followed by the Q65 bus.
  • Pelham Bay/Split Rock: Take the 6 train and then a bus or Uber for another 10 minutes.
  • South Shore Golf Course: Take the Randall's Island bus from 125th St. and Lexington Ave. to the driving range stop.
  • Mosholu Golf Course: Take the No. 4 subway to the last stop, Woodlawn Road.
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Golfing alone: Playing with strangers and making friends

Golfing alone in New York City can be a daunting task, but it can also be a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends. Here are some tips and insights to make the most of your solo golfing experience in the Big Apple:

Choosing a Golf Course

Selecting the right golf course is essential when golfing alone. Consider factors such as accessibility, pricing, and the overall golfing experience. For example, if you don't have a car, opt for courses accessible by public transportation, such as the Marine Park Golf Course in Brooklyn, which can be reached by taking the subway and then connecting to the Q35 bus. Alternatively, if you're in Manhattan, the Chelsea Piers range is an option, but it tends to be expensive. For a more reasonably priced experience, try the driving range in Queens' Alley Pond.

Embracing the Company of Strangers

Golfing alone often means being paired with strangers. While this can be intimidating at first, it's an excellent opportunity to make new connections. You never know who you'll meet on the course; one golfer reported playing with an older gentleman who had been a professional tennis player and worked at the course, offering the golfer free access in the future. Another golfer shared a similar experience, meeting a local who provided restaurant recommendations, enhancing their summer in the city.

Golfing as a Social Experience

Golf is a social sport, and playing with others is part of the experience. While it can be awkward at first, playing with strangers can lead to unexpected friendships and connections. You might even find networking opportunities, as some golfers have discovered by joining clubs in the Westchester area. These clubs offer more than just golfing; they provide dining, pools, and networking possibilities with finance professionals.

Exploring Indoor Options

If you're short on time or prefer a more accessible option, indoor golf clubs in Midtown Manhattan offer reasonable memberships. You can book a hitting bay and launch monitor to practice or play virtual rounds. While it's not the same as a real course, it's a convenient way to fit golf into your busy schedule without the hassle and expense of travelling to a distant location.

Planning and Flexibility

Golfing in NYC often requires planning and flexibility. Securing tee times at popular courses can be challenging, and you may need to consider alternative days and times for your outings. Additionally, be prepared for various playing styles and skill levels among your golfing partners. It can be a gamble, but it's worth taking the chance, as you may end up with enjoyable company for the afternoon or even make a long-lasting friendship.

In conclusion, golfing alone in NYC presents unique challenges and opportunities. By choosing suitable courses, embracing the company of strangers, recognising the social aspect of the sport, and considering indoor alternatives, you can make the most of your solo golfing adventures and potentially expand your social circle.

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Golf clubs: Joining a club and networking

Joining a golf club is a great way to network and meet new people. Golf clubs offer a competitive yet fun environment where you can challenge yourself and socialise with others.

Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) League

The MGA League is a fantastic option for those seeking a mix of competition and camaraderie. The league is open to men, women, and juniors of all skill levels, fostering an inclusive environment. Each league consists of four teams, with 8-12 players per team, ensuring you'll meet a diverse group of golfers. The MGA League is active during the summer months of July and August, guaranteeing a consistent golfing routine and ample opportunities for social connections.

Konnectgolf

Konnectgolf offers an indoor golf experience with state-of-the-art technology and a spacious bar and lounge. Their weekly challenges and year-round competitions create a stimulating environment for improvement and social interaction. The facility caters to both golfers and non-golfers, making it ideal for corporate events, team-building, and social gatherings. Their studios provide a comfortable setting to practice, take lessons, or simply enjoy the company of others.

Five Iron Golf

Five Iron Golf is a high-tech, inclusive urban golf experience with two locations in New York City. Their leagues introduce a competitive element to the fun, with teams competing against each other over a seven-week period. This format encourages regular interaction and the opportunity to meet new people while improving your golfing skills.

Public Golf Courses and Ranges

Public golf courses and ranges, such as those in Chelsea Piers, Queens (Alley Pond), Brooklyn, and the Bronx, offer affordable options for golfing in NYC. While securing tee times can be challenging, these public courses provide an excellent opportunity to meet other golfers and form connections. Playing as a single golfer can lead to unexpected friendships and valuable local insights, as you never know who you'll meet on the course.

Joining a golf club in NYC opens doors to a vibrant community of golfers and enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, these clubs offer a blend of competition, improvement, and social networking opportunities to elevate your golfing journey.

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Golfing on a budget: Cheap courses and indoor golf

Golfing in New York City can be expensive, but there are a few ways to save money and still enjoy a round of golf. Here are some tips for golfing on a budget in NYC:

Cheap Golf Courses

Public golf courses in NYC can be a mixed bag, but there are some good options if you're on a budget. One of the closest public courses to Manhattan is Chelsea Piers on the Hudson River, which costs $35-50 per bucket. However, some people find it expensive to play here. A more reasonably priced option is the driving range in Queens called Alley Pond, and there are also some good municipal courses in Brooklyn and the Bronx. If you're willing to travel outside the city, there are some decent 9-hole tracks across the Hudson in Jersey City, such as Skyway. With a car, you can also reach Galloping Hill or Hyatt Hills, both of which have good practice facilities.

Golf in NYC Parks

New York City residents can play golf at a discounted rate in NYC parks if they provide proof of residency. Some of the golf courses located in NYC parks include Pelham Bay Park Golf Course, Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course, Dyker Beach Golf Course, Marine Park Golf Course, and Douglaston Park Golf Course. These courses are accessible by public transport, making them a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Indoor Golf

If you're looking for a more affordable and accessible way to practice your golf game, indoor golf clubs and simulators offer a great alternative. Five Iron Golf and Konnect Golf in NYC provide state-of-the-art simulators, expert guidance, and a dynamic atmosphere for golfers of all levels. These venues also host events and have food and cocktail menus, making them a fun choice for social outings and networking.

Golfing as a Single

Playing as a single golfer in NYC can be a great way to meet people and make connections. While it can be intimidating to play with strangers, it's a chance to socialise and potentially make new friends. You never know who you'll meet on the course, and you might even get invited for a free round by someone who works at the course, as one golfer at Bethpage experienced. So, don't be afraid to step out onto the course alone and embrace the social aspect of the game.

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Frequently asked questions

Some popular golf courses in NYC are Van Cortland in The Bronx, Marine Park in Brooklyn, Douglaston in Queens, and Dyker Beach in Brooklyn. If you're willing to travel a little further, Skyway in Jersey City and Trump Ferry Point are also good options.

Some NYC golf courses are accessible by public transport, such as the Marine Park Golf Course, which can be reached by taking the subway and then connecting to the Q35 bus from Penn Station. However, it is generally easier to get to the courses by car.

Yes, there are indoor golf clubs in midtown Manhattan that offer reasonable memberships for those who want to practice or play a few holes without having to leave the city. There are also indoor practice facilities, such as Chelsea Piers, which features four tiers of hitting bays overlooking the Hudson River.

Playing as a single golfer in NYC can be intimidating at first, as you will be paired with strangers. However, it can also be a great way to meet new people and make connections. It is also a good opportunity to practice your golf skills and explore different courses in the city.

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