Top Golf Courses on Long Island for a Premium Driving Experience

Long Island stands as one of America's top golfing destinations, having hosted major tournaments including the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens and the 2019 PGA Championship. You'll find everything here, from championship public courses to exclusive private clubs that cater to golfers at every skill level.

Why Long Island Is a Premier Golf Destination

Nobody matches the region's tournament history on the East Coast. Tiger Woods conquered the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black. That victory made history as the first time the championship landed at a genuine public course. Years later, Brooks Koepka tore up the same venue during the 2019 PGA Championship, shooting a blistering course-record 63 in round one.

The landscape creates incredible diversity. Courses inland snake through demanding Pine Barrens territory, while those hugging the coast serve up stunning ocean panoramas. What matters most? Long Island's premier golf courses stay open to everyone, not just members with deep pockets. You get championship-quality conditions without the exclusivity that plagues other top destinations.

Top Public Golf Courses on Long Island

Bethpage State Park Courses

Bethpage Black reigns as Long Island's golf crown jewel. This beast stretches 7,468 yards with a brutal slope rating of 155. Tiger's 2002 triumph put it on every golfer's bucket list, and Lucas Glover's 2009 U.S. Open victory sealed its legendary status. New York residents pay $70 weekdays, $80 weekends while out-of-state players face steeper fees.

Here's the catch: reservations open exactly seven days in advance at midnight. Weekend slots vanish fast. The complex's other tracks (Green, Blue, Yellow) deliver outstanding golf at friendlier rates of $38-43. All five courses maintain tournament-level conditioning year-round.

Montauk Downs State Park

This coastal beauty blends links-style design with spectacular East End views. The fairways roll naturally while protected greens demand precise approach shots. Factor in steady winds that can add a full club or two to your distances. Smart course management trumps brute force here. Spring offers the sweet spot when rates stay reasonable and crowds remain thin.

Luxury Private Golf Courses Long Island

Private clubs throughout Long Island maintain conditions that blow past most public facilities. Greens roll at major championship speed every single day.

Elite Course Design and Heritage

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club sits fifth globally, featuring C.B. Macdonald's masterful takes on classic UK holes. This venue has hosted five U.S. Opens (1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018) with more scheduled for 2026 and 2036. One reviewer captured it perfectly: "Shinnecock is the best golf course I have played… both challenging and fun to play."

Friar's Head Golf Club claims 22nd place worldwide, showcasing Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw's brilliant design across 350 rugged acres. Length takes a backseat to strategy here, creating a layout that rewards careful thinking over power. Getting onto these luxury spots requires membership or guest privileges, with initiation fees often topping $100,000.

Other elite venues worth noting: Garden City Golf Club with Walter Travis's redesign and 175 bunkers, Maidstone Club perched on East Hampton's Gardiner Peninsula, and National Golf Links of America, displaying iconic links architecture in Southampton.

Golf Courses Near Smithtown

Pine Hills Golf Club (Calverton)

This standout public Pine Hills Golf Club course delivers genuine Long Island scenery with championship-caliber conditions. The drive from Smithtown via the LIE keeps things convenient for local golfers. The layout strikes a nice balance between challenge and playability across diverse terrain.

Hamlet Wind Watch Golf & Country Club (Hauppauge)

Hamlet Wind Watch Golf & Country Club in Hauppauge sits just minutes from Smithtown and offers an 18-hole layout with thoughtfully placed water hazards and strategic bunkering. They offer both daily public play and membership packages, maintaining solid conditions all season long.

Cherry Creek Golf Links (Riverhead)

Cherry Creek Golf Links in Riverhead is a well-kept public course highlighted by its distinctive par-6 18th hole that always sparks conversation. Steady conditioning paired with fair pricing makes it a Suffolk County favorite. The routing provides good variety without punishing weekend warriors.

Planning Your Long Island Golf Weekend

Study each course's personality before you book to guarantee variety in your golf adventure. Lock in tee times weeks early for premium venues, especially during the hot season from May through September. Basing yourself around Farmingdale or Smithtown cuts down travel time between courses.

Plan on spending $70-170 per round at top public layouts. Twilight rates can slash costs by 30-40%. Don't forget cart fees and range balls in your budget. Build some flexibility into your schedule since weather delays hit frequently during spring and fall.

Before your next weekend tackling the island's championship courses, visit Audi of Smithtown to make sure your ride matches the premium experience waiting on the links. World-class golf destinations deserve world-class transportation. Browse the latest inventory to find your perfect match for Long Island golf adventures.

This guide comes from Audi of Smithtown, located at 578 Middle Country Rd in Saint James. For vehicle sales, call 631-986-4289 or reach service at 631-986-4365.