Even though Long Island is full of swanky, private golf clubs, it has a bunch of really great public courses as well. Some of them are even listed in the top 15 public courses in the state by Golfweek. So whether you are packing your clubs or renting them, here are our top public golf course picks for Long Island.
This hidden gem located on the south shore of Long Island is both picturesque and challenging. Lido features a links course with plenty of hazards that will challenge and push golfers to their limits, especially when the wind is blowing. The back nine has some great views but is also considered the toughest stretch of finishing holes on Long Island.
255 Lido Boulevard
Lido Beach, NY 11561
(516) 889-8181
Green Fees: $21 - $48
This course may may not seem like much at first glance but the faux inland links-style course has some superb holes. Don't be fooled by the tall and wispy fescue or large bunkers when teeing up a shot. Familiarity with links-style golf will help throughout the course.
24 Cooper Street
Shoreham, NY 11786
(631) 209-9359
Green Fees: $20 - $79
The tiny town of Montauk on the eastern tip of the island offers wonderful beaches, great sea food, beautiful sunsets and fantastic golf. Enjoy peace and relaxation on this rugged and remote course. The constantly changing winds off the ocean and bay make the course play different each day.
50 S Fairview Avenue
Montauk, New York 11954
(631) 668-1100
Green Fees: $26 - $96
This course remains one of the most celebrated 18-hole municipal golf courses run by Nassau County. Originally, the course was part of an exclusive club, but after the depression, Nassau county took over the club and courses. The Red Course also has some tournament history, including the 1926 PGA Championship. Many professional golfers have praised it for it's difficulty and it's fantastic green fees!
Eisenhower Park
East Meadow, NY 11554
(516) 222-2620
Green Fees: $42 - $70
Black Course, Bethpage State Park
A famous (or should we say infamous?) U.S. Open (2002, 2009) course that is like a game of roulette. Just getting a tee time through the state's phone-in system is like winning the lottery. Plus, this tough course starts off with a warning sign reading, "The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers." If you can't get a tee time for this course, the Bethpage Red course is no consolation prize as it's also difficult. If you don't feel your golf skills are up to par for either, you can always try to get tickets to watch the 2019 PGA Championship that will be played on the Black course.
99 Quaker Meetinghouse Road
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(516) 249-4040
Green Fees: $39 - $150
