Everyone knows about the great golf in places like Florida, Texas, Arizona and Southern California. But despite the shortened golf season, the Northeast has some of the best public layouts in the country. As summer winds down in many parts of the country, here's a list of some of the top public golf courses in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New England that you'll want to check out:
Connecticut:
Keney Park Golf Course, Hartford, CT – With its first nine holes designed by Devereux Emmet and opened in 1927, Keney Park Golf Course is now 18 holes of championship golf built to be enjoyed by golfers of all skill sets. The site of the 2019 Junior PGA Girls Championship, Keney Park features a unique layout, four tees from which golfers can choose to play, and an expansive practice area with a new driving range, reconstructed practice green and 5,000-square-foot small game area feet.
Maine:
Cape Arundel Golf Club, Kennebunkport, Maine – When it was founded in 1896, Cape Arundel Golf Club was one of only 74 golf clubs in the United States. If golf history is your thing, this course is for you with its storied past and iconic layout. Former US and British Amateur Champion Walter J. Travis designed every hole – one more reason to put Cape Arundel Golf Club on your list of places to play someday.
Massachusetts:
Cape Cod National Golf Club, Brewster, Massachusetts – Technically not open to the public, Cape Cod National Golf Club is accessible when you stay at Wequassett Resort. A true test built in an incredible environment, Cape Cod is a must-have game for every gamer. Extensive practice facilities may be uncommon on Cape Cod, but Cape Cod National has a stunning driving range, brand new short game area with room for shots up to 70 yards, and enough practice putting greens to improve what many consider the most important aspect of the game. .
New Hampshire:
Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire – The legendary Donald Ross completed the design of the Mount Washington course in 1915. At over 7,000 yards from the tips, the Mount Washington course offers stunning views of the Presidential Range and challenging fairway play. After decades of play, the course was restored to Mr. Ross' original design in 2008. Mount Washington has been considered the best course to play in the Granite State since 2009, a historic streak of stellar public golf.
New Jersey:
Crystal Springs Resort (Ballyowen) – Escape to Ireland or Scotland without leaving the state of New Jersey with Ballyowen's links style layout. Crystal Springs Resort opened in 1998 and is a popular destination for golfers throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Crystal Springs boasts countless stellar views, pristine course conditions and five other courses at the resort — in case you want to play more than 18.
New York:
Bethpage Black Course, Farmingdale – Truly an outstanding design and an experience that all golfers should have at least once, Bethpage Black is a challenging 18 holes for even the best golfers out there. The conditions are Ryder Cup worthy every day and golfers actually sleep overnight in the parking lot in hopes of picking up some time in the morning. This Long Island legend hosted the 2019 PGA Championship and is set to host the best golfers from the US and Europe for the 2025 Ryder Cup, so play where history is made.
Pennsylvania:
Nemacolin (Mystic Rock), Farmington, PA – Mystic Rock Golf Course is a Pete Dye design located atop the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. With a course rating of 77, Mystic Rock's innovative layout will provide a suitable challenge for the most skilled players. Once the home of the PGA Tour's 84 Lumber Classic, Mystic Rock's impeccable design is supported by its perfect conditions. This is not to be missed when in western Pennsylvania.
Rhodes island:
Newport National, Newport, RI – With many polls saying this is the best course in New England, you need to add it to your Northeast golfing list. Newport National offers ocean views, rolling fairways and bunkers that always seem to keep your blood from boiling and your lips from smiling at the same time. Newport National plays over 7,200 yards from the tips, so make sure you have what it takes to hit it off the black tees – there are three other options, after all.
Vermont:
Rutland Country Club, Rutland, VT – Established in 1901, Rutland Country Club welcomes public golfers and has members who are proud to call the club home. At just under 6,200 yards, Rutland Country Club guarantees an enjoyable experience while hitting every club in your golf bag. Rutland has great dining options, a fantastic golf shop and rich history — come play the course that was good enough for Ted Williams, Bob Rotella and the PGA Tour's Keegan Bradley.
