
Van Cortlandt Park Course
Van Cortlandt Park Golf Club

About this course
Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course, nestled within the Bronx's vast Van Cortlandt Park, offers a historic, accessible, and democratic golfing experience unlike any other in New York City. This public course, carved from the park's undulating terrain, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of affordable golf in a bustling urban environment. The layout, conceived by famed architect Thomas Bendelow, reflects a classic early 20th-century design aesthetic. The course plays as a winding gauntlet through the park's natural landscape; tight, tree-lined fairways demand accuracy off the tee, while subtly contoured greens reward precise approach shots. It favors a strategic player who can navigate the course's quirks and challenges. While Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course may not boast the accolades of championship venues, it holds a unique place in the city's golfing tapestry. It's a beloved destination for everyday golfers, offering a place to enjoy the game, hone their skills, and experience the tranquility of nature within the city limits. Known for its accessibility and affordability, it’s a haven for public golf enthusiasts and a testament to the enduring popularity of the sport among everyday New Yorkers. Adding to its charm, Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course boasts a welcoming atmosphere. It is a place where generations of golfers have learned the game, and where the sense of community and love for the sport is palpable. A perfect spot to unwind while enjoying a hot dog, classic for the NYC golfer.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in NY
Quick facts
- Location
- Bronx, NY, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1895
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Tom Bendelow
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 6,002 yards
- Difficulty
- 69.8/120
- Course Vaults score
- 5.3
Getting there
Most visitors arrive via one of New York's three major airports - LaGuardia (LGA), JFK, or Newark (EWR) - though the journey to Van Cortlandt Park Golf Club is decidedly local, best reached by subway or a quick drive north from Manhattan. The 1 or 4 train deposits golfers at the 242nd Street station, just a short walk from the clubhouse gates, while those driving follow the Henry Hudson Parkway as it traces the eastern edge of the park, exiting into a landscape that feels impossibly pastoral for the nation's largest city. The transition is abrupt and welcome: within moments of leaving the expressway, you're enveloped by centuries-old oaks and rolling terrain, arriving at America's first public golf course as if stepping through a portal in the urban fabric.

FAQ
Common questions about Van Cortlandt Park
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Van Cortlandt Park has a Course Vaults score of 5.3 out of 10 based on 108 logged golfers.
Van Cortlandt Park was designed by Tom Bendelow.
Yes. Van Cortlandt Park is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Van Cortlandt Park is 70.
Van Cortlandt Park plays 6,002 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Van Cortlandt Park is 120.




