10 Best Public Golf Courses in Nassau County Worth Playing
Looking for public golf in Nassau County? Here are 10 courses worth playing, from Bethpage Black and Eisenhower Red to Harbor Links, Lido and local 9-hole options.
Nassau County is one of the rare places where golfers can play genuinely historic championship courses, scenic waterfront layouts and affordable municipal tracks — all without joining a private club. The obvious headliner is Bethpage Black, but it is far from the only public option worth knowing about. Golf Digest's 2026 Long Island public-course guide also highlights Bethpage Red, Eisenhower Red, Harbor Links and The Golf Club at Middle Bay among the stronger public choices in the region. Here are 10 public golf courses in Nassau County worth playing, whether you're looking for a serious championship test, a scenic weekend round or a quick local nine.
- 1
Bethpage State Park — Black Course, Farmingdale
If you only know one public golf course on Long Island, it's probably Bethpage Black. The Black has hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens, the 2019 PGA Championship and the 2025 Ryder Cup, and it is scheduled to host the 2028 KPMG Women's PGA Championship and the PGA Championship again in 2033. Golf Digest places it at the top of its Long Island public-course list, and for good reason: it's a difficult, demanding championship course with a reputation that reaches far beyond New York.
Experienced golfers looking for a serious testWhy go: One of the most famous public courses in America
Tee times can disappear quickly. Walk-up registration rules apply.
- 2
Bethpage State Park — Red Course, Farmingdale
The Red often gets overshadowed by the Black, but Golf Digest considers it Bethpage's second-best layout. It was designed by A.W. Tillinghast and opened in 1935. It still gives you that classic Bethpage feel — tree-lined holes, strategic bunkering and a demanding opening hole — without quite the same level of punishment as the Black.
Strong golfers who want Bethpage without the Black Course intimidationWhy go: Championship-style design and excellent value
Still a serious golf course, not an 'easy alternative'.
- 3
Eisenhower Park — Red Course, East Meadow
Eisenhower Red has more history than many local golfers realize. The course, originally part of Salisbury Golf Club, hosted the 1926 PGA Championship, won by Walter Hagen. Nassau County describes Eisenhower as a 54-hole public golf complex, and Golf Digest still recognizes the Red as one of Long Island's notable public tracks.
Golfers who like classic parkland layoutsWhy go: Championship history without leaving central Nassau
Eisenhower also has White and Blue courses if Red is booked.
- 4
Harbor Links Golf Course, Port Washington
Harbor Links is one of Nassau's more distinctive public courses. Built on a former sand mine, the 18-hole course has a links-style feel, split fairways and a rocky bluff that makes it visually different from many tree-lined suburban courses. Golf Digest lists it as a quality public option in the New York metro area.
Golfers who want something visually differentWhy go: Links-style layout and interesting terrain
It's one of the stronger North Shore public options.
- 5
Lido Golf Club, Lido Beach
Lido Golf Club is a South Shore public course with a waterfront setting and an old-school Robert Trent Jones Sr. design. Golf Digest lists the course at 6,913 yards, par 18-hole public play, with an open, wind-exposed layout close to the water. The coastal setting can make the wind a major part of the challenge.
Golfers who like open layouts and coastal conditionsWhy go: Waterfront scenery and a classic public-course feel
Wind can completely change the round.
- 6
The Golf Club at Middle Bay, Oceanside
Middle Bay is one of Nassau's strongest public courses that doesn't always get the same attention as Bethpage. Golf Digest describes the former private club as one of the better public options close to New York City, with fast greens, strong routing and several holes right along the water.
Golfers who want a full championship-style round on the South ShoreWhy go: Waterfront holes and consistently strong course conditions
A good alternative when Bethpage tee times are impossible.
- 7
Eisenhower Park — White Course, East Meadow
The White Course gives golfers another full 18-hole option at Eisenhower Park. Nassau County notes that the White was designed by Robert Trent Jones, and it remains part of the county's three-course 18-hole golf complex. It's a useful choice for players who want a full round at Eisenhower without necessarily taking on the Red.
Intermediate golfers and regular local playWhy go: Central location and easy access to a full 18-hole municipal course
- 8
Cantiague Park Golf Course, Hicksville
Not every round needs to be 18 holes. Cantiague Park's public course is flat, walkable and approachable, with several holes of 200 yards or more. Nassau County operates the course and notes that it stays open year-round when weather allows.
Beginners, seniors, juniors and quick roundsWhy go: Easy walking course and central location
Great option when you don't have four or five hours.
- 9
North Woodmere Park Golf Course, North Woodmere
North Woodmere gives South Shore golfers a longer nine-hole option. Nassau County describes it as a 2,282-yard course, with four holes longer than 300 yards and a flat, easy-to-walk layout near the water.
Casual golfers who still want some longer holesWhy go: Waterfront setting and more distance than many short municipal courses
- 10
Christopher Morley Park Golf Course, Roslyn
Christopher Morley Park gives North Shore residents another convenient public nine-hole option. The Nassau County course operates seasonally, generally from March through December depending on weather. It's less about championship golf and more about accessibility — a good place for a casual round, practice or newer golfers.
Beginners, quick rounds and local practiceWhy go: Convenient North Shore location and low-pressure environment
Which Nassau County Golf Course Fits Your Game?
If you're trying to narrow it down:
- For the ultimate challengeBethpage Black
- For championship golf without the BlackBethpage Red · Eisenhower Red
- For waterfront golfLido · Middle Bay
- For something differentHarbor Links
- For a quick nineCantiague · North Woodmere · Christopher Morley
- For a full municipal round in central NassauEisenhower White
Of course, course conditions, tee-time availability and seasonal hours can change quickly, so check directly with the course before heading out.
One Local Tip: Don't Assume You'll Get a Bethpage Tee Time
Bethpage State Park has five public 18-hole courses — Black, Red, Blue, Green and Yellow — and roughly 300,000 rounds are played there each year. If Black or Red is booked, Blue, Green and Yellow can still make for a good day of golf, and New York State says Blue and Yellow are available for year-round play when weather permits. So if your first choice is unavailable, don't necessarily abandon the trip.
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