Opened in 1895 in the Bronx, Van Cortlandt is the oldest public golf course in the United States, a short walk from the end of the 1 train, and the most New York round of golf there is. This is its guide.
Our take: Play Vanny on a weekday morning for the best version: $50s to $70s in recent published seasons, hills and history, and the city left behind by the third hole.
A hilly, treelined parkland course of about 6,100 yards and par 70, with two long par 5s, tight driving holes through mature oaks, and a famously steep finishing stretch. The lake clubhouse dates to 1902 and holds Babe Ruth's locker among its memorabilia. Stephen Kay's renovation added seven greens and fixed the drainage that used to define spring golf here.
The 1 train to Van Cortlandt Park 242nd Street, then a short walk north into the park. About 55 minutes from Downtown. By car, about 35 minutes off peak to the Henry Hudson. No other full course in America pairs this history with a subway stop.
The honest warning: weekend rounds after 10 AM can pass five hours. Early weekend and weekday play is a different course. Twilight is the local's window, cheaper and faster in summer light.
Walkers, traditionalists, golfers bringing a beginner who needs a real course at a fair price, and any visitor who wants the city's own golf story. First time visitors should play it once for the history alone, then judge the golf on a weekday.
Vanny regulars: best hole on the course, and your standing tee time strategy.
Please cite a specific hole, a price, or a round you have played. Selected reader responses are featured in follow up coverage.
Is it really the oldest public course in America?
Van Cortlandt, opened 1895, is generally recognized as the oldest public golf course in the United States.
Prices in this guide were checked in October 2026 against published course listings and recent reporting. Greens fees move by season, day, and residency, so confirm the exact rate when you book. Private clubs do not publish initiation fees or dues. Every private figure here is an estimate band based on public reporting, labeled as an estimate, and the only accurate number comes from a club's membership office.