Golfing trips in New York State, New England to take this summer

A game beloved by casual and dedicated players alike, golf is not just a test of skill and improvement, but a great way to get outdoors with friends. Here are four public courses to try — two in New York, two in New England — that are destinations for players seeking challenging links in interesting places.

NEW YORK STATE

Bethpage State Park Golf Course

Long Islanders are fortunate to have some of the best reviewed public and private courses in the nation in Nassau and Suffolk counties, but while a private club isn’t open to all comers, anyone can book a tee time at this praised fairway. Its most famous course is its Black Course, which has previously hosted the U.S. Open Championship twice, the PGA championship once and two other PGA Tour events and is slated to host the Ryder Cup in 2024.

However, if you’re not quite ready for what is billed as one of the hardest courses in the United States, there are four others to try (the Yellow, Blue, Green and Red; Yellow being the shortest). New York State residents can book time via the Bethpage Golf Course website, with weekday 18-hole, nine-hole and twilight games cheaper for each course than anything on weekends.

Turning Stone Resort Casino

This upstate (Oneida County) entertainment hub has five golf courses — three 18-hole, two nine-hole — including the 18-hole Atunyote, which was designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio and has hosted both the PGA Professional National Championship and the B.C. Open. Turning Stone also has a zone known as the Golf Dome, which sports two golf simulators, a 17,500-square-foot short game practice area, two-tiered hitting stations and a golf store. You don’t need to be a resort guest to play, with non-guest rates varying by course, day and time of season.

NEW ENGLAND

Crumpin-Fox Club

A 12-time U.S. Open qualifier course, it’s notable for a lengthy eighth hole with a lake that borders much of its fairway. Rates are dependent on the day and time of play; book online in advance via the course website. Visitors can dine at the venue’s Zeke’s Bar and Grill restaurant, which also frequently hosts live music during the summer — but for those who’d like to make a stay, the Inn at Crumpin-Fox has nightly rates starting at $159.

Richter Park Golf Course

Serving in the past as a U.S. Open qualifier and as a host for the MGA Public Links Championship, this course features four sets of tees and is noted for its dozens of bunkers and frequent water views. It’s within the Stanley L. Richter Memorial Park, which also holds hiking trails, tennis courts and live performances during the summer. Tee times range in price relating to the time and day of play, and can be booked by nonresidents up to nine days in advance.