Golfweek has released its 2026 ranking of the nation’s best classic golf courses, and more than a dozen New York courses made the list.
The ranking evaluates the top 200 U.S. golf courses that opened before 1960, based on ratings from Golfweek’s panel of course evaluators. Earlier this month, Golfweek similarly ranked the nation’s best modern golf courses and four New York golf courses were among the best, according to the rankings.
Why does Golfweek split rankings between modern and classic? Simple – they are two very different eras.
In considering both categories, each course must receive at least 25 ratings from panel members to be eligible, according to Golfweek. Only rounds played within the past 10 years are considered, helping ensure courses continue to meet the publication’s standards over time.
Here’s which New York classic golf courses are some of the best in the country.
Classic New York courses in Golfweek’s top 100
To be considered a classic course by Golfweek, the course has to have opened before 1960 in the U.S.
“The Classic style of architecture was basically natural with intimate routings that enabled holes to cling to native landforms,” according to Golfweek. “Greens were built from native soil that was pushed up and shaped, giving Classic designers enormous freedom to build oddly shaped putting surfaces with more contour than typically seen in the Modern era, when green speeds became much greater.”
Here’s more on the 17 classic golf courses in New York within Golfweek’s top 100.
National Golf Links of America
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Fishers Island Club
Winged Foot Golf Club (West)
Maidstone Club
Bethpage State Park Golf Course (Black)
Garden City Golf Club
Oak Hill Country Club (East)
Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Winged Foot Golf Club (East)
Piping Rock Club
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
The Creek
Glens Falls Country Club
St. George’s Golf and Country Club
Country Club of Buffalo
Fenway Golf Club
Other NY golf courses listed among the best classic courses
The following NY golf courses ranked on the second half of the list:
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York golf courses earn top spots in rankings
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
