The city owns 13 golf courses, but you do not book them through the city. Different operators run them, and each has its own booking page. Here is where to go for each, and the rules that catch people out.
Nine courses, one booking site
GolfNYC runs Clearview Park, Douglaston, Forest Park, Kissena, LaTourette, Silver Lake, South Shore and Van Cortlandt Park, plus the Flushing Meadows pitch and putt. All book online through GolfNYC's tee times page. Online booking needs a credit card and charges a non-refundable $6 reservation fee per player.
The other four
- Mosholu, the Bronx: online from the course's own site, or (718) 655-0655. It has a 24-hour cancellation policy.
- Pelham/Split Rock, the Bronx: online, with a $6 non-refundable reservation fee per golfer; cancel at least 24 hours ahead. Juniors cannot book online.
- Dyker Beach, Brooklyn: online, the same $6 fee and 24 hours' notice to cancel. Junior rates cannot be booked online.
- Marine Park, Brooklyn: online, but seniors 62 and over can only book in person or by calling the pro shop, (718) 252-4625, option 1.
Ferry Point is different
Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point is priced far above the other city courses. It books 14 days ahead. Eighteen holes for a New York City resident are $193 Monday to Thursday and $231 Friday to Sunday; non-residents pay $246 and $283. Every player needs government photo ID with a New York City address at check-in, and cancelling means calling (718) 414-1555 at least 24 hours ahead.
Resident rates and ID
At the 11 courses on the city's rate card, NYC Parks says seniors and residents "must provide a valid driver's license or photo ID and proof of residency (utility bill, etc.)". Bring both. The rates themselves, from $27 for nine early holes on a weekday, are in our guide to the 13 courses.
Cancelling
Allow a day. Most courses ask for 24 hours' notice, and GolfNYC's booking page charges the full green fee plus the reservation fee if you cancel inside 12 hours. The exact rule differs from course to course, so read it on the booking page before you pay.