Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course
Address: Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course, Van Cortland Ave. South & Bailey Ave., Bronx, NY, 10471 Maps and Directions
Phone: 718-543-4595
Reservations: www.golfnyc.com
Yardage: 6,102/5883/5388
Par: 70
Rating: 68.3/122; 66.7/119; 67.7/115
Architect: Tom Bendelow (1895) Redesign: Stephen Kay (2001)
Management: Forest Park Management (Norman Taffet)
General Manager: William Larkin
Teaching Professional: Paul Sliva
New Superintendent: Peter DiRollo
Description: Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course is America's oldest public golf course (opening in 1895), this Bronx golf course boasts two of the longest par fives in the city. Number 2 - 625 and number 12 - 605. Originally developed by a group of wealthy men who hoped to have the city develop it into a private course, this courses has transformed over the years into a quite hilly and challenging course.
While in office, Mayor Giuliani initiated a four million dollar improvement program that included the re-building of 20 new tee boxes, 13 new bunkers, two lakes and significant re-design of the fairways and rough. The pro shop and dining area has also been renovated. Renovations were designed by golf course architect, Stephan Kaye.
Vannie, as the locals call it, is arguably the easiest golf course to get to by subway from the West side of Manhattan. Take the 1 and 9 train to the last stop. Then it is a short walk through the park. Go under the old New York Central Railroad tressel and make a left. The historic clubhouse on the lake will be in front of you. Incidentally, the rail road was nicknamed "Old Putt". The course was also used for many scenes in the movie, Wall Street.
Over the years, many actors and athletes, including Sidney Poitier and Willie Mays, have played at Van Cortlandt. Most recently, Andrew Giuliani (son of Rudy and the 2006 MGA Player of the Year) considers Van Cortlandt his home course.
Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Major Upgrading
New Greens
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 9th, 10th and the 11th greens have been ripped up, a new base mixture filled, drains installed and sodded with bent grass.
Fairways
10th, 12th and 14th fairways have had new and imrpoved drainage system as been installed
Tee Boxes
Several holes have already received new foward tees and back tees, with more tee boxes planned to be installed. At the completion of the renovation at least 200 yards will have been added to the course from the back tees, allowing a golfer to play a newly renovated course that measures in at over 6,000 yards.
Bunkers
Several of our bunkers have been redesigned with plans to install some new bunkers as well.
Directions: Deegan Expressway North 230 th St., make right at light and quick left onto Bailey Ave., to Van Cortlandt West. From north take Major Deegan to Van Cortlandt exit; make left at light, at Van Cortlandt West get onto Deegan North approach, stay left under highway to course.
Mass Transit: Take No. 1 or 9 trains to 242d St.
Course Review and Favorite Hole
Have you played Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course? If so why not drop us a line telling us about your favorite hole or the course and we will write your comments on this page.
Bill's Favorite Hole: #7. This 220 yard downhill par three requires length and accuracy with your tee shot to a very sloped green guarded by two big bunkers on the front left and rear of the green.
Comments on: Have you played Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course?
By: Jack AssroseTrevor, I think you may find that this website is not affiliated with any course mentioned on this website. It is online to give the people of New York and visitors to New York a fare and balanced view of the cities courses. as far as I am aware this site does not own or operate any of the public golf course in New York it only gives information about them. Try American golf or the NY parks department if you want to level criticism. If every comment sucks then it is what it is. This site makes no bones about that. Come and play and write a good review, or be honest like the rest on this site. As for images, if the people send them in I'm sure they will use them. |
By: Trevor RoseWhy are there no pictures on the web site? I have three big golf trips a year and I am from Nava Scotia Canada. This course is very interesting to me but I am not driving from Canada to go to a course with no pics to see what the course is like. And the review's on the site suck everyone got something bad to say. Post pic's you may get me next year. |
By: tonyplayed vanny today..shocked to see the new greens in such bad shape..also that they had been arified in july sounds ridiculous to me..green speeds very slow and length very long...if they are this bad now dont think they will be any better in august...wont be back |
By: Michael GroomsI played "Vannie" earlier today. Unfortunately without a cart. You really should know the course well before you do that. It was my first time playing there. I think the course is a great challenge for people with a poor tee shot (presently myself). Very rewarding if you hit it straight. I was really surprised at the temporary scorecard. That was rediculous (I mean wow), but over all I had a good time, and would play there again even with the steep price. The staff was nice, the people I played with were very nice as well. I will miss the eight balls I lost, but such is golf. Keep up the good work on the course, and please get a decent score card soon. |