Van Cortlandt Golf Course
Bronx, NY 10471
Phone: (718) 543-4595
- Directions:
- 1, 9 at W 242nd St.
- Hours:
- Opens at 8am.
Editorial Review for Van Cortlandt Golf Course – by Paul J. Pelkonen
History
The oldest golf course in America, founded in 1885 and designed by Tom Bendelow. Over the years, frustrated golfers have included Willie Nelson, Babe Ruth and the Three Stooges.
The Course
With its long fairways, fast greens, plethora of sand bunkers and four difficult final holes (known as the "hill holes"), Van Cortlandt can make you look like one of the Stooges. Of course, you can always skip the last four holes and finish on the 14th--it's closest to the clubhouse.
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Insider Tips
One of New York's best:Nominated for best golf course because the original is still the best.
Facilities:Pro shop, club rentals, snack bar and lounge
User Reviews for Van Cortlandt Golf Course
10/15/2007 Posted by jbenciv
I was KAD's playing partner (see previous review). VC Park is a nice, convenient course, with some interesting and challenging holes. However, the last four holes are located across the Major Deegan Expressway, isolated from the clubhouse and the rest of the course. The 16th hole in particular borders a playground and some woods behind some residential buildings. There are several holes in the fence separating the residences and the course, of which locals enter and terrorize the golfers on the 16th hole. The second to last time I played VC Park, we had to wait until about 20 youths, some on bicycles, finished traipsing along the fairway and playing in the sand bunkers before we could tee off. And most recently, two youths sprung out of the woods while we getting ready to tee off, grabbed some items from our golf cart and fled the scene. Lucky for us, KAD and myself are runners -- we were able to notice what was going on in time, gave chase and luckily they dropped their loot before disappearing through the fence and into the woods. Current management needs to (1) patch the holes in the fence and (2) post a ranger out there to insure the safety of their golfers, or alternatively post a sign that says that there are dangerous youths milling around and to play these holes at your own risk. Before playing this course, please inquire of management on how they can insure that you will be safe out there.
Pros: Close to Manhattan, Assessable by Subway
Cons: You may not be safe on certain sections of this course
10/15/2007 Posted by kad247
Inexpensive, great location, great course, and beautiful park views. However, at the 16th tee, we literally had to chase down local kids running off with some of our clubs, as the carts were parked behind us out of view. Through the woods and the broken fence adjacent to the 16th hole are some apartment buildings which are the source of this hazard. This was not the first time my friend had a problem - last time some punks were riding their bikes around the fairway. Knowing about the situation, it would seem easy enough to have a ranger monitor this area. It's a little distracting to know that the minute you focus on the ball, you might be faced with having to buy back your new hybrid on Craigslist.
Pros: Subway access. Great design, sand traps, etc. - rivals more expensive suburban courses.
Cons: Robbery threat at hole 16. Some of the scenery - highway, old chain-link fences, garbage.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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