Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
A Robert Trent Jones state-park course at the tip of Long Island — championship golf at public prices, open to everyone.
Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course in photos
Can I play Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course?
Yes — Montauk Downs is a New York State Park course open to the public year-round, weather permitting. Anyone can play; no membership or handicap is needed, though non-residents pay a higher green fee than New York residents. It's widely rated among the best public courses in the country.
How to book: Reserve tee times through the NY State Parks online system at parks.ny.gov/golf or by calling the reservation line; a small booking fee applies. Summer weekends in the Hamptons book up fast, so reserve early, and note that New York residents receive discounted rates over out-of-state visitors.
About Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
Montauk Downs is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design from 1968, built on rolling, wind-swept terrain near the eastern tip of Long Island and later refined by Rees Jones. The par-72 layout is a genuine test — muscular par-3s, deep bunkering and sea breezes off Block Island Sound — and it is consistently ranked among the best public courses in America. As a New York State Park course it is open to everyone year-round, weather permitting, with New York residents paying a fraction of typical Hamptons golf rates. Reserve through the state parks system and you get championship golf without a private-club price tag.
Signature hole
A brawny Robert Trent Jones test — elevation changes, deep bunkering and demanding par-3s, with glimpses of Block Island Sound from the high points.
What makes it special
Robert Trent Jones design
A brawny 1968 RTJ Sr. layout later refined by Rees Jones, routinely ranked a top U.S. public course.
State-park value
Championship-caliber golf at New York State Park prices, especially for residents.
Ocean-edge setting
Rolling terrain near the tip of Long Island, with sea breezes and glimpses of Block Island Sound.
Need to know
Best time to play
Open year-round weather permitting; May–October is the sweet spot, with June and September offering great conditions and lighter crowds than the July–August Hamptons peak.
Dress code
Appropriate golf attire; collared shirts recommended, no denim or gym clothes on the course.
Good to know
Carts (~$22 per person) or push carts are available; the hilly RTJ layout is a genuine test on foot. Reserve through the NY State Parks system, arrive early in summer, and allow about 4.5 hours.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Long Island MacArthur (ISP) ~1.75 hrs; East Hampton (HTO) ~30 min (limited service); JFK ~2.75 hrs.
On arrival
Montauk is at the eastern tip of Long Island, and the state park course is a few minutes from Montauk village. Driving from New York City takes about 3 hours via the LIE and Montauk Highway (Rte 27); the LIRR reaches Montauk station, and East Hampton Airport (HTO) is about 30 minutes away.
Stay near the course
Montauk village and the surrounding Hamptons offer resorts, inns and rentals within minutes; Gurney's and the Montauk motels are popular summer bases, though rates spike in July and August.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Stone Lion Inn
Montauk
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Marram
Montauk
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Offshore Montauk
Montauk
A taste of the luxury stays near Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Montauk — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Montauk.
Explore MontaukFrequently asked questions
Is Montauk Downs open to the public?
Yes. It's a New York State Park course open to everyone year-round, weather permitting, with no membership or handicap required.
How much does it cost?
New York residents pay about $48 weekday / $53 weekend for 18 holes; non-residents pay roughly $95–$106. A cart (~$22 per person) and a small reservation fee are extra.
How do I book?
Reserve through the NY State Parks system at parks.ny.gov/golf or the reservation phone line. Summer Hamptons weekends fill fast, so book early.
Is it worth playing?
Absolutely — this Robert Trent Jones design is consistently ranked among the best public courses in America and is a bargain by Hamptons standards.
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Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- NY State Parks — Montauk Downs Golf Course
- NY State Parks — Montauk Downs Fees & Rates
- Montauk Downs State Park — Wikipedia
Guide updated 2026-07-27.