Built: 1997 Architect: Steve Smyers Website: www.roycebrook.com
Description: The fully-public course at Royce Brook (the West course, part of the same complex, is private) is a beautiful parkland-style layout, that is kept in the kind of shape expected from it's private compatriot. Although moderately new, the routing of holes through the trees and on the rolling terrain seems natural and flows with ease.
The wooded terrain and large bunkers at Royce Brook East. (photo courtesy roycebrook.com)
Although there are many trees and wooded areas,the course also features wetlands and wild native grasses that make for a very interesting juxtaposition with the abundant trees. Most of the bunkers -- and there are more than a few -- are large and shallow, and feature a white sand that make the place aesthetically pleasing. The fairways are generally wide, with some bunkers that are cut into the flatter, sweeping terrain. The greens are moderately sized, and with the speed they're normally kept at, the subtle undulation can be a real protector of par.
Although the West Course gets quite a bit of acclaim, the East is less punishing and is more playable for the average golfer.
Reader Comments: Tough, but not so punishing as to where it feels like torture ... Always kept in great shape. One of my favorites anywhere ... The best public course in the New Jersey ... Really feels like a private club, both with the atmosphere and staff, as well as the terrific golf course.
Built: 2014 Architect: Jack Nicklaus & Sanford Golf Design Website:http://www.trumpferrypoint.com
The course sitting at the foot of the Whitestone Bridge (photo courtesy of Trump Golf Links)
Description: This is the first golf course to open in NYC since 1964, turning what was the Ferry Point Park landfill from an eyesore to an up-scale golfing destination. Sitting at the foot of the Whitestone Bridge in the Bronx, this 222-acre site had been a dumping ground since the 1940s. It’s now home to a golf course that offers a unique and unforgettable location, with a backdrop of the East River and Manhattan skyline. This is a links-style layout with a look and atmosphere that are indeed Scottish, while the surrounding visuals are uniquely New York.
Reader Comments: A wonderful new facility for the NYC area with its one of a kind location. The course is beautifully maintained and the practice area is top notch. Overall this is a good looking golf course. Unfortunately quite a few of our readers felt that the layout is not particularly interesting, with few memorable holes, and most of the others all looking very much alike. Most of the complaints however, were about the price. Nice, challenging course but not worth the money. Extremely pricey. Golf course is OK....price ridiculous.
