If you’ve lived in New York City for more than a week, you know the struggle. Finding green space that doesn't feel like a crowded subway platform is basically a full-time job. Most golfers in the five boroughs default to the usual suspects, but Forest Park Golf Course Queens NY occupies this weird, beautiful middle ground that people often overlook. It’s not the flashy, links-style challenge of Ferry Point, and it isn't the flat, predictable layout you might find elsewhere.
Honestly? It's kind of a hidden gem in plain sight.
You’re driving down Woodhaven Boulevard, surrounded by the usual Queens chaos—delivery trucks, honking horns, the smell of street food—and then suddenly, you hit the trees. Real trees. Towering oaks and maples that make you forget you're about thirty minutes from Midtown. That's the magic of Forest Park. It feels like a slice of Westchester or even New England dropped right into the heart of Woodhaven and Glendale.
The Weird, Hilly Reality of Forest Park Golf Course Queens NY
Let’s talk about the terrain. If you hate hills, stop reading now. This isn't a walk in the park; it’s a workout.
Designed back in the early 1890s and later refined by the legendary Tom Bendelow, this course doesn't care about your ego. Bendelow was a busy man—he’s credited with hundreds of courses—and he clearly saw the glacial kettle holes and ridges of Queens as a playground. Unlike many muni courses that were flattened out for easy maintenance, Forest Park keeps its texture.
Expect uneven lies. You’ll be standing with the ball three inches above your feet on one hole and then plunging down a ravine on the next. It’s technical. It’s annoying if your slice is working overtime. But it’s never boring.
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The par-70 layout plays just over 6,000 yards from the back tees. That sounds short on paper. You might think, "Oh, I'll just overpower this place." You won't. The narrow fairways are lined with thick, unforgiving timber. If you spray the ball here, you aren't just in the rough; you're in a botanical garden looking for a white speck among the ferns.
Why the "Short" Yardage is a Total Trap
People see the scorecard and get cocky. Don't.
Take the par 3s, for example. They are arguably some of the toughest in the NYC Parks system. You have shots that require you to clear significant elevation changes or navigate tight windows of trees. The greens are generally small and pushed up. If you miss, you’re looking at a delicate chip from a downhill lie that will make your palms sweat.
The variety is what keeps locals coming back. One hole might feel like a wide-open invitation to grip it and rip it, but the very next one demands a 180-yard iron shot to a specific landing area just to see the green. It’s a "thinking man's" course, which is a polite way of saying it will punish you for being a hero.
The Atmosphere: No Pretense, Just Golf
The vibe at Forest Park Golf Course Queens NY is distinct. It’s not a country club. Nobody is going to check if your socks match your belt. It’s a quintessential Queens melting pot. You’ve got retirees who have played here since the 70s walking alongside college kids from St. John’s and construction workers squeezing in nine holes before a shift.
It’s loud. It’s friendly. It’s New York.
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The clubhouse is a classic stone structure that looks like it belongs in a period piece. It’s simple. You get your hot dog, you get your Gatorade, and you head out. Don't expect a five-star dining experience; expect a reliable place to tally up your bogeys and complain about the greens.
Speaking of greens, let’s be real for a second. This is a municipal course managed by NYC Parks and operated by a private concessionaire. The conditions can fluctuate. In the heat of August, the fairways might get a little crispy. After a heavy rain, the low spots will hold water. But compared to the "dust bowls" some people associate with city golf, Forest Park usually holds its own quite well. The staff works hard, and for the price point, you really can’t find a better value within city limits.
Navigating the Logistics Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re coming from Manhattan or Brooklyn, you’re likely taking the Jackie Robinson Parkway. Be careful. That road was designed for Model Ts, not modern SUVs, and the exit for the course comes up fast.
- Parking: There is a decent-sized lot, but on a sunny Saturday morning? Good luck. Get there early.
- Public Transit: It’s doable. You can take the J or Z train to Woodhaven Blvd and walk or take a quick bus/Uber. Carrying clubs on the subway is an Olympic sport in itself, but people do it.
- Booking: Use the NYC NYC Parks online tee time system. It’s competitive. If you want a weekend morning, you better be at your computer the second times are released.
The Design Evolution: From 1896 to Now
History buffs actually find this place fascinating. When it first opened, golf was still a burgeoning sport in America. Forest Park was part of that first wave of "accessible" golf. Over the decades, it has seen renovations—notably in the mid-90s—that helped improve drainage and turf quality.
What’s interesting is how the course layout interacts with the park itself. You’ll see hikers and dog walkers on the perimeter trails. Sometimes a stray ball might end up near a bridle path (yes, there are horses in Forest Park). It’s a reminder that this isn't an isolated bubble; it’s a living part of the Queens community.
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There's a specific stretch on the back nine where the noise of the city totally vanishes. You're in a bowl of trees, the air feels five degrees cooler, and for a minute, you forget you're in the most densely populated borough. That's why people deal with the slow play. And yes, play can be slow. It’s a public course in New York; five-hour rounds are a reality you just have to accept with a smile and a beer.
Common Misconceptions About Forest Park
I hear people say Forest Park is "too easy" because of the yardage. Those people usually have a 25-handicap and lose six balls by the turn. The difficulty here isn't length; it's precision.
Another myth? That it’s "dangerous." Look, it's a city park. But the golf course is a well-monitored, busy environment. I've played there dozens of times at dawn and dusk and never felt anything but welcomed. It’s a neighborhood staple.
Finally, people think you need to be a pro to play here. Not true. While it’s challenging, it’s a great place to learn because you’re forced to hit every club in your bag. If you can play well at Forest Park, you can play anywhere.
Survival Tips for Your First Round
- Leave the driver in the bag on the tight holes. A 4-iron in the fairway beats a driver in the oak trees every single time.
- Walk if you can. The hills are brutal, but the views are better from the ground. Plus, the carts can be restricted to paths only on wet days, which means you'll be walking back and forth anyway.
- Watch the breaks. The greens here are subtler than they look. Everything tends to pull toward the lower elevations of the park.
- Hydrate. There aren't many spots for water once you're out on the far reaches of the course.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you're making the trip, don't just bolt for the car after the 18th hole. The surrounding neighborhood of Richmond Hill and Forest Hills has some of the best food in the city. Grab some authentic Guyanese food nearby or head over to Austin Street for a celebratory drink.
Forest Park Golf Course Queens NY isn't trying to be Bethpage Black. It’s not trying to be Pebble Beach. It’s a rugged, honest, hilly, and occasionally frustrating public track that represents the best of NYC golf. It’s accessible, affordable, and just weird enough to be memorable.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Weather: Because of the heavy tree cover and hills, this course stays wet longer than others. If it rained yesterday, bring your waterproof shoes.
- Download a GPS App: Yardage markers can be a bit sporadic. Having a reliable app like 18Birdies or Hole19 will save you from guessing if that's a 150-yard or 170-yard carry over the ravine.
- Book Your Tee Time exactly 10 days out: For NYC residents with a permit, the window opens early. If you're a non-resident, keep an eye on the "last minute" cancellations that usually pop up 24–48 hours before.
- Visit the Pro Shop: They often have local knowledge on green speeds for that specific day. Just ask. They're usually happy to help someone who isn't complaining about the pace of play.
Get out there. Embrace the hills. Lose a ball or two. It's all part of the Forest Park experience.