Rockland Lake State Park Golf Course, Congers, NY

The Executive Golf Course at Rockland Lake State Park may not be as well-known as the Championship Course at the same park, but it is worth checking out on your next trip to the Palisades Region of New York. This par-3 golf course is located 25 miles north of New York City so it's just a short drive for a fun round for beginning golfers, juniors and even low handicappers who are looking to change things up for the day.

The holes range from around 100 yards to over 200 yards long with lots of elevation changes throughout the 18-hole course. Be prepared for a hilly round of golf which might deter some golfers from walking the course or pulling their own bags. Fairways and greens are well-maintained on some holes, but patchy and overgrown on others. There are a few places where the conditions are bad enough to affect your score, even after a good shot, which is frustrating.

The shortest hole on the course is the 108-yard 17th hole; the longest hole is 212 yards long, the final hole on the relatively short front nine.

Everybody tees off from the same artificial mats – there is just one set of tees for golfers of all abilities. Greens tend to run a little on the slow side but beware of missing the greens and fairways. Plenty of trees line each hole so a good score can go through the roof with just a few bad swings.

Play a round of golf for under $25 depending on the day and time of year, but the cost to rent a cart can be a bit pricey. Again, the hilliness of the course is enough for most golfers to gladly pay the extra cart fees.

The views alone are worth the drive to this municipal golf course located along the Hudson River and it's common to see wildlife like deer and fox along the course, as well as the occasional bald eagle or falcon flying overhead.

The Rockland Lake State Park Executive Golf Course is a budget-friendly choice for the beginning golfer or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing round out in nature.

Fun Course