Are you looking up Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course? You probably want two things fast. You want to know the cost. You also want to know how to book a tee time. This guide gives you both answers. It also covers the scorecard, the layout, and what other golfers think. Rockland Lake sits inside Rockland Lake State Park in Congers, New York. It is just north of New York City. It has been a popular public course for many years. This guide includes the 2026 rates and hours. That way, you can plan your visit with no guesswork.
About Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course
Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course first opened in 1969. David W. Gordon designed the course. He was a member of a group called the American Society of Golf Course Architects. The course sits inside Rockland Lake State Park. Because of this, the state owns the course. It has always stayed open to the public. This is a big reason golfers keep coming back year after year.
The park offers more than just golf. Many visitors walk or bike the path around the lake. The same hills that make that path pretty also shape the golf course. Because of these hills, many holes climb or drop fast. This means the same hole can feel different each time you play it. Wind and slope both change how a shot behaves. The views from some tees are also beautiful. Bring a camera along with your clubs.
Location and How to Get There
The course address is Rockland Lake State Park, Route 9W, Congers, NY 10920. This is in Rockland County. It sits about 25 miles north of New York City. That makes it an easy day trip from the city. It is also a simple stop if you live in the Hudson Valley. Route 9W runs right past the park entrance. This makes the drive easy from most directions.
Course Layout and Scorecard
Rockland Lake actually has two golf courses. It helps to know the difference before you book.
The Championship Course is the main 18-hole course. It is what most people mean by Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course. It plays to a par of 72. It stretches 6,864 yards from the longest tees. There is also a shorter set of white tees. Those play around 6,349 yards. Forward red tees measure 5,663 yards. These different tees help golfers of many skill levels. Everyone can find a version of the course that fits them. The fairways are narrow. Trees line most of them, so accuracy really matters. The greens also have small breaks. Slow down and read your putt before you hit it.
The Executive Course is a separate 18-hole course. Every hole on it is a par 3. Some holes are short pitch shots. Others stretch close to 200 yards. Golfers tee off from artificial mats, not grass. Right now, this course is walking only. There are no golf carts here. It plays faster and feels more relaxed. This makes it a great choice for beginners. It also works well for junior golfers. Anyone who wants an easy round will enjoy it. You still get the same pretty views as the main course.
Signature Holes and Notable Challenges
Many golfers call the 10th hole the signature hole. It is a short par 4. You play it from a high tee. This gives you a clear view of the whole hole before you swing. Your approach shot lands on a green guarded by bunkers. Being accurate matters more here than hitting the ball far. The whole course has 37 bunkers. That is not a huge number for a par-72 course. But these bunkers sit in the spots where a miss costs you the most.
The longest hole is the par-5 seventh hole. It plays 553 yards from the back tees. This course rewards long, straight drives. Golfers who keep the ball in the fairway tend to score better. This is true even for golfers with a weaker short game.
Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course Rates for 2026
Rates are one of the top things golfers search for here. Below is a full breakdown of the current pricing. Prices can shift a little during the season. Treat these numbers as a strong starting point.
Championship Course Rates
For regular play, 18 holes on a weekday costs $32. On a weekend or holiday, 18 holes costs $38. If you only have time for 9 holes, the price drops. The same lower price applies during twilight hours. On a weekday, 9 holes or twilight costs $20. On a weekend or holiday, it costs $23.
Some golfers qualify for senior rates. You must be 62 or older. You also need a valid New York driver’s license. This rate applies on weekdays, but not on holidays. Seniors pay $23 for 18 holes on those weekdays. They pay $15 for 9 holes or twilight play. On weekends and holidays, senior pricing matches the regular rates.
Junior golfers also get a lower rate. This applies if you are 17 or younger. Juniors pay $23 for 18 holes. They pay $15 for 9 holes or twilight play. This rate applies any day of the week.
A cart rental costs extra, on top of your greens fee. An 18-hole cart rental costs $42. A 9-hole cart rental costs $26. A pull cart costs just $7. Every booking also includes a small fee. This fee is $3 per person, whether you book online or by phone.
Executive Course Rates
The Executive Course has its own rates. On a weekday, 18 holes costs $20. On a weekend or holiday, it costs $22. Playing just 9 holes works the same way. It costs $20 on a weekday. It costs $23 on a weekend or holiday.
Seniors get a nice discount here too. On weekdays, seniors pay $14 for 18 holes. They pay $11 for 9 holes or twilight play. On weekends and holidays, senior pricing matches the regular rates again.
Junior golfers pay $14 for 18 holes. They pay $11 for 9 holes or twilight play.
Remember, the Executive Course is walking only right now. There is no cart option here. You can still rent a pull cart for $7. It helps carry your bag around the course.
Driving Range and Club Rentals
You can warm up on the driving range first. A small bucket of balls costs $7. A medium bucket costs $12. A large bucket costs $15. Did you forget your clubs at home? You can rent a full set for $35. You will need a photo ID for this. You will also need to leave a $20 deposit.
Here is one more tip about timing. A 9-hole round only covers the back nine. This option is limited to the first hour of the day. Twilight pricing begins after 2 p.m.
How to Book Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course Tee Times
Rockland Lake takes bookings through an online system. The same $3 reservation fee applies either way. You can also call the course directly. This lets you check openings and confirm your plans.
The course is open Monday through Friday. Hours run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, it opens earlier, at 6 a.m. It still closes at 6 p.m. Weekend mornings fill up fast. Try to book a few days ahead for those slots.
Are you planning something bigger, like a company outing? Things work a bit differently. Outings with 80 or more players use a shotgun start. This means the whole course closes to other golfers that day. If you are planning an outing, call ahead of time. This helps you lock in the right date.
Course Conditions and What Reviewers Say
Reviews of this course tend to be mixed. It helps to know what to expect before you book. Many golfers love the scenery here. They also love the elevation changes. This course offers real value, given how close it sits to New York City. The greens often get the most praise. They tend to roll true. They also hold a steady pace throughout your round.
The fairways get more mixed reviews. This is a busy course, and it is funded by the state. Because of this, some fairways show wear. Dry patches can show up, especially after a dry summer. Some cart paths feel a bit uneven too. Golfers who walk sometimes have an easier time than golfers in a cart. None of this is rare for a busy state park course. Knowing this ahead of time helps you set the right expectations.
Photos and What to Expect on the Course
Look up photos of this course, and two things stand out. The first is the steep elevation changes. The second is the tree-lined fairways winding through the hills. The course sits on hilly ground near the lake. Because of this, many holes offer wide views. You can see far across Rockland County from some tees. The elevated tee at the 10th hole offers a great view. Once you see how the hills shape each hole, you will understand why golfers love this course.
Tips for Playing Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course
A few simple tips can help your round go smoothly. First, try to rent a cart if you can. This course is long and hilly. Carts are a smart choice over walking all 18 holes. Second, aim for straight drives over long ones. The narrow, tree-lined fairways punish wild shots more than most courses nearby. Third, bring your whole golf bag. The long par 4s and par 5s use nearly every club. This includes your long irons and hybrids.
Book your tee time early if you want a weekend slot. Saturday and Sunday mornings fill up fast. Do you have a senior or junior golfer in your group? Check for the lower rates before you book. The savings can really add up over a round or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course open to the public?
Yes, this is a public course. Anyone can play once they book a tee time. It sits inside Rockland Lake State Park in Congers, New York. You do not need a private membership to play here.
How much does it cost to play Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course?
Weekday rates for 18 holes cost $32 on the Championship Course. That price rises to $38 on weekends and holidays. A cart rental adds $42 for 18 holes. A small $3 fee applies to every booking.
How many holes does Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course have?
The Championship Course has 18 holes. It plays to a par of 72. The property also has a separate 18-hole, par-3 Executive Course. That course offers a shorter and faster round.
What is the yardage of the Championship Course?
The Championship Course plays 6,864 yards from the longest tees. White tees play around 6,349 yards. Forward red tees measure 5,663 yards. This gives golfers several ways to adjust the challenge.
Are golf carts available at Rockland Lake?
Carts are available on the Championship Course for an added fee. The Executive Course is walking only right now. You can still rent a pull cart there for $7.
Who designed Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course?
David W. Gordon designed the course. He belonged to the American Society of Golf Course Architects. The course first opened for play back in 1969.
What is the signature hole at Rockland Lake?
Most golfers point to the 10th hole. It is a short par 4 played from a high tee. It leads to a green well guarded by bunkers. This calls for an accurate approach shot.
Final Thoughts
Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course offers a scenic, challenging round. You get this without a private club price tag. That mix keeps golfers coming back year after year. Are you looking forward to a full day on the Championship Course? Or maybe a quick par-3 round on the Executive side sounds better. Either way, knowing the rates, hours, and layout ahead of time helps. Book early if you want a weekend tee time. Pack your full bag for the longer holes. Then get ready to enjoy one of the more scenic public golf courses in the Hudson Valley.
Desclaimer:
This article reflects information available about Rockland Lake Championship Golf Course at the time of writing, including publicly listed rates and course details current as of 2026. Rates, hours, and course conditions can change with the season, so please check current pricing and tee time availability directly with the course before your visit.