Well groomed fairways, manicured greens, reasonable rates, and gorgeous, million dollar views of the Verrazano Bridge make Dyker Beach one of the most played golf courses in the world.
Located in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn N.Y. the 18-hole championship Dyker Beach G.C. has served local golfers for over 120 years now. The course plays from three sets of tees - blue (Pro), white (Middle or Amateur), and red (Ladies). Moderately long at 6438/6176/5366 yards, respectively, Dyker comes in at about average on the difficulty scale with slope ratings of 118/116/117, as well. Dyker Beach plays as a par 71 from the blue and white tees, and par 72 from the reds.
Like most courses in the Northeast, conditions vary depending on the time of year, and even from week to week. As long as there's no snow on the ground though, you should be able to scratch your golf itch, regardless of weather, as the course remains open year-round. In season, groundskeepers do a pretty good job of providing well defined first and second cuts. The greens are usually well maintained from mid-April through mid-October, as well. In season, when the trees are full and the fairways green, Dyker feels more like a Country Club than a municipal course, especially with views of the Verrazano Bridge from several holes.
Much depends on the weather but, most weekdays you'll be okay. If you must golf on the weekend (and who doesn’t want to?), go early and always make a tee time. They send out eight foursomes per hour, so there isn't much room for error. Getting out early will lessen the effects of any delays that may come up. Typically though, after a five to ten-minute wait at the second hole, the course opens up and play moves nicely.
Dyker defends itself with a combination of length, trees, raised greens, and difficult par threes. Most holes have reasonably wide fairways. If you're somewhat straight off the tee, hitting driver won't be an issue. Just be sure to mind the trees. The course has no water hazards and only seven fairway bunkers. It all sounds easy enough until you meet the four par threes (or par sixes as the regulars call them). All require a good measure of length and accuracy, and a soft landing, to boot. Of the ten par fours, only three come in at under 350 yards, while four exceed the 400-yard mark. The three par fives offer a bit of relief, all with yardages under 500, and relatively large greens. Overall, Dyker Beach won't challenge your decision-making process or test your ball shaping skills but, it will test your distance and accuracy.
The pro shop at Dyker is on the small side. They carry the basic necessities - balls, gloves, shirts, pullovers, and a handful of drivers. There's also a fridge with soft drinks and an ATM. Adjacent to the pro shop, the bar and grille at Dyker has a cozy feel and serves up surprisingly good fare.
Visitors to Dyker often comment on the excellent customer service from the staff. It’s often used as a venue for special events, weddings, corporate events, bridal showers and more. The course’s website boasts, “Dyker is a premier wedding venue with two banquet rooms that can accommodate up to 600 guests, a 5,000-square-foot patio with enchanting views of the golf course, and a specially designed wedding ceremony site.” Many of the 700+ customer reviews support this claim.
Whether you're a scratch golfer or just starting out, Dyker Beach offers a fair challenge, at reasonable rates, in an amazingly beautiful setting. Enjoying it all, well that's up to you.
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