It's Tee Time All Year-Round at Douglaston Park

Perched on some of the highest ground in Queens or Long Island, the municipal Douglaston Park Golf Course provides a scenic locale where local duffers can play all year round.

The 18-hole course, located at 63-20 Marathon Parkway near the borders of Douglaston and Little Neck, was formerly operated as the North Hills Country Club. In 1963, the course reopened as the Douglaston Park Golf Course, which is now operated by the city's Department of Parks and Recreation.

"It's a beautiful course and always in great shape," said Jason Zaretsky, the course's general manager. "We're open 365 days a year unless there's snow or ice."

The golf course, which is one of the city's most popular sites to play the sport, has an historic clubhouse and expansive views of the Manhattan skyline.

Players can get in a round of golf for as little as $18, making the course's links in high demand.

From 4,602 yards to 5,585 yards – depending on where you tee up, the par 67 course manages to provide a challenge for even the skilled amateur with water hazards, rolling terrain and well-bunkered greens.

The course, which was designed in 1927 by link legend Willie Tucker and redesigned in 2004 by Stephen Kay, includes seven par 3's. It is also noted for its 18th hole, a  550-yard, par 5 that challenges even the low-handicap golfer.

Resident Larry Wise, who has been playing at the golf course since 2003, said Douglaston Park is very well-maintained, but that it is an easier course.

"If you are a good Saturday or Sunday golfer and you shoot in the low 90s, you won't find it overly challenging," he said. "Even the par 5's are short. But the course is kept very nicely."

Wise said he frequently plays the course, which he believes is aimed more at business functions and new golfers, rather than seasoned players.

City residents with a valid golfer's permit pay from $31 to $36 on weekdays, depending on tee time, and $44 on weekends. Early birds can get in nine holes for $19.25 on weekends and only $18 during the week.

For seniors (ages 62 and over) and juniors (ages 17 and under), the weekday deal costs $18.25 and $7.50, respectively.

Non-residents pay a $3 fee for 18 holes.

The course's reservation fee is $4, while parking is $3. Two-seat golf carts rent for $36 plus tax.

Northeast Queens residents and golfers from all over the five boroughs and Long Island have been finding their way to the Douglaston Park Golf Course for nearly 50 yearst to play a round.

The course, located next door to the Douglaston Manor banquet hall, is open from sunup to sundown seven days a week. It also includes a restaurant, lessons, clinics, a locker room and a clubhouse.

Reservations can be made seven days in advance by phone, or 10 days in advance online, which management advises is the best way to fit in your tee time. For more information or to reserve, call the Douglaston Golf Course at 718-224-6566 or visit www.golfnyc.com. Email Douglastongolf@gmail.com for information.