Newman Municipal Golf Course
Newman Municipal Golf Course is a well-maintained nine-hole public course in Ithaca, NY, that offers an inviting parkland layout suited for players of all levels. Its approachable design, seasonal scenery, and community-oriented atmosphere make it a practical choice for golfers seeking a relaxed yet engaging round.
Course Overview
Located just a few minutes from downtown Ithaca, Newman Municipal Golf Course offers an accessible and welcoming environment for golfers of all skill levels. As a public nine-hole course, it balances straightforward layout with subtle challenges that encourage steady improvement. The course unfolds across gently rolling terrain framed by mature pine trees, lending an understated charm that shifts with the seasons—from rich greens in summer to the warm hues of autumn foliage.
Newman’s design leans toward a traditional parkland style, with well-defined fairways that reward accuracy and strategic play. The greens are maintained with care, providing true rolls that entice thoughtful putting. Water hazards and bunkers appear sparingly but strategically, ensuring each hole requires attention without overwhelming newer players. This approach makes the course approachable for beginners while still engaging for those looking to sharpen their short game.
Visitors often note the course’s relaxed atmosphere, supported by amiable staff and an inviting practice area that includes a range and putting green. A modest clubhouse offers basic amenities and a casual space to unwind after a round, with food and beverage options available that complement the laid-back vibe of the facility.
Golfers who prefer walking will find the terrain manageable, with pathways that guide you smoothly between holes. While carts are available, walking enhances the experience by placing you in tune with the open-air environment and the subtle shifts in wind that can influence shot selection.
Newman Municipal thrives as a community-focused venue. It hosts youth tournaments and serves as a local hub where beginners and seasoned players alike gather to enjoy the game without pretense. Pricing remains very affordable, underscoring its role as an accessible gateway to golf for residents and visitors in central New York.
For anyone seeking a straightforward, well-kept course that promotes steady growth in skill, Newman Municipal provides an inviting place to play. Its blend of friendly staff, manageable challenges, and natural surroundings make each visit an opportunity to enjoy golf without complication or intimidation.
Course Highlights
A compact nine-hole layout highlighting parkland characteristics with pine tree-lined fairways and accessible greens. Features a practice range and putting green. Known for its community engagement with youth and beginner programs, emphasizing affordability and playability. While simple in architecture, the course offers strategic elements through well-placed bunkers and water features that test shot placement and course management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Douglas Burns
Paid $15 to walk 9 on a Thursday morning, and it’s 5 stars for the price. There were a few others playing, but I never had to wait for anyone or had anyone waiting on me. Condition was better than expected.. above average for a public course. Greens rolled nice and had minimal ball marks. Fun course and nice staff. I look forward to playing it again when I’m back in Ithaca.
SuzyQ Marsh
The course was nice even though it was my first time ever going to a course and playing. Mind you I didnt do to bad. The lady at the desk was very nice and so weren't the others that were playing. Golf cart was in good shape too.
Rentong Wang
2021.7.23. Good to be the first to play in the morning. A little tightly packed 9 hole course for casual play.
Matthew Mcconkey
Kamren Carlineo
Should be called Newman Municipal’s Hospice for insufferable boomers. I’ve been to this course multiple times a week for the last month and today was my last. If you are a younger golfer thinking you want to get into the sport or try new course, STEER CLEAR OF NEWMAN MUNICIPAL’S HOSPICE/GOLF COURSE. Every time I have gone here, or my friends have gone here, there never fails to be cranky old bags of fat and bone screeching at us like a hyenas. If you are waiting for golfers on the fairway the hyenas pounce and screech “are you going to swing???!!!” If you hit a golf ball within 50 yards of the hyenas, they go to the den (club house) and bring out the final boss of insufferable boomers (front desk baldy). What happened today was we were on the very last hole, after waiting literally 30 minutes to tee off on a 405 yard hole, we took our first shot. Landed a good 70 yards behind them, after rolling, and they threw up their arms. Then, they make it to the green before we take our second shot, still well over 250 yards away from us, neither of us our good enough to drive that far let alone with a 3. We hit into the rough about 100 yards away from the pin; about in the same spot. Annnd we wait another 10 minutes for this party ahead of us, who is still on the green. Yes, they are still in the green from our second shot. It’s no problem, we weren’t impatient or rushing about. Just enjoying the weather. After they finally clear the green we take one shot, short of the pin in the green, 60 yards from anything and the party that was done ahead of us came over to start barking at us and I simply said “I don’t want to hear it, you were fine, leave us alone please.” because it’s been the same stuff all month at this place. He continues to bark on my backswing, so I ask him to F off. They freak out and go to the club house to grab the front desk guy who gets off on yelling at young boys…weird… So he comes up to me and a friend and says “What did we do wrong today boys?” Our answer was “I guess golf”. He proceeds to tell us to be careful what we say because “tHaT gUy iS a lAyWeR, iF yOu HiT hIS kIDs-” We attempted reasoning with the boomer but to no avail. We said, we can’t hit as far as they were they whole time, and then it was about how we handled it, and then it was about principle and then it was about he said, she said. I’m done with this course and the little social agony games, I and many others who have golfed here will avoid this course at all costs until we reach the age of 60… then we may visit again.. maybe..
Thor 7
I am not a local but for a public course it is in pretty good shape 9hole course. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Practice green in great shape and you can chip and putt. Course layout not super difficult but challenging and scenic. City should be supportive of this nice course as they run inner city youth/parent tournaments and the fees as very affordable. If I lived and worked here, this course could be a favorite for me to play and work out my rough areas of my game. Nice little bar with food as an added bonus. Great morning round of golf! Would highly recommend! From Boston with love!
Dan Lashkoff
I tried to hit a bucket of balls, was open to join the club , and open to whatever it takes to participate in this so called inclusive golf club. I was met with resistance from a sad, balding man who judged me by my appearance. He suggested I play at other venues. Wow. I live in Ithaca. I have a cottage in Glenora on Seneca lake. I’m available for hire if you wanna replace this sad sack with someone with compassion and is able to stand in someone else’s shoes! I’m above naming who this person is. I’m sure know anyway! I’d like to play golf here
Dan Lashkoff
I tried to hit a bucket of balls, was open to join the club , and open to whatever it takes to participate in this so called inclusive golf club. I was met with resistance from a sad, balding man who judged me by my appearance. He suggested I play at other venues. Wow. I live in Ithaca. I have a cottage in Glenora on Seneca lake. I’m available for hire if you wanna replace this sad sack with someone with compassion and is able to stand in someone else’s shoes! I’m above naming who this person is. I’m sure know anyway! I’d like to play golf here
Bryce Fade
I came to this golf course thinking it’d be a chill spot for a beginner like me, affordable, low-key, maybe even a little forgiving. Instead, the moment I pulled into the parking lot, I was ambushed by a swarm of college bros who started roasting me like it was a ritual sacrifice. It was like middle school gym class all over again, except this time I was sober and old enough to rent a car. I walk in to book a tee time, and the employee, who looked like he’d been grown in a vat of Axe body spray, joined in on the verbal abuse. He handed me a golf cart that squealed like a dying rodent and smelled like boiled carpet. The insults were next level. They called me “Chuckle Nuts,” “Beef Lasagna,” and said my scalp looked like “a menopausal mermaid’s crotch.” I’d be offended if I didn’t feel so spiritually seen. But here’s the twist: I’m into it. Deeply. Existentially. I have a humiliation kink that blossoms under UV light and pine trees. The cruelty? Chef’s kiss. After hole one, I excused myself into the bushes for a quick spiritual recalibration, and let’s just say I left a piece of my soul (and maybe something else) behind. 10/10, will absolutely return. Thank you for the unsolicited ego death. See you freaks next weekend.
Bryce Fade
I came to this golf course thinking it’d be a chill spot for a beginner like me, affordable, low-key, maybe even a little forgiving. Instead, the moment I pulled into the parking lot, I was ambushed by a swarm of college bros who started roasting me like it was a ritual sacrifice. It was like middle school gym class all over again, except this time I was sober and old enough to rent a car. I walk in to book a tee time, and the employee, who looked like he’d been grown in a vat of Axe body spray, joined in on the verbal abuse. He handed me a golf cart that squealed like a dying rodent and smelled like boiled carpet. The insults were next level. They called me “Chuckle Nuts,” “Beef Lasagna,” and said my scalp looked like “a menopausal mermaid’s crotch.” I’d be offended if I didn’t feel so spiritually seen. But here’s the twist: I’m into it. Deeply. Existentially. I have a humiliation kink that blossoms under UV light and pine trees. The cruelty? Chef’s kiss. After hole one, I excused myself into the bushes for a quick spiritual recalibration, and let’s just say I left a piece of my soul (and maybe something else) behind. 10/10, will absolutely return. Thank you for the unsolicited ego death. See you freaks next weekend.
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
10 Pier Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Modest clubhouse with food and beverage service
Walking encouraged and easily manageable; course features gentle elevation changes and clear paths. Comfortable shoes recommended.
Open to the public without reservation; walk-ins welcome. Tee times recommended on busy weekends.
Nearby Courses
