
New York· Public
Short Grass is the free golf app used by golfers at Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course to log rounds, track their USGA handicap index, and run Nassau, Low Medal, and Skins bets — all on the course, in real time.
Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course holds the distinction of being the oldest public golf course in the United States, established in 1895. Designed by Tom Bendelow, this historic municipal course offers a unique golfing experience steeped in tradition and natural beauty. Nestled within the expansive Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, it provides a scenic escape from the urban hustle, featuring mature trees, rolling terrain, and picturesque views that make every round memorable.
The course presents a classic parkland layout, characterized by its tree-lined fairways and undulating greens. While not overly long, its design demands accuracy and strategic shot-making, particularly on its tighter holes. Golfers will appreciate the challenge posed by its elevation changes and the need to navigate around well-placed hazards. It's a course that rewards thoughtful play over brute strength, making it enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
Playing at Van Cortlandt Park is more than just a round of golf; it's a journey through golf history. The course maintains its historic charm while offering a well-maintained playing surface. Its accessibility, combined with its rich heritage and engaging layout, makes it a beloved destination for local New Yorkers and visitors alike seeking an authentic and affordable golf experience in a vibrant urban setting.


All tees play to par 70. Source: vancortlandtgolf.com.
Free for all golfers
No credit card required
Short Grass is built for golfers who play courses like Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course — where every stroke counts and the bets make it interesting.
Log your round at Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course and your handicap differential is calculated automatically using the official USGA World Handicap System formula. No spreadsheets required.
See how your game evolves across every round at Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course. Track your scoring average, best rounds, and improvement over time with visual charts.
Identify your weakest holes on the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course layout. Discover exactly which holes are costing you strokes and where you can pick up shots.
Set up Nassau, Skins, Low Medal, and Short Grass bets before you tee off. The app tracks the money in real time as you play.
Connect with the golfers you play with at Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course. Compare handicaps, view each other's scorecards, and settle bets through the app.
See where you rank among Short Grass members who play at Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course. Compete on gross and net leaderboards by course.
Whether your group plays a weekly Nassau or a Skins game on the back nine, Short Grass handles the maths so you can focus on your game. All bets support gross and net (handicap-adjusted) scoring.
Three separate bets — front nine, back nine, and overall 18. The classic format for any foursome at Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course.
Lowest gross or net score wins the pot. Choose Full 18, Front 9, Back 9, or Front & Back 9 together.
Win a hole outright to claim the skin. Ties carry over, building the pot on Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course's toughest holes.
Points for hitting fairways and greens. Rewards the ball-strikers in your group.
Hole-by-hole head-to-head with full handicap strokes applied. Perfect for a challenge match.
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Set up your Short Grass account before your next tee time at Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course. It takes two minutes and it's completely free.