Long ago, Scottish polo players longed for a game where they could explore scenic terrain, ride an obedient mechanical horse, and wear more courageously plaid knickers. Marvel in their subsequent invention with today's Groupon for Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course in the North Bronx. Choose between two options:

• For $65, you get a weekend 18-hole round of golf and golf cart rental for two (up to a $134.20 value)
• For $55, you get a weekday 18-hole round of golf and golf cart rental for two (up to a $118.20 value)

Although the course is conveniently accessible by mass transit, parking cost for horseless carriages and steam-powered dune buggies is included.

Created in 1895, "Vanny" houses America's first public golf course, whose storied greens have clutched the cleats of such illustrious celebrities as Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Joe Lewis, and the Three Stooges. The 6,000-yard course is challenging to putting pupils and well-qualified drivers alike, packing in formidable par threes, 600-yard par fives, and mind-bending par twos (which require a firm grasp of quantum kinetics and mild time travel). As you and a friend, colleague, or increasingly impatient IRS auditor bond and concoct new curse-words during 18 holes of golf, a freewheeling golf cart with luck-enhancing seat padding will ferry you from green to green. Revel in Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course's tranquil, park-like setting before retiring to the sports bar for some morale-boosting post-game beverages.

Reviews

New York magazine reviewed Van Cortlandt Park and named it a Critics' Pick. Though reviews are still growing, six Citysearchers give the golf course an average of 3.5 stars:

• Sports fans flock to the park in great numbers. Golf enthusiasts tee off at Van Cortlandt Golf Course, the oldest municipal golf course in the United States, or at the other nine-hole course or driving range. – Kirsten Matthew, New York magazine
• Inexpensive, great location, great course, and beautiful park views. – kad247, Citysearch