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Hit the Links in New York
According to the Travel Industry
Association, more than 17 million travelers nationwide head to the fairways and
greens to play golf while on vacation each year. With hundreds of golf courses
in operation and more than 30 resorts offering excellent golf packages, many
avid golfers choose to hit the links in New York State.
Whether you’re looking to play a course
where the world’s top professionals compete or are searching for a hidden gem,
New York offers challenging terrain, gorgeous greens and scenic views.
New York’s Championship Level Courses
Several of New York’s golf courses have
hosted top professional golf tournaments, such as the U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, and
PGA Championship. Others host tournaments during the PGA Tour. Two more recent
tournaments were held at the following courses:
Oak Hill Country Club - With two acclaimed
18-hole courses, Rochester’s Oak Hill Country Club has been described by Tiger
Woods as the “hardest, fairest golf course we’ve ever played,” Oak Hill has
hosted the 2003 PGA Championship, the 1989, 1968 and 1956 U.S. Opens, the 1998
U.S. Amateur, and the 1995 Ryder Cup. Visit: www.oakhillcc.com for more
information.
Bethpage State Park - Home to the 2002 and
2009 U.S. Open, Bethpage is the largest public golf facility in the world, with
five 18-hole courses. As the first public course to host the Open, it also
featured the longest course played in tournament history—the legendary
7,295-yard Black Course. For more information, visit:
www.bethpagecommunity.com/golf.htm.


New York’s Golfing Resorts
Those looking to do a little bit of
everything while golfing can spend a weekend at one of New York’s resorts.
Several packages are available, and can include amenities such as cart use, club
cleaning and storage.
Sagamore Resort and Golf Club – the
Sagamore awards golfers majestic views of both Lake George and the Adirondack
peaks while providing a challenging course to play. Located in Bolton Landing,
this 18-hole public course utilizes the natural terrain, including an upland
meadow and evergreens. In addition to the greens, guests can also enjoy the
Sagamore’s fine dining, deluxe accommodations, sailing and tennis. Visit:
www.thesagamore.com or call 1-800-358-3585 for more information.
Concord
Resort & Golf Club – Known mainly for its 7,650-yard “Monster,” this par 72 is
located in the Catskill Mountains. Ranked among Golf Digest’s top 100 courses,
it challenges players with its length, extensive bunkering and a variety of
water hazards. Overnight packages are also available. For more information,
call: 1.888.448.9686 or visit:
www.concordresort.com.
Holiday Valley Resort – Beginners and
experienced golfers alike welcome Holiday Valley’s challenging combination of
mountain and flat terrain. Located in Ellicottville, the 18-hole regulation
course is robed in lush green and magnificent gardens. Resort packages include
club cleaning, unlimited use of the driving range, lessons and relaxing spa
treatments. Call 1-800-367-9691 or visit:
www.holidayvalley.com for more
information.


Lesser Known Diamond Courses
Perfect for beginners and pros alike, New
York’s lesser known courses are some of the state’s finest and best kept
secrets. Some of these lesser known diamonds include:
Sodus Bay Heights Golf Club: This golfer’s
dream is located halfway between Syracuse and Rochester, adjacent to the cool
clear waters of Lake Ontario. A little known gem, Sodus Bay Heights features a
rolling terrain with large undulating greens. There are many downhill, sidehill
and uphill lies on the 6,682-yard course, so you'll be challenged to hit shots
from a number of intriguing positions. For more information, visit
www.sodusbayheightsgc.com.
Top of the World Golf, Lake George - Top of
the World offers breathtaking panoramic views of French Mountain – the hillside
is rich with Native American history. The course recently expanded from a 9-hole
course to an 18-hole course, expanding the views of natural rock formations,
wetlands, and historic markers in the area. For more information, visit
http://www.topoftheworldgolfresort.com .
For a complete listing of golf courses in
New York, visit
www.iloveny.com.
Edited by Erika Wright
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