A Golfer's Adventure through every kind of Golf Resorts in New York

Okay, so let’s talk about golf in New York. First off, nobody tells you how much of a long shot it is to play here. One minute, you’re squinting against the sun, feeling like you’ve finally nailed your swing, and the next, you’re getting slapped sideways by wind that smells suspiciously like rain. Seriously, you ever try a delicate chip shot while your hat’s doing cartwheels across the green? Welcome to golf, New York Edition. But hey, we keep coming back, don’t we? Because the courses here? They’ve got character. And by character, I mean they’ll humble you, feed you, and occasionally make you question your life choices in the best way possible. Some do it with sheer difficulty, others with breathtaking views that lull you into a false sense of security, either way, they all have their own way of keeping you on your toes. If you're after a Golf Resort in New York that brings the full experience, you'll find options that go beyond the course.

Let me start with Turning Stone. Ah, Turning Stone. This place is polished. Three courses, each with its own vibe. Kaluhyat is the beast, elevations that’ll make your calves cry and greens that roll like a marble on a hardwood floor. Shenendoah is a little more forgiving, but don’t let your guard down, it’ll still punish you if you get overconfident. And Atunyote? That’s the fancy one. Hosted a PGA event once, and boy, does it know it. I played it during a buddy’s bachelor weekend, and the service was so over-the-top I half-expected someone to hand-feed us grapes on the 9th tee. They didn’t, but they might as well have.

Then there’s Villa Roma in the Catskills. If Turning Stone is a street fight, Villa Roma is a blackjack table in a tuxedo. This place isn’t trying to be something it’s not, and I respect that. The greens are tricky, not “ha-ha, you suck” tricky, but more like “pay attention or regret it” tricky. Plus, it’s in the Catskills, which means you’re surrounded by that classic upstate vibe: trees for days, air that smells like actual air, and a pace that reminds you to chill out. I ended up there on a whim, friend of a friend’s recommendation and it turned out to be the highlight of the trip. Villa Roma’s the kind of place you don’t forget, even if you only play it once. But trust me, you’ll want to play it more than once.

Oh, and then there’s Leatherstocking Golf Course of Otesaga Resort up in Cooperstown. You know Cooperstown, right? Baseball Hall of Fame, small-town Americana, all that jazz. Well, Leatherstocking is the kind of course that sneaks up on you. It’s not loud or flashy, it’s just good. Like, really good. The back nine hugs Otsego Lake, and the views? Unreal. But don’t get distracted, because the final hole is a par-5 with water that will eat your ball if you’re not careful. I’m still salty about it, in case you couldn’t tell. It’s one of those holes where you have to decide: go for the green in two or play it safe, either way, the lake is watching.

At this point, I’ve got to mention Peek'n Peak. Inviting name, even better vibe. This is where your golf buddy who just bought a new driver would take you to show it off. The course is pristine, the setting is pure charm, and the whole place feels like a breath of fresh air. But don’t let that fool you, it’s got plenty of bite to keep you on your game. The par 3s are an absolute joy, and the fairways are generous enough to give you a fighting chance even when your swing has other ideas. Bonus points for the post-round scene with its laid-back energy, cold drinks, and views that make you forget you just racked up a triple bogey on 17.

And speaking of vibes, have you been to The Sagamore? It’s up in Bolton Landing, right on Lake George, and it’s got this whole “old-school meets modern” thing going on. The course isn’t super long, but it’s tight. Like, “don’t even think about hitting driver” tight. I lost three balls in the first five holes because I can’t follow directions. But the views? Man, they make up for it. There’s something about teeing off with the lake in the background that makes you forget how many strokes you’ve racked up. And if you care about history, Donald Ross had a hand in this design, so if you struggle, at least you can blame a legend.

Finally, I can’t leave out Sunny Hill Resort in Greenville NY. It’s not the fanciest course, sure. No valet, no spa, no overpriced drinks. But it’s got this relaxed, welcoming vibe where you can just show up and enjoy the game. Plus, the Catskills views are a bonus. Last time I played there, I saw a guy sink a long putt, light a cigar, and walk off like it was nothing. Maybe he’s onto something. But in the end, it was just good golf and a good time.

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So there you go, six resorts, each with its quirks, its challenges, and its own weird charm. And yeah, maybe I left a few out, but that’s the beauty of golf in New York. There’s always another course, another adventure, another chance to prove (or disprove) that you’ve got what it takes. Keep in mind, finding the right Golf Resort in New York is just a matter of knowing what suits your game. Now, go play them! (and if you do, just know that no matter how the round goes, you'll walk off with something worth talking about)