Golfman17

If this course was a home, you'd say it has great "bones" and is a classic that just needs a little more TLC. The new team here took a neglected work of art and made dramatic improvements to this masterpiece. I only rated conditions a 4 because this was a tough summer and they still have work to do in their restoration. I also rated the off course amenities 4 as they have a fantastic chef and did improve the restaurant but there is still room to improve and the range is OK but not great (there is another area past the 2nd tee for longer shots). All that will take is time and more money (hopefully after more people come and play).

This layout is fantastic and might be one of the best kept secrets in the state. Will it rival the downstate classic private clubs? No. But many of the shots are very similar and I would put this at or near the top of any course in the North Country and Vermont. They are very accommodating to visitors so that is great too.

Other than just keeping on the path they have started, I would only suggest a few things. Cut back a few more trees to allow the turf to grow and/or move a few of the back tees away from trees. Examples: Move 5 back tee to the right away from tree line and 6 back tee forward so they get sunlight. The greens should improve as I saw several bare spots. Also they could weed at the base of the trees.

The ground and bunker placement on these holes are outstanding. As these bunkers get more sand where it is visible to the player, the intimidation will be even greater and will make the holes grab your attention visually.

This course is great for beginners yet very challenging for advanced players, especially if played from the back tees. Birdies are not easy. The views are outstanding and the value cannot be beat.

Let me first say this is one of my favorite layouts ever. Have been playing it here and there for over 30 years. I enjoy all 18 holes. The 18th is unlike anything you've ever see, which is 1 reason I love it. The halfway house staff was fantastic; however pro shop and starter seemed less than enthusiastic. I rated value as 4 primarily because the conditions are awful. This gem of a layout needs serious TLC. The 10th fairway is almost unplayable. I realize Yale U is in the business of education but this has the "bones" to be so much better. I also realize this has been a tough season but I've seen many other private and public courses in the area come through so much better. The locker room could use a little attention; not a major makeover. Practice facilities are pretty good.

Locals will want this place to be kept quiet. It is really a great course considering the cost, location and improved course conditions. I would generally agree with the previous poster. The driving range could be a fantastic setup for at least 1 hole, yet the routing of the course and the need for parking for the massive catering business, marina, etc. would make this logistically difficult. The place is definitely improving. They seem to be finishing up some of the major work on the course. I would also say its time to blow up the golf clubhouse and put in a useful building without as much wasted space and a real locker room. It would be easy to keep the replacement in the same style as it is currently: understated with nostalgic feel.

I rated the staff as such because 1) they were not really present except for the ranger who mistook a gap in front of us for something we created rather than the 3 tee time gape that separated our 2 groups on the first tee! Mind you the group behind us started and remained over a hole behind us so nobody was waiting for anyone; we actually CLOSED the gap with the group in front of us. It was as if he needed to justify his authority on the course. I rated the conditions as such based on what a municipal course would be able to maintain. While they can't compete with private clubs, there were a lot of footprints in the bunkers (maybe the ranger should monitor that?) and other minor areas for improvement. The amenities are amazing with a pool, tennis & paddle courts, marina, winter rink, restaurant and inn! All at a town facility! I am looking forward to playing here again.

This place has a huge catering business. Oh and apparently they also have a golf course that they spend a little time on too! Rough is not difficult or penal so much as an afterthought. Drainage is so poor that even during a dry spell, the rough especially is spongy. The 2nd green needs a stick of dynamite; so few hole locations. Other holes on front side should be tweaked. Such a beautiful setting but the regulars I know there admit that management and the staff seem to let things go. It really wouldn't take much to make this place work. However the owners are using it as a cash cow for their catering/wedding hall business.

This course, with its important place in US golf history, is a huge disappointment. The course was redone in the early 80s by the Golden Bear himself. Unfortunately the holes lack imagination and all have a similar feel to one another. Teeing off a hill, carries over burns and greens that have the same strategic element every time. In this era, members should consider removing trees for improved turf growth, reworking the bunkers and addressing the drainage issues. There is nothing that can be done about the topography but minimizing the steep climbs would go a long way to make this an enjoyable walk. The clubhouse is nice and has a great old-school feel.

Course was redone a few years ago and the changes are outstanding. Bunkers come into play and the views are amazing. If you get a chance to play, I would definitely do it. 1 and 7 unfortunately have the road in play but the layout and variety more than make up for this. Greens are fast so watch your pace.

Solid Westchester club course that is overshadowed by neighbors that have international recognition. You have to know how to shape your shots off the tee and will be tested to use every club in the bag. Don't be fooled by the yardage; it plays longer.