The Best Golf Courses in Upstate New York
Note: Images used in this article are AI-generated. To view the actual golf course, please click the link provided.
Upstate New York offers some of the most breathtaking and challenging golf experiences in the Northeast. From historic Donald Ross designs to modern championship layouts, the region's diverse terrain creates unique playing opportunities for golfers of all skill levels. The rolling hills, pristine lakes, and vibrant seasonal colors provide a stunning backdrop for your round, whether you're teeing off in the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, or Hudson Valley regions.
Our comprehensive guide showcases the finest public and private courses across Upstate New York, complete with essential details to help you plan your perfect golf getaway. Each featured course includes its accessibility status, USGA ratings, and direct links to official websites for easy booking. Whether you're a local looking for new challenges or planning a dedicated golf trip to the region, these exceptional courses represent the best that Upstate New York has to offer.
Best Golf Courses in the Adirondack Region
The stunning mountain views at Whiteface Club Golf Course in Lake Placid
Whiteface Club & Resort
Nestled along the shores of Lake Placid with spectacular views of Whiteface Mountain, this historic course dates back to 1898. The layout was redesigned by John Van Kleek in 1930 and offers a classic Adirondack golf experience with tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering.
- Access: Public
- USGA Course Rating: 70.3
- Slope Rating: 131
- Website: Whiteface Club & Resort
Experience Adirondack Mountain Golf
Book your tee time at Whiteface Club & Resort to enjoy one of the most scenic courses in the Adirondacks, open from May through October.
Book a Tee TimeSaranac Inn Golf & Country Club
This historic Donald Ross design from 1901 is considered one of his finest works in the region. The course features undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and challenging green complexes typical of Ross's architectural philosophy. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, Saranac Inn offers a peaceful setting and a true test of golf.

- Access: Public
- USGA Course Rating: 71.2
- Slope Rating: 129
- Website: Saranac Inn Golf & Country Club
Premier Golf Courses in the Rochester Area
The legendary 18th hole at Oak Hill Country Club's East Course
Oak Hill Country Club (East Course)
Oak Hill's East Course stands as the crown jewel of Upstate New York golf. This Donald Ross masterpiece has hosted every major championship in American golf, including three U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, and the Ryder Cup. The course is renowned for its challenging rough, strategic creek placements, and magnificent tree-lined fairways that demand precision from tee to green.
Course Highlights
- Major championship pedigree
- Immaculate course conditions
- Classic Donald Ross design
- Challenging but fair layout
Considerations
- Private membership required
- Extremely difficult to access
- Challenging for higher handicappers
- Limited public events
- Access: Private
- USGA Course Rating: 76.2
- Slope Rating: 147
- Website: Oak Hill Country Club
Monroe Golf Club
Another Donald Ross gem, Monroe Golf Club offers a classic design that has stood the test of time since 1923. The course has hosted prestigious events including the 2014 LPGA Championship. With undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and challenging green complexes, Monroe delivers a pure golf experience in a peaceful setting.

- Access: Private
- USGA Course Rating: 73.5
- Slope Rating: 139
- Website: Monroe Golf Club
Ravenwood Golf Club
Consistently ranked among the top public courses in New York State, Ravenwood offers a modern championship experience designed by Robin Nelson. Opened in 2003, this course features generous landing areas, strategic bunkering, and exceptional conditioning. The back nine presents a significantly more challenging test than the front, with the par-5 12th hole standing as a memorable challenge.

- Access: Public
- USGA Course Rating: 74.3
- Slope Rating: 138
- Website: Ravenwood Golf Club
Play One of New York's Finest Public Courses
Experience championship-level golf at Ravenwood Golf Club, consistently ranked among the top public courses in New York State.
Reserve Your Tee TimeTop Golf Destinations Near Buffalo
The diverse layout at Crag Burn Golf Club features both wooded and open meadow holes
Crag Burn Golf Club
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1972, Crag Burn offers a unique blend of parkland and woodland golf. Half the holes wind through dense forests while others open up to meadows and ponds. The course is known for its excellent conditioning and strategic design that rewards thoughtful play rather than just distance.
- Access: Private
- USGA Course Rating: 74.8
- Slope Rating: 142
- Website: Crag Burn Golf Club
Harvest Hill Golf Course
This Michael Hurdzan design opened in 2007 and quickly established itself as one of Buffalo's premier public golf experiences. Built on former farmland, the course features bentgrass fairways framed by natural wetlands, wooded areas, and golden heather. With five par-3s and five par-5s, Harvest Hill offers plenty of scoring opportunities amid its challenging layout.

- Access: Public
- USGA Course Rating: 73.6
- Slope Rating: 135
- Website: Harvest Hill Golf Course
Central New York's Finest Golf Experiences
The pristine conditions at Turning Stone Resort's Atunyote Course, designed by Tom Fazio
Turning Stone Resort (Atunyote Course)
The crown jewel of Turning Stone's three championship courses, Atunyote (pronounced ah-DUNE-yo-day) is a Tom Fazio masterpiece that hosted the PGA Tour's Turning Stone Resort Championship. The course features immaculate conditioning, strategically placed water hazards, and a parkland setting reminiscent of Augusta National. With wide fairways and large greens, Atunyote offers a fair but challenging test for golfers of all abilities.
| Turning Stone Courses | Designer | Year Built | USGA Rating | Slope | Access |
| Atunyote | Tom Fazio | 2004 | 75.1 | 144 | Resort Guests |
| Kaluhyat | Robert Trent Jones II | 2003 | 75.9 | 146 | Resort Guests |
| Shenandoah | Rick Smith | 2000 | 73.7 | 139 | Resort Guests |
- Access: Resort Guests
- USGA Course Rating: 75.1
- Slope Rating: 144
- Website: Turning Stone Resort Golf
Experience PGA Tour-Quality Golf
Book a stay-and-play package at Turning Stone Resort to access all three championship courses, including the spectacular Atunyote.
View Golf PackagesBellevue Country Club
This historic Donald Ross design from 1923 has been carefully restored to maintain its original character. The course features dramatic elevation changes, with players navigating up and down a steep hill that divides the property. Bellevue's undulating greens and strategic bunkering provide a classic test of golf that rewards precision and course management.

- Access: Private
- USGA Course Rating: 72.4
- Slope Rating: 135
- Website: Bellevue Country Club
Hudson Valley Golf Destinations
The spectacular 18th hole at Leatherstocking Golf Course runs along Lake Otsego
Leatherstocking Golf Course
Located in historic Cooperstown and designed by Devereux Emmet in 1909, Leatherstocking Golf Course offers a classic layout with modern touches. The course is best known for its spectacular finishing holes along Lake Otsego, particularly the 18th hole which requires a shot across the lake to reach the green. Connected to the historic Otesaga Resort Hotel, Leatherstocking combines challenging golf with stunning scenery.
- Access: Public (Resort Priority)
- USGA Course Rating: 72.6
- Slope Rating: 136
- Website: Leatherstocking Golf Course
Glens Falls Country Club
This hidden gem designed by Donald Ross in 1920 has maintained its architectural integrity over the decades. Located south of Lake George, the course features dramatic elevation changes, challenging green complexes, and strategic bunkering that rewards shot-making over raw power. At just 6,500 yards, Glens Falls proves that a great golf course doesn't need excessive length to challenge players.

- Access: Private
- USGA Course Rating: 71.8
- Slope Rating: 133
- Website: Glens Falls Country Club
Planning Your Upstate New York Golf Trip
Fall is a spectacular time to experience Upstate New York's golf courses
Best Times to Visit
The prime golf season in Upstate New York runs from mid-May through mid-October. Late September and early October offer spectacular fall foliage views, while July and August provide the most reliable weather. Spring golf (May-June) often features lush conditions but can be unpredictable weather-wise.
Accessing Private Clubs
While many of Upstate New York's finest courses are private, there are several ways to gain access. Look for charity events hosted at these clubs, NYSGA Amateur Series tournaments, or reciprocal arrangements if you're a member at another club. Some private clubs also offer limited public play during shoulder seasons.
Regional Golf Itineraries
Consider planning your trip around these regional golf clusters:
- Rochester Area: Ravenwood, Bristol Harbour, Mill Creek
- Syracuse/Turning Stone: All three Turning Stone courses, Green Lakes State Park
- Lake Placid: Whiteface Club, Craig Wood, Saranac Inn, Lake Placid Club
- Buffalo Region: Harvest Hill, Seneca Hickory Stick, Diamond Hawk
Local Tip
Many courses offer significant discounts for twilight tee times. During summer months, you can often start as late as 4pm and still complete 18 holes before dark, saving 30-50% on green fees.
Ready to Experience Upstate New York Golf?
Start planning your golf getaway today by contacting courses directly or booking through regional tourism offices for special golf packages.
Explore NY Golf PackagesConclusion
Upstate New York offers an impressive variety of golf experiences, from historic private clubs designed by Donald Ross to modern public facilities that rival the best resort courses in the country. The region's natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for golf, with courses taking advantage of rolling terrain, lakeside settings, and mountain views.
Whether you're seeking the challenge of a major championship venue like Oak Hill, the resort experience of Turning Stone, or the accessibility of top public courses like Ravenwood and Harvest Hill, Upstate New York has something for every golfer. The best courses in the region combine strategic design, excellent conditioning, and memorable settings that will have you planning your return visit before you've even finished your round.
As you plan your golf adventures in Upstate New York, consider the season, your budget, and your playing ability to select the courses that will provide the most enjoyable experience. With proper planning, you can create an unforgettable golf itinerary that showcases the best that this beautiful region has to offer.
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Note: Images used in this article are AI-generated. To view the actual golf course, please click the link provided.