The Best Golf Courses in Upstate New York

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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

Saranac 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.

• 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

Top 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.

• Access: Resort Guests
• USGA Course Rating: 75.1
• Slope Rating: 144
• Website: Turning Stone Resort Golf

Bellevue 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

Conclusion

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.