The Links at Union Vale is a unique links-style golf course that is challenging yet fun for players of all skill levels. In addition, the course is recognized by those in the golf world for its exceptional condition, design, and amenities.
Being named “Best New Public Course of the Year” by Suburban Golf Magazine in 2000 to being named to Golfweek.com’s list of “Top 15 courses in New York State” for the past three years is a real honor.
The Links at Union Vale is a regular stop on the Golf Channel’s “AM Tour.” In addition, organizations like the USGA, the Metropolitan Golf Association, and the Dutchess County Amateur Golf Association regularly select The Links at Union Vale to host their amateur tournaments.
“Most golfers who play here realize the unique golf experience that The Links at Union Vale offers,” said Patrick Sullivan, Golf Professional for the club. “There is nothing quite like The Links, from the Gaelic welcome at the front gate to the links-style course to the perfectly poured Guinness in the Harp and Eagle Pub.”
The course was masterfully designed by Stephen Kay and Doug Smith. The architects let the shape of the land–with swells and troughs–influence the routings. There aren’t many courses like it in the region. Between the challenging course and the quality of service, playing The Links at Union Vale puts golf in a whole new light.
The course has five sets of tees that run from 5,198 yards to nearly 7,000 yards from the tips. Play the proper set of tees to match your ability and you’ll certainly want to come back for more once you’ve tested this special layout.
Said Sullivan, “The Links at Union Vale course is as challenging as ever. Like any links-style course, The Links at Union Vale is designed to reward quality ball striking and course management. Play well, play smart, and you will score well. Each hole carries its risk and reward. The wayward or overly aggressive can be penalized by the rough and strategically placed bunkers. The first nine holes are not too long. They were designed to emphasize tactics and course management to allow players to find their game and rhythm.”
Course conditions at The Links at Union Vale have been exceptional this year,” reported Sullivan. “As a result, there has been a continued uptick in golfers.” The Links at Union Vale draws locally from Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Sullivan, Orange, and Ulster counties and west of the Hudson River and western Connecticut.
Clubhouse
The course has many holes with unique features. The 16th (a 451-yard par-four) is considered the signature hole. It features a split fairway divided by three bunkers set in a slight diagonal from right to left. Course designer Stephen Kay refers to this bunker set up as his “Trinity Bunker” design. The addition of the carpet bunker or sod wall replica bunker on the sixth hole fits the bunkering design of the course and makes the hole more aesthetically appealing. Bunkers, in general, are best avoided, if possible, of course. Regarding playing the 16th hole, the right fairway offers a better straight-on look at the green but plays longer. The left fairway plays shorter but requires a blind second shot.
Here’s a look at some of the other holes at The Links at Union Vale.
The first is a challenging way to start your round. It’s a 421-yard par-four that plays downhill then up to an elevated putting surface. You must be careful off the tee as wetlands cross the fairway about 240 yards from the back tee markers. The safe play is a fairway wood off the tee and a long iron or fairway wood to the putting surface.
The second hole is a dogleg left par-five that plays 505-yards from the back markers. The wise shot is not to try and drive across a stream that dissects the fairway but rather lay the ball up and then hit a second shot that will leave a wedge into the green. You can try and clear the stream, but it’s risky. If you attempt the risk and make it, you will be rewarded with a second shot that might get you on the green.
The fourth hole is a 385-yard par-four that does a sharp turn left about halfway to the putting surface. Cut off as much of the dogleg to the left as you dare. Hit a fairway off the tee and have a mid-iron into the green or take a driver and try to get as close to the green as possible. You’ll be left with a pitch shot into the putting surface and a shot at birdie.
The seventh is a 198-yard par-three guarded by bunkers on the front left side of the green. Again, a well-struck long iron or rescue club will find a large putting surface.
The ninth is a birdie hole, playing only 364 yards. But there is a bevy of sand bunkers scattered about the fairway, and you need to steer clear of them to leave an unfettered approach to the green.
Hole 10
The 12th is a 169-yard par-three that has bunkers protecting both sides of the green. Running a shot up and onto the green is risky because of these guardians.
Number 13 is a great short par-four playing just over 300 yards. Big hitters can get on or close to the green off the tee, but there are bunkers all around and water to the left side of the fairway that can cause a big problem if you pull your tee shot. A mid-iron layup and a short-iron second shot are the safe play.
The 14th is a tough par-five, playing 603 yards. The fairway is again dissected by a natural area, which makes this a true three-shot hole to get to the green. A good drive and second shot onto the second portion of the fairway leave a short iron into the green.
The 18th is a strong finisher, playing 618 yards for the championship markers. However, it is just as difficult as the prior par-five and demands two strong shots to set up a mid-iron approach to the putting surface.
If you can navigate the final few holes wisely and stay out of trouble (a bogey isn’t a bad score on the final two par-fives), it will leave a smile on your face as you walk off the course.
“We are always looking at ways to enhance the golf course,” said Sullivan. “This year we addressed bunker needs. In years past, we updated and paved cart paths and redesigned the green surrounding the 18th hole. Credit goes to the members at the club for prioritizing improving and updating the course, clubhouse, and golf programs each year.”
The Links at Union Vale
Lagrangeville, N.Y.
www.TheLinksatUnionVale.com
845- 223-1002
