Check out the northern Catskill Mountains this summer for a perhaps unexpected treat of superb golf courses and several time-honored resorts. You can unwind for a weekend or longer and sample several very good golf courses the area has to offer.
Let’s take a look at what awaits you in the area.
Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course
(www.SunnyHill.com)
Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course in Greenville, N.Y. continues to attract a bevy of stay and play customers from the tri-state area who love bathing in the warm and laid back atmosphere of the Catskills while also taking the time to sample a fun course.
Sunny Hill, owned by the Nicolsen family since 1968, opened as a resort in 1920. “One of the significant highlights of Sunny Hill is that from any tee on the golf course you have picturesque views of the Catskill Mountains,” said Marc Guntert, Director of Golf. “We are very popular locally due in part to the layout and beautifully manicured grounds.”
Guntert said course conditions are “excellent as we continue to keep golf course maintenance equipment up to date and always professionally maintain the layout. Our business has been continuous and steady even through the pandemic and continues to stay strong, thankfully.”
Sunny Hill is considered to be more a resort style golf course that is challenging to the beginner as well as the experienced golfer. The track could also be deemed an “executive” course that features a number of par-threes, seven in all including six on the front side, and several short par-fours. It makes for an enjoyable round and a fine place to learn the game while not being overwhelmed by difficult holes. It also gives the accomplished golfer a chance to work on every club in the bag.
The front side has par-threes that range in distance from 104 yards to 202. The fifth, eighth and ninth holes are short par-fours where big hitters can drive the greens. The front side plays to a par of 30. The back side is more traditional in distance and plays to a par of 36. There are two par-fours, the 11th and 14th, that play around 350 yards as well as five par-fours of less than 300 yards, including the final four holes on the course. The only par-five is on the back, the 423-yard 13th.There is only one par-three on the inward nine, the challenging 203-yard 12th.
Said Guntert, “I would say that our best hole is number 11, which is a 348-yard par-four and downhill all the way to the green. A few yards past the green is a pond, which of course has claimed many a ball.” Course Superintendent is Erik Nicholsen.
“We don’t offer any real specials during the summer because we are pretty much swamped with our resort guests,” said Guntert. “We hold various tournaments for our guests to enjoy during their stay with us. We don’t have a restaurant but we offer burgers, hot dogs, various sandwiches and other snacks.”
Greenville, NY
Island Green Resort and Golf Club
(www.TheIslandGreen.com)
Thanks to a move by the managers of Island Green Golf Club in Greenville, N.Y., everyone who tees it up at the course will be able to sample the hole for which the layout is named for.
“The biggest change we made was flipping the nines,” said Kevin Smith, General Manager. “This was done for better flow and for quicker play. The signature hole is our now number three on the front and it is accessible to people only playing nine holes.”
The third hole plays 135 from back tees and it’s a true island green that is fun and tricky to play at the same time. There’s no room for error on the tee shot.
“We took over last season and saw a significant increase, but this season has been off the charts so far,” said Smith. “I have learned that there are so many loyal and wonderful people in this area and beyond. Locally, we draw mainly from the surrounding counties of Dutchess, Greene and Columbia and Schoharie and we have some customers who make the day trip from Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and the upper New York City area.”
“Some of our most exciting news is our food and beverage component,” Smith added. “We have two new excellent food professionals. Drew Tobin is our new head chef with Brad Fitzgerald being the sous chef. They are offering some of the best BBQ I have ever tasted. They have elevated the level of our food and beverage department to new heights. I highly recommend either staying here overnight or booking an outing with us.”
Of course, customers come to sample the wonderful golf course at Island Green. In addition to the aforementioned and high profile island green, the course features a traditional design that is fun and challenging to play.
The first hole is a short par-four that can get a round off in good fashion. Numbers seven and eight and par-fours that measure less than 300 yards and present golden opportunities to make birdie with a strong drive.
The 340-yard 10th hole is a super par-four where players can drive the ball as close to a greenside pond as possible to set up a short iron or wedge into the putting surface. Number 13 is a 380-yard par-four that also has water in front of the green. The 14th and 15th holes are long par-fours that play almost 450 yards from the back markers.
The 17h hole is a 347-yard par-four that doglegs severely to the left. Hit your drive as close to the turn as possible to leave a short iron into the green. The course ends with a 341-yard par-four that can make the after round refreshments taste better with a birdie.
The course plays 6,261 yards from the back and has a par of 71. There are four sets of tees in all to fit the playing ability of all guests.
“Our stay and play package is hard to beat,” said Smith. “Those interested can email me at kevin@theislandgrenn.com for details.”
Greenville_NY
Woodstock Golf Club, located in Woodstock, New York, is a historic and scenic private golf facility that has been an integral part of the Hudson Valley’s sporting tradition since its opening in 1929. Situated approximately 100 miles north of New York City, the club features a well-maintained nine-hole course with a par of 35. The course offers golfers a rewarding experience as it winds through classic landscapes and along Sawkill Creek, providing stunning views of the surrounding Catskill foothills. The course attracts players of all skill levels, offering a challenge while maintaining a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Its greens and fairways are known for their excellent upkeep, and the club regularly hosts events and play for both members and guests. Adjacent practice areas are available for warm-ups and skill development, making it an appealing destination whether you’re refining your short game or enjoying a casual round with friends. In addition to golf, the clubhouse enhances the overall experience by providing a welcoming space to socialize after a round, with food and drink options that reflect the local vibe. With its nearly century-long history and beautiful natural setting, the club is a cherished part of Woodstock’s community and sporting culture.
