Courses in good condition after long, snowy winter
Kingston, N.Y. (April 13, 2011) – The golf season has begun in picturesque Ulster County and County Tourism Director Richard J. Remsnyder said the 2011 golf season promises to be an exciting one as the county’s dozen courses have all opened and survived the harsh winter in good condition.
“Ulster County’s golf courses are so diverse that visitors can play any type of
course here,” Remsnyder said. “If a golfer likes mountain resort courses, he or she will be thrilled golfing at the Robert Trent Jones-designed golf courses at the Honor’s Haven Resort and Spa in Ellenville, the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa in Kerhonkson and the Mohonk Mountain House, which is located at the wonderful five-star resort in New Paltz.”
If golfers are looking for a challenging course with great risk-reward potential, Rondout Golf Club in Accord has lots of water and some reachable par-5’s that provide enough of a test for those brave enough to avoid the peril. And the 27-hole Apple Greens Golf Course, which is cut right out of an apple orchard in Highland, is a unique experience for golfers of all levels.
Much of the buzz in Ulster County this year will be about the new nine holes being built at the Lazy Swan Golf and Country Club Village in Saugerties. Work has progressed nicely on the new nine with the grand opening slated to be around Labor Day. Lazy Swan owner Tony Bacchi opened the original nine holes of his facility, located at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, in 2008. He brought back golf course designer Barry Jordan, who laid out the original nine, to fashion the rest, making the 18-hole layout 6,500 yards with a par of 70.
“Barry did an excellent job designing the original holes and the reputation of the course speaks for itself,” Bacchi said. “It adds a certain level of prestige, which the course in entitled to.”
The fairly open existing nine will be flanked on both sides by densely wooded holes with narrower fairways. The two nines will be integrated once the 18-hole layout is completed. The original course will remain open during construction of the additional holes. Remsnyder said Lazy Swan’s quiet elegance and its proximity to the Saugerties exit on the New York State Thruway has caught the attention of a growing number of golfers from the Tri-state region.
“In a short time, Lazy Swan has established itself as a major player in the golf business,” Remsnyder said. “The course is immaculate and challenging. The staff is very efficient and courteous and it has an outstanding restaurant, clubhouse and a beautiful facility that has become a fashionable place to hold a wedding. Once it opens its new nine, I think it will be one of the best 18-hole courses in the region.”
Highlighting the opening of Ulster County’s golf season is the variety of specials at its 12 charming golf courses. For more information on Ulster County’s courses, log onto www.ulstercountyalive.com or call Ulster County Tourism at 845-340-3568.
Ulster County Golf Opening and Special Deals
Alapaha Golf Links, Kingston
Phone: 845-331-2334
Email: jdurcan18@yahoo.com
Specials: Twilight – $2 off green fees after 5 p.m.
Apple Greens Golf Course, Highland
Phone: 845-883-5500
Website: www.applegreens.com
Specials: Women’s Day on Thursdays; Senior Day (60 and over) on Tuesdays ($19 to walk and $33 to ride on both days).
Green Acres Golf Club, Kingston
Phone: 845-331-2283
Email: duck101963@hvc.rr.com
Specials: Seniors (55 and over) $10 for nine holes – Monday-Friday before 1 p.m.
Hudson Valley Resort & Spa, Kerhonkson
Phone: 845-626-8888 (contact Eric at extension 3006 or Shelly at 3016)
Website: www.hudsonvalleyresort.com
Specials: April and May, Monday-Thursday ($139 room); Friday-Sunday ($159 room).
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
Phone: 845-255-1000
Website: www.mohonk.com
Specials: Unlimited greens fees from April 1 through Nov. 6 ($275 per person). Motorized golf cart required (some exclusions). Tee time reservations required (256-2154); Mid-week Golf and a Meal – Enjoy a round of golf and lunch at the Carriage Lounge Monday through Friday from noon until course closing time. The rate for lunch Monday-Friday, nine holes of golf, and a cart for two people is $100. The rate for lunch Monday-Friday, 18 holes of golf, and a cart for two people is $125. Golf Pro Shop staff will be pleased to confirm dining reservations, along with tee times; Wednesdays two-for-one special: Two golfers pay price of one green fee.
New Paltz Golf Course, New Paltz
Phone: 845-255-8282
Website: www.newpaltzgolf.com
Email: golfprolarry@aol.com
Specials: Discount season membership available. Call course for more details.
Rondout Golf Club, Accord
Phone: 888-894-9455 or 845-626-2513
Website: www.rondoutgolfclub.com
Email: cottill@aol.com
Specials: Register on Rondout Golf Club’s website to participate in course’s eClub and receive a free green fee on your birthday! Valid up to one week prior and one week after your birthday. We regularly offer specials and golf promotions to registered members. All information is held in confidence and will only be used to provide you golf specials and promotions.
Shawangunk Country Club, Ellenville
Phone: 845-647-6090
Specials: 18 holes $26 with cart
Stone Dock Golf Course, High Falls
Phone: 845-687-7102
Website: www.stonedockgolfclub.com
Specials: Tee off between 8-11 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 9-11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday ($27 and $29 on weekends).
The Golf Course at Honor’s Haven, Ellenville
Phone: 845-210-1600
Website: www.honorshaven.com
Email: geoff61@hvc.rr.com.
Specials: Unlimited golf packages – One-night stay: (weekday $144, weekend $164); Two-night stay: (weekday $129, weekend $149). All rates are per person, per night, based on double occupancy and include: Deluxe accommodations, Two buffet meals daily (breakfast and dinner), unlimited bucket of range balls on arrival, unlimited golf during stay (cart included), PGA Golf pro private lesson available (fees apply) and full use of hotel facilities).
The Lazy Swan Golf and Country Club Village, Saugerties
Phone: 845-247-0075
Website: www.thelazyswan.com
Email: ssimeon@thelazyswan.com
Specials: 10 play – purchase 10 rounds at once, saving on individual rounds; Seniors (60 years and older Monday-Thursday) $25.00 (nine holes) and $40.00 (18 holes).
Turtle Creek GOLF Course at The Garden, Plattekill
Phone: 845-564-3220
Website: www.turtlecreekgolf.net
Email: turtlecreekgolfcourse@gmail.com
Specials: Best season deals – Single ($550) and Couple ($800).
