In the Dutchess County Spotlight
Golf Dutchess!
Dutchess County golf venues offer a variety of public courses with options to suit everyone from the seasoned pro to the enthusiastic beginner. Fifteen golf venues put the unique spin on the sport in Dutchess. Play a different course each day over an extended week!
Early Scottish settlers who brought the game to the US founded the Dutcher Golf Course in Pawling in 1888, making it the nation’s oldest public course. Considered a tough challenge, it's surrounded by a stone wall that presents a picturesque hazard typical of those found on Scottish links. www.pawling.org
A contemporary of the Dutcher, but with a more genteel history, Dinsmore Golf Course opened in 1890. The original nine holes were used by wealthy families of nearby estates - the Astors, Livingstons, and Vanderbilts; it's now operated by NYS Dept. of Parks and Recreation. Both the Staatsburgh State Historic Site and Mills-Norrie State Park are adjacent to Dinsmore, www.NYSParks.com
The legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed the 18-hole course at James Baird State Park Golf Course in LaGrange. The 6,000-yard layout is reputed for the length of its fairways and the difficulty of water hazards. It's right off the Taconic Parkway! Check out their restaurant under new management, Mahoney's on the Green. www.NYSParks.com
Another Robert Trent Jones championship course is on 400 landscaped acres at Casperkill Golf Club in Poughkeepsie, built in 1944. This Par 72, 18-hole course makes masterful use of the rolling hills with elevated tees, manicured fairways and well-bunkered, terraced greens that makes each round a new challenge. www.casperkillgolf.com
For a taste of the rolling green hills of the Emerald isle, visit the Links at Union Vale, a remarkable links-style course is reminiscent of the famous links courses of Ireland and Scotland. Designed by Stephen Kay with distinct and memorable features of water, potbunkers and natural hazards complemented by bent and fescue grasses, The Links opened in 2000, and was rated the Best New Public Golf Course of the Year by Suburban Golf Magazine. In 2008, The Links at Union Vale was ranked #17 of the top 100 courses in New York State open to the public by Golf Magazine. It was also named Best of Daily Fee Properties in 2008 and 2009 by Best of Northeast Golf Magazine; see www.thelinksatunionvale.com
Women have at the edge at Beekman Country Club; it was selected as one of the 50 Top Golf Courses for women in the US, and is in the Top 4 for the Northeast. It's written up in the 2009 edition of the PGA Professional's Guide to Travel, where a survey was conducted by PGA Professionals nationally, who offered their choices for favorite golf facilities for women to play. Also check out their new "We Bet The Weatherman Is Wrong Day!" If rain is predicted and Beekman disagree, they'll post it on their home page before 7am weekdays/6am weekends, or hear the message at 845/226-7700, to find out if they have reduced the green fees by one-third! If you don't finish playing, get a rain-check for any holes you aren't able to play due to the weather! www.BeekmanGolf.com
If you have not played Vassar College's 9-hole course in a while, set aside 2 hours and enjoy the new Vassar Golf Course. You'll be pleasantly surprised with the playing conditions, especially the greens. They welcome all players on a first come, first serve basis; this means no take tee times. Pay when you want with no prior commitment (with the exception of planned events). Established in 1930, it offers a scenic 2,500 yard layout with beautiful mature trees, character and charm. Golfers of all levels welcome, including juniors, seniors and families. www.VassarGolfCourse.com
