NYSGA Golf Escapes: The Catskills, a Love Letter to the Great Outdoors

July 15, 2026

This month's NYSGA Golf Escape heads into the mountains — the Catskills, where weathered peaks, rushing streams, and a reinvented culinary scene have made this historic region one of New York's most exciting golf destinations. Close enough for a weekend trip from almost anywhere in the state, the Catskills pack a remarkable amount of character into every round.

Where to play in the Catskill Mountains

Christman’s Windham House – Windham, NY

A classic mountain golf experience in the heart of the Catskills, featuring rolling fairways, elevation changes, and stunning panoramic views.

Rip Van Winkle Country Club  – Palenville, NY

A charming Donald Ross-designed course nestled in the Catskill Mountains, offering scenic views, rolling fairways, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Inness – Accord, NY

Blending minimalist architecture, natural beauty, and a unique course design philosophy, it offers a distinctive golf experience unlike any other in the region.

Where to Eat and Drink

  • Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room (Big Indian, NY): A beloved Catskills destination serving thoughtfully prepared American cuisine with an emphasis on local and foraged ingredients. The mountain setting and warm atmosphere make every meal feel like an occasion.
  • Silvia (Woodstock, NY): A Woodstock gem earning serious attention for its creative, ingredient-driven menu and natural wine program. The kind of restaurant that reminds you that the Catskills culinary scene is no longer playing catch-up. 
  • Arrowood Farms (Accord, NY): A unique craft brewery and distillery nestled in the Hudson Valley where every beer and spirit is made with 100% New York State ingredients. The taproom is a perfect après-golf stop. 

OFF-COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

After your round, balance the scorecard with a little adventure in the Catskills. If you’re traveling with a non-golfer, they’ll love stops at:

  • Catskill High Peaks / Kaaterskill Falls: Hundreds of miles of hiking across the Catskill High Peaks — from gentle ridge walks to the challenging Devil's Path, one of the toughest multi-day hikes in the Northeast. Kaaterskill falls is the highest two-tier cascading waterfall in New York State.
  • Fly Fishing on the Delaware & Beaverkill: World-renowned trout streams that helped define American fly fishing — the Beaverkill in particular is a pilgrimage site for anglers
  • Woodstock: Galleries, music venues, bookshops, and the enduring spirit of one of America's most iconic small towns — a must-walk afternoon between rounds 
  • Scenic Skyride at Hunter Mountain: A family-friendly scenic chairlift ride that carries visitors high above the slopes of Hunter Mountain, revealing stunning panoramic views of the Catskills stretching in every direction 

PLACES TO STAY

From boutique hotels to mountainside resorts, accommodations in the Catskills cater to every taste. NYSGA recommends:

  • Scribner's Catskill Lodge: The perfect basecamp for your escape to the outdoors that blends rustic mountain aesthetics with modern design.
  • Hotel Lilien: A cozy, one-of-a-kind boutique hotel centrally located for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
  • Wylder Hotel Windham: A family-friendly gem in the Catskills right down the street from the Christman’s Windham House.
  • Inness: For a golf escape where you don’t have to leave the property. This luxury wellness retreat has everything you need from golf and hiking trails to restaurants and spas.

WHY THIS TRIP IS BUILT FOR NYSGA MEMBERS

Each Golf Escape in this series is carefully curated with NYSGA members in mind. From featured member clubs to local tips and seasonal experiences, these itineraries are designed to help you get the most out of your membership while discovering new golf adventures across New York State.

PLAN YOUR CATSKILLS GOLF ESCAPE TODAY

The Catskills will deliver a golf escape you’ll want to repeat year after year. Bookmark this destination for your next long weekend or fall foliage trip, and be sure to explore other NYS golf escapes curated just for members of the New York State Golf Association.