News

The Adirondacks are where golf’s golden age meets mountain majesty. Here, century-old fairways wind through endless forests, historic lakes shimmer beside classic greens, and every course carries a story from the game’s earliest days in New York. Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of legends in Lake Placid, chasing views above Lake George, or teeing it up in historic Old Forge, this unique region offers a timeless golf experience wrapped in natural beauty.

Where to Play

Whiteface Club & Resort – Lake Placid, NY

Whiteface is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country, a living link to the game’s beginnings in the Adirondacks. Over the decades, it has evolved while maintaining its classic routing, framed by Whiteface Mountain and the iconic Lake Placid. Playing here feels like stepping into a piece of golf history, with every swing echoing through more than a century of tradition. Originally built in 1898, the course was redesigned by noted architect, John Van Kleek, who benefitted from the consultation of legendary Rochester pro, Walter Hagen.

Top of the World Golf Resort – Lake George, NY

Perched high above Lake George on the side of French Mountain, this course, established in 1926, delivers a distinctly Adirondack experience for every kind of player. The layout winds through pine and granite, with elevation changes, sweeping mountain and lake vistas. Family-owned and operated for generations, it carries an old-school charm. It’s the kind of place where you might find yourself chatting with the owner after your round — a reminder that golf here is personal, local, and rooted in family tradition.

Thendara Golf Club – Old Forge, NY

Opened in 1921, Thendara’s front nine was designed by the legendary Donald Ross, whose fingerprints are all over “golden age” golf architecture. Framed by the Moose river, the magnificent green complexes and quiet mountain setting make it one of the purest 9-hole walking rounds in upstate New York. The back nine, designed by Russell Bailey in 1957, adds a different feel to the layout, but the soul of the course remains unmistakably vintage Adirondacks, and sits just a few minutes away from Old Forge’s main street.

Where to Eat and Drink

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery – Serving golfers and Olympians alike since the early 1990s, this local landmark brews its own beer and serves hearty comfort food just steps from Mirror Lake. Try the Ubu Ale — named for a beloved local dog — alongside a juicy burger after your round.

La Bella Vita at The Sagamore – An elegant lakeside dining experience at one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic resorts. Enjoy handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and stunning sunset views over Lake George. Make time to explore nearby Bolton Landing’s charming shops and waterfront after your meal. It’s a charming place to relax and wind down after a day chasing birdies at Top of the World.

Slickers Adirondack Tavern – A community mainstay where the locals gather for cold pints, hot wings, and live music. Its wood-paneled charm feels like the 1970s in the best way — unpretentious, friendly, and perfectly Adirondack. 

Off-Course Highlights

High Peaks History & Outdoor Adventure

Hike a trail that 19th-century guides once led travelers along. Climb Mount Jo near the Adirondack Loj for a quick, breathtaking summit in the heart of the high peaks, or stroll through the Olympic Village where Lake Placid made history, twice. From the ski jumps to the nostalgic storefronts, Lake Placid blends sport, history, and small-town charm like nowhere else.

Lake George Steamboat Cruises

Since the early 1900s, steamboats have carried visitors across this “Queen of American Lakes.” Today, you can cruise aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha or Mohican for views that have inspired generations of artists, writers, and visitors.

Old Forge & the Fulton Chain of Lakes

Old Forge’s vintage resort feel remains wonderfully intact. Try a short hike up to the popular Bald Mountain (to an old firetower!) or Black Bear Mountain, or just enjoy a slow evening along Main Street — where bustling Adirondack summers have unfolded for over a hundred years.

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 Adirondack Golf Escape TODAY

With classic fairways, family-run favorites, and views that never get old, the Adirondacks deliver golf in its purest form; natural, historic, and endlessly inviting. Grab your clubs and see why generations of golfers have made the trip north for over a century!

---

Want more Golf Escapes? Stay tuned for the next edition, where we spotlight another can't-miss destination designed with NYSGA members in mind.