http://www.saratogaspagolf.com/
Throughout college I played Saratoga State Park, right in the park surrounded by the beautiful Adirondack trees and lands.
It's smack in the middle of the park with ample open spaces for picnicking, napping, etc. The cost then was $14 plus $2 for a pull cart. It's now $30wd/38wkd now for non NY residents, but it's fairly flat and a cart is definitely NOT needed. It's a fair rate for an excellent course.
The holes are not too long, although i didn't play blue tees back then, and the course was oringinally built on a bed of sand, which allows it to dry quite quickly after a rain.
the course itself has some narrows fairways but the wooded areas are quite well groomed and open. Balls even 50 feet in are often playable.
The 16th hole is very neat, hitting a 3wood over the tree lined right-dogleg rewards the long hitter. The 17th provides a nice long and straight par five with perhaps the most picturesque views.. brings your camera to the elevated tee and get your group shot there.
There's no snack cart, but often they have the grill out by the 10th tee.. the hot dogs are 1st class.
You can book a tee time online (
http://www.saratogaspagolf.com/content/view/12/108/) , but as a single I never had to wait for than an hour or so. Might be harder during racing season.
Course map (very basic)
http://www.saratogaspagolf.com/content/view/39/104/
Easy to get to.. Exit 13N off the Northway (Rt 87), follow the road about 2 miles to the Avenue of the Pines. Turn left and follow the windin road and follow the signs to the golf course. There's a 9 hole course as well, so don't go there.
--side note... The perfect trip..
Stay at the Gideon Putnam hotel (next to the 10th green). It's pricey. Peruse the park, the peerless pools, etc during the day, stroll the sarataga town for shoppes, etc.. hit the race track for the 1pm post time (bring a blanket and sit in the back area where everyone else does.. it's truly a nice place to go even if you don't bet the horses).
Get tickets to a concert at SPAC in the park. you can get lawn seats which are very nice as well... TIP.. don't see to close up on the lawn, they allow people to stand behind the seating area and the lower 50feet of lawn seats have no views. Site high up enough to see the large screens.
Next day, go to Lake George village. Spend the day at the shops or the large public beach. Plenty of shops and stores to see. Really a great place to go at day or night. Get a ferry ride to one of the islands. Also try a tour of Ft Williams Henry. There's also a water park next to it for the kiddies. A big game room in the town, with bowling alleys, etc. White water rafting is abundant nearby (class 3 or less, so it's quite safe). Also mountain hikes, etc.
More golf? Book a tee time at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing just above Lake George. It's a very challenging course. Carts are required. TIP, get breakast at the diner right in Bolton Landing near the Sagamore- across from the Ben and Jerry's. They have truly great home cooked food.
Finally hit some of the great restaurants in Lake Geore area. I recommend the Log Jam (right in the town shops) and the Algonquin for dinner (just above LG on Rt 9N on the water)... be sure to get a 2nd floor window seat and watch the boaters drive in for dinner. Reservations help.
When i win the lotto, i plan to get a nice vacation home up there.
If anyone plans to trip upstate, let me know if you would like some guidelines.
Saratoga State Park, NY
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