Golfing in the Adirondacks

The following was written by Christy Wilt, the director of tourism and economic development for Hamilton County. Christy has lived in the Adirondacks for over 20 years and has been an avid golfer for most of her life.

There is something about the game of golf that gets under your skin. For me, it is my happy place. I started working at 10 years old, picking up driving range balls at the local golf club in my hometown, which also happened to be in my front yard. For the next 14 years I held many jobs at the course, including waitressing, cooking, bartending, and finally directing tournaments and pro-shop staff.

Devon at the Lake Pleasant Golf Course.
Loving the game

Golf is an addiction. It has a way of getting under your skin and you can't shake it. It is almost impossible for a golfer to watch a tournament on TV and then not go out and play 18 holes. It is hard to explain to those who do not play the game, but those of us smitten with golf completely understand. I am not sure what the addiction is; maybe it's the smell of fresh-cut grass, or waiting for the early morning fog to lift so you can hit that first ball. Maybe it's the sight of those perfectly straight, two-tone mower marks up and down the fairways, or maybe it's the beauty of the grass on the greens — so short, green, and soft it looks unreal until you actually reach down and touch it.

I have never witnessed so many beautiful landscapes as I have playing golf. There are so many scenic courses surrounded by deserts, mountains, oceans, and lakes. Some courses are so fancy they have floating greens, waterfalls, gorgeous statues, and more flowers than any greenhouse I have ever entered. I have been to courses that have so much elevation differnece from green to tee that there are trolleys to take you to the next hole. You can be in the middle of a metropolis and find a beautiful golf course that makes you feel like you're in the countyside, if only for a couple of hours. 

I moved to the Adirondacks in the spring of 1995 to work at the Lake Pleasant Golf Course for the summer, but instead I ended up working at the course until October of 2009. The one drawback to working at a course in the Adirondacks is there is no work from October to May. Sadly, I had to find gainful employment. But you know what happened when I did? I actually got to play more! I didn't realize it, but I spent so much time working and giving lessons that I forgot to get out and play. I forgot how much I loved to experience new courses, and I forgot there are two other courses in the county and three more just over the county line that I could now enjoy.

Lake Pleasant Golf Course

Lake Pleasant Golf Course opened in 1922. It is a nice 9-hole course that looks wide open and fairly easy, but don't be fooled. The par 3 holes are long and the sand traps are deep, and to the left of every hole is out-of-bounds. That's troublesome for those of us who hook the ball or are left handed.

If you decide to play 18 holes, the par 3s and the 18th hole have secondary tee boxes to make play a little different the second time around. The longer holes also have black tees to make them even longer if you are up to the challenge.

 Lake Pleasant Golf Course
The club house is very welcoming. It has everything you need as far as equipment: club rentals, golf carts, pull carts, equipment, lessons, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are all available. If you want to spend the day, you can even find a steamed hot dog and a bag of chips there to tide you over. The prices at this course can't be beat. Greens fees are $20 all day, and you can leave and come back.

Cedar River Golf Club

Heading north you'll find the Cedar River Golf Club in Indian Lake. I have played this family owned and operated course quite a few times, and it's a nice destination for a couple of days. They have a motel and an outdoor pool, as well as a restaurant that is open for breakfast and lunch. Cedar River Golf Course
One of my favorite things about this course is the way it was designed. The course is built aroud the stream that meanders through the property. There are hardly any houses once you get past the first hole.

I have always enjoyed a course with challenges, and this one has a few holes where you must hit across the water, which for me is so much fun! You get the feeling that you are in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains, with no sounds except the whipping of the club, the drop of the ball in the cup, and the chirping birds. Chipmunks, turkey, and deer frequent the course. They love the rich grasses and trickling waters.

This course has modest prices, and you can rent clubs, pull carts, and motor carts. The clubhouse has equipment for purchase and they have the only driving range in the area, so you can brush up on your skills and stretch those muscles. 

Inlet Golf Club

And now for one of my favorites, Inlet Golf Club! Although this course claims it is for all skill levels, upon first look it seems to be straight out of Golf Digest. This hidden gem has a state of the art irrigation system to keep it lush all season. It's family owned and operated, and it's obvious the owners take great pride in their course. You always feel like their guest when you are here. Inlet Golf Course
This course will get under your skin, making you want to play it again and again and again. The playing conditions here are second to none. From the time you step up to the first tee box until you sink your last putt on the 18th green, you truly feel like you are in a special place. 

This course has many challenges, inclkuding hitting over water, ponds near the greens, large sand traps, dog-legs to the left and right, perfectly placed approaches, and aprons and trees — plenty of trees! They line most of the fairways. Did I mention the scenery here is spectacular? Mountains rise up behind the greens. There are flowers everywhere, and the beautifully manicured fairways show off the lush deep rough.

After play you can enjoy Mulligan's Restaurant. With modest prices and good food, cold beer, and panoramic views, you can't miss. I highly recommend sitting on the deck! Mulligan's Restaurant in Inlet.
Green fees are $45 and they have reduced rates starting at 1 p.m. Power carts, pull carts, and club rentals are all available. The fully stocked pro-shop has everything from clubs to bags to the latest equipment. It truly has the country club feeling.

It takes patience

I often think about the game what it has taught me, and I give lessons to local children on how to play golf and it changes them. They learn that golf is a game you can play your whole life, and it's one of the few where you're really only competing against yourself.

Golf teaches many life lessons like how to be polite, and how to be a gracious loser or a humble winner. Golf teaches us to take turns and to be patient of the less-experienced players. It levels out the playing field with a handicap system, which is designed so all skill levels can compete equally. It brings a spectrum of people together to enjoy the game, even though they might not otherwise be friends. These are some of my favorite components.

Dana, Sarah, and Allison at the Lake Pleasant Golf Course.
So as I sit here writing this blog, the golf addiction has once again reared its beautiful head. I am now thinking about which of the three local courses I am going to play first. I am craving the smell of fresh-cut grass and the sound of birds chirping as the whooshing of my club sweeps the blades. As I look out on the light dusting of snow blanketing the Lake Pleasant Golf Course, I wonder if changing the sound of my ring tone to a golf ball hitting the bottom of the cup is really going overboard or not? I guess there are worse addictions to have!


Make a weekend out of your golf adventure! Check out our lodging and dining options and start making plans today!


For the ❤ of the ‘dacks:

Love this cool town

Hitched on a budget

The leading man

Wine and dine

Five paddles to love

Trekkie love

Crushing on ADK camping

Four Paddles for Great Summer Adventures

The Adirondacks are made up of countless lakes, rivers, and streams that create endless paddling adventures. From whitewater to leisure paddles, there is something for every skill...

Short Hikes

Known for its High Peaks and tough trails, hiking in the Adirondacks can seem a little daunting for beginners or those with families. But, I’m here to tell you, while we do have...

Run the ADKs

Whether you are a serious athlete who competes in marathons, or if you love to just take a casual jog now and then, the Adirondacks are the perfect beautiful setting to do your...

Your Family Reunion in the Adirondacks

If you're looking for the perfect place for your next family reunion, look no further than right here in the Adirondacks! We are home to many great locations for your family to get...

5 Great Options for Spring Hikes

We’ve all been there: winter (no matter where you have been) feels like it has stretched on forever. Every day the sun is creeping higher on the horizon and you’re feeling that itch...

Top 4 Ways to Enjoy Winter

You may be thinking “I’m getting the winter blues and I need a vacation,” and I know the first thing that pops into your head is somewhere tropical, but why not try something...

Skates, Skis or Snowshoes!

Wintertime gear includes so many innovative contraptions to strap onto your feet! And maybe you JUST got those brand new ones and you are DYING to try them out! Well, come on up to...

Your Guide to Holiday Shopping

Summer is now just a tiny speck in the rear view as we fly through fall, headed straight for winter. That means it's time to pack up the Halloween decorations, maybe put up a few...

Rainy Days: A Great Way to Enjoy the Adirondacks

Many Adirondack plans are made when you are picturing that perfect crisp royal blue sky day….But, the weather may have other ideas in mind. Instead of getting frustrated and feeling...

Put Your Best Foot Forward This Hunting Season

It was mid afternoon as I made my way to the tree that had been my “spot” for about a week now. I quickly assembled my climbing tree stand and then carefully worked my way up the...

It’s Time To Think Snow!

OK, I know what you're thinking: No. Way. "I haven't even gone trick-or-treating with the kids yet." "I have 17 relatives coming for Thanksgiving dinner!" But...YES, WAY! Now is the...

Top 4 Scenic Foliage Drives

Indian Lake to Speculator   Trip distance: 34 miles This drive will give you gorgeous scenic views of the fall foliage, as well as views of two beautiful Adirondack lakes. Starting...

Beach Cruiser Biking...Adirondack Style

There are different ways you can experience the Adirondacks on bike: bike tours, mountain biking, singletrack trails, bike races, triathlons, and even a quadrathlon. I’m not a racer...

Summertime = Beachtime

One of my favorite summertime activities here in the Adirondacks is taking my kids and spending the day at the beach. We love to go to the public beach in Speculator. This is the...

Guide to a great day on the Hudson!

“All Forward!” “Stop!” “Back on the right!” “Hit the deck!” For eight years as a licensed whitewater raft guide, I’ve called out these - and other - commands to many different crews...

Skis and Snacks

The air is super crisp, cold, and clean as I drop my skis down at the trailhead. A fluffy poof of snow jumps into the air where the skis land. I take a deep breath and look around....

Things To Do Indoors

We are right in the thick of winter here in the Adirondacks and let me tell you what, it has been COLD! There have been many consecutive nights of negative temperatures — some...

A Gift For Everyone

We all know people who are just impossible to shop for. Well, let me break down the perfect Adirondack gifts — by personality! The Adventure Seeker Do you know someone who's an...

Holiday Shopping Ugh

We all know that sometimes holiday shopping can be a real drag. Going to the same stores, shopping for the same people - who seem to have everything ... This year, why not mix it up...

Plan Out Your Adirondack Winter!

C'mon, everyone! Get ready for some winter fun! (And maybe cross a few gift purchases off your list!) When I woke up this morning, it was 4 degrees. There's also a nice 2-inch layer...

Stories of the Adirondacks

A place this full of history needs people to tell its stories, which is why we are fortunate enough to have a rich supply of historians, songwriters, and storytellers.  INLET'S...

Adirondack Oddities

Driving through the Adirondacks, no matter what time of year, is always beautiful. But if you've ever driven though our little towns, you have probably seen a few of our roadside...

Fall on the water!

Last week I was fortunate enough to head out on Piseco Lake for a beautiful sunset cruise with some great friends. My husband, kids, and I  got to have a lovely lake-front dinner of...

Fall Events

We are just as sad as you that summer seems to be coming to an end far too quickly. However, just because summer is almost over, it doesn't mean the fun has to stop! There are tons...

My Favorite Restaurants

The Adirondacks are a great place for many things such as hiking, paddling, and camping. But one of the things done really well here is food! I haven't had the chance to eat at all...

7 Days at Lake Durant

My adventures in car camping began a few years ago. While paddling on a local lake, I encountered a friend paddling with other people from the Albany area. I was all ears when they...

Adirondack Fourth of July

One of my favorite times of the year is coming up — and it's coming up fast! I don't know about you, but when I think about summer, I think about camping, s'mores, fireworks, and...

Adirondack Experience The Museum On Blue Mountain Lake

As many of you know, our beloved museum in Blue Mountain Lake has undergone a lot of changes in the last few months.  They have changed from The Adirondack Museum to  Adirondack...

Golfing in the Adirondacks

The following was written by Christy Wilt, the director of tourism and economic development for Hamilton County. Christy has lived in the Adirondacks for over 20 years and has been...

Black Fly Challenge... Accepted!

 Editor's note: The annual Black Fly Challenge will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Not sure what the challenge is or why you would want to take it? Check out this fun blog...

Things to Do Along the Way

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means... It's time for the Great Adirondack Garage Sale! With sales from Speculator to Inlet to Indian Lake to Long...

Down on one knee in the 'dacks

What is romance? When some people think of romance, they immediately imagine the classics: candlelit dinner, fancy restaurant, picnic in the park... For romantic gifts, they revert...

RaChelle's Law

In my house, Murphy's Law is not a thing. We refer to it as RaChelle's Law... if it can go wrong, it already has - or it will! This is the way my life goes in general, but...

Got Cabin Fever?

Spring fever... cabin fever... Call it what you will — I'm feeling it! We've had a fantastic winter season, but lately we've had a lot of warm temperatures and rain, usually...

Cross-Country Skiing in the Adirondacks

So far this year, we have had a fantastic winter. There is certainly no shortage of snow! Storm after storm has dumped plenty of the fluffy white stuff on us.  The fantastic thing...

Valentine's Day Tradition

While this will be mine and my husband's first Valentine's Day as a married couple, it is hardly our first rodeo. This will be our 11th Valentine's Day together. Our first being on...

Ice Skating In The Adirondacks

With temperatures regularly lingering below freezing, don't forget to pack your ice skates this winter for your next Adirondack adventure! While most people come here to go skiing...

Winter Events

This year, I made a resolution to stay home more.  Well, that went out the window fast! There are just way too many great events going on to sit at home. There is a little something...