SARATOGA golf courses
offer a variety to suit both the amateur and most seasoned golfers. by Al Mottau




The centerpiece for Saratoga County golf enthusiasts is the extremely popular Saratoga Spa Golf Championship course. But no matter where you go in the county, you will find interesting courses that offer excellent conditions at a reasonable price.

All of us living in Saratoga County know of its rich heritage through its motto: Health, History and Horses. Now it is time to add a new letter other than H: How about a G for golf? Over the years, the Saratoga area has evolved into a Mecca for golfers. And while it is certainly not on par with areas like Myrtle Beach, N.C.; Orlando, Fla.; or Scottsdale, Arizona that has never been the intention.

Golf course developers have looked at Saratoga County for a number of reasons. A central location, availability of land, a major tourist destination area, and the number of golfers within the Capital District were the major considerations. In fact, Saratoga County has more golf courses available for public play than any of its surrounding counties.

What makes Saratoga County so unique is its variety of golfing opportunities. They range from the high-end Saratoga National course to the Galway Country and the Clifton Knolls Executive Course. The latter two courses are just perfect for beginners who want to learn the rudiments of the game and may be apprehensive about venturing out to a “real” course.

The centerpiece for golf enthusiasts is the extremely popular Saratoga Spa Golf Championship course. One of the first public courses in our area, it was originally a nine-hole layout built for those golfers during the 1900s recovering from illnesses and utilizing our famous mineral baths. A flat, easy walking design, it was fun to play.

Today the Saratoga Spa course has grown to 18 very unique holes and is ranked among the top public courses in the country, according to Golf Digest. Special consideration is given to seniors age 62 and up.For the senior golfer especially, Saratoga County is golfer heaven. You will never have to leave the county from the picturesque nine-hole Bend of the River in Hadley in the north to the expansive 27-hole, well-conditioned Van Patten Course in Jonesville in the southern tip of the county.

Golf course owners are also astute businessmen. They know what their market will bear, and they know that the senior is a vital part of the market. Owners know that seniors want a golf course that is well maintained, player-friendly and reasonably priced.

Many older golfers tend to play during the week, when golf courses are less crowded. Owners also know this and offer incentives to them. They do it in many ways: reduced green fees, golf and cart specials, free lunch two for one, etc.

The wise senior can find a bargain with one or two phone calls. For example: Airway Meadows has a senior special every Monday and Tuesday. Now that is a bargain! The Fairways of Halfmoon is extremely fun to play with its front nine that always reminds me of a miniature version of a links course in Scotland. They, too, offer a senior discount Mondays through Thursdays. No matter where you go in the Saratoga County area, whether you’re a senior or not, you will find courses that offer excellent conditions at a reasonable rate. From Eagle Crest in the Southern Tier to the Tee Bird Golf Course in Fort Edward, seniors are more then welcome.

Two courses that are worthy of play are Pioneer Hills on the outskirts of Ballston Spa and Brookhaven in Greenfield Center. Both have made some dramatic improvements. Brookhaven has reconstructed most tees and added a much-needed watering system over the past few years. The course is now ready to take its place as one of the premier destinations in our county.

Pioneer Hills, known mostly for its tight, tree-lined fairways has a major project under way, removing hundreds of trees. With the new openness, the course will be much more enjoyable to play. In your travels, Pioneer Hills could prove to be a pleasant surprise. And let’s not forget the last course to be built in Saratoga County. 

The Saratoga Lake Golf Course opened its fairways with nine holes in 2000. By 2001 another nine holes were added for a complete 18 holes. Mother Nature has added some maturity this year, giving golfers a unique and enjoyable golfing experience overlooking Saratoga Lake. Senior golfers are given special consideration with a reduction of greens fees Monday through Thursday and after 1 p.m. weekends.

I have played every course several times over the years. While these are courses that will never host the U.S. Open or a PGA Championship, they fill a void for the average golfer. They are fun to play and offer excellent conditions and reasonable prices. It is what they promised and it’s what you get. Should you expect more?

This summer expand your horizons.Be adventurous and travel around the county. This could be your best summer ever and, as a further challenge, why not see how many of these great courses you can play.

Saratoga County
15 Public Courses – 4 Private Courses
Schenectady County
6 Public Courses – I Private Course
Albany County
9 Public Courses – 8 Private Courses
Rensselaer County
8 Public Courses – 1 Private Course
Warren/Washington
14 Public Courses -- 1 Private Course
Columbia/Greene
13 Public Courses – 3 Private Courses