These upstate NY golf courses are some of the best in the country. See the list

Posted by author February 14, 2025 Golf

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Though New York is not necessarily known for its golf courses, especially since they’re covered in snow four to five months out of the year, when the ground thaws and the sun is shining, these three upstate courses are some of the best in the U.S.

Golfweek named the 2025 top 200 resort and residential golf courses nationwide in two separate lists, which are compiled with the input of over 800 golfers around the world who play the courses and rate each layout based on 10 criteria — including overall land plan, tree and landscape management and routing — and an overall rating of the course they play, which are then averaged to produce a cumulative rating.

Here’s which New York courses made this year’s list.

Turning Stone Resort Casino (Atunyote)

Atunyote, located in Verona, is tied for No. 98 in Golfweek’s resort ranking with an average rating of 6.42. It was designed by well-known golf course architect Tom Fazio, who has crafted over 200 courses across the U.S. and internationally, including three others in New York state.

The course, which was the site of the PGA Professional National Championship and BC Open in 2006, opened in 2004.

“The parkland setting of Atunyote (the Oneida word for ‘eagle’) features vast stretches of open space, gently rolling hills, a stream of small waterfalls and several lakes,” the course’s website states. “In many ways, playing at Atunyote is to experience a revival of the grand days of golf, combined with timeless elegance and our own personal touches.”

The Sagamore

Located in Bolton Landing with views of Lake George and the Adirondacks, The Sagamore is tied for No. 124 in the resort ranking with an average rating of 6.25. Designed by another well-known golf course architect, Donald Ross, who concocted hundreds of courses across the U.S. and internationally, including almost 40 others in New York state, the course has been open since 1928.

“With narrow, hard-wood lined fairways and undulating greens, Sagamore Golf Course is both breathtaking and challenging,” the course’s website says. “The experience is unforgettable from the very first hole … Lush foliage among the hills and ponds of the course adds beauty to every twist and turn.”

Silo Ridge Field Club

With an average rating of 6.93, Silo Ridge Field Club in Amenia is tied for No. 42 in Golfweek’s residential ranking. Fazio also designed this Dutchess County course along the Taconic Mountain range, which opened in 2016.

“Lush landscapes and challenging terrain offer an exciting and enjoyable game,” according to the course’s website.

Golfweek’s top 10 resort golf courses in the U.S.

Pebble Beach Resorts (Pebble Beach Golf Links) in Pebble Beach, California
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Pacific Dunes) in Bandon, Oregon
Pinehurst Resort (No. 2) in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Kohler Whistling Straits (Straits) in Mosel, Wisconsin
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon Trails) in Bandon, Oregon
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Old Macdonald) in Bandon, Oregon
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon Dunes) in Bandon, Oregon
Shadow Creek in North Las Vegas, Nevada
Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean) in Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Sand Valley (Lido) in Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Golfweek’s top 10 residential golf courses in the U.S.

Wade Hampton Club in Cashiers, North Carolina
Rock Creek Cattle Company in Deer Lodge, Montana
Estancia in Scottsdale, Arizona
Sand Valley (Lido) in Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Panther National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Colorado Golf Club in Parker, Colorado
Gozzer Ranch in Harrison, Idaho
Martis Camp in Truckee, California
Sand Valley (Sand Valley) in Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Sand Valley (Mammoth Dunes) in Nekoosa, Wisconsin

NY golf course named one of most improved in 2025

Clearview Park Golf Course in Queens also received a notable nod by GolfPass as the New York City course earned the No. 15 spot on their list of Top 25 Most Improved Public Golf Courses – Golfers’ Choice 2025.

Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.