Best of Denver
Best Vintage Shops in the Catskills
Morning fog lifts, greens shine, and the first tee feels like a fresh start. Up here, golf runs on views, wind, and small rituals — quiet fairways, short lines, a burger at the turn. If you’re chasing a round that feels like a day well spent, start with these ten.
Batavia Kill skirts the fairways, greens roll quick, and the mountain backdrop frames every swing. Play it for clean conditioning and classic Catskill scenery.
🌅 First Light Flights: 7:00–8:00 AM tee times on weekdays often mean smooth play and mountain air before crowds.
🪨 Mountain Breaks: Greens on the Mountain course break more than they look toward the valley—locals read extra swing from the hills.
⛈️ Early Fall Work: Aeration hits in late September; call ahead if you're picky about greens conditions.
🍻 Porch Bar Perch: Best views and friendly chatter are at the 1805 Tavern's porch after your round—sunlight lasts late into July.
Tree-lined shots over rolling hills with long ridge views. A Catskills staple that rewards patience off the tee and touch around the greens.
🌄 Early Tee Times: First light opens around 6:30–6:45 AM in peak season, usually the smoothest and quietest rounds.
💨 Mountain Breeze: Holes 10–14 often play into a headwind out of the west, especially after noon—club up where needed.
⏳ Shoulder Season: Maintenance aeration is scheduled mid-October and early April—call ahead for tee conditions.
🔔 Twilight Value: Weekday twilight rates start after 2:00 PM and bring empty fairways, especially Mondays and Tuesdays.
Resort convenience meets honest mountain golf: elevation shifts, wooded corridors, and a friendly shop that keeps pace moving.
🌄 Early tee times: Book first-light weekday slots to dodge slow resort play—pace is quickest before 8:00 AM.
🍂 Shoulder season: April and late October bring quieter fairways and better availability if you like things calm.
🎯 Greens tip: Putts tend to break away from the ridge—watch for subtle slopes on back nine greens.
🏌️♂️ Range timing: Practice area gets crowded between 9:30–11:00 AM. Afternoon warm-ups are less busy.
A scenic nine with Donald Ross roots and a laid-back rhythm. Ideal for an unhurried loop before dinner.
🌅 Dawn Rounds: Tee off before 8:00 AM for empty fairways and quick greens before the breakfast crowd arrives.
💨 Mountain Breeze: Watch the wind on holes 5–7; it runs left to right, especially late afternoon.
🍔 Clubhouse Fare: Don't skip lunch—prime rib sandwiches and homemade pies are a hit post-round.
🪵 Twilight Value: Check for twilight rates after 4:00 PM; sunsets from the upper holes are classic Catskills.
Public track with side-hill lies, quick greens, and views that open over lakes and valley. Bring your shot-making — and a few extra balls.
🌄 Go Early: First tee windows (around 8:00 AM) offer faster pace and quiet fairways before weekend crowds build.
🌬️ Watch the Wind: Afternoon rounds see steady breezes across exposed holes—plan approaches on back nine accordingly.
⛳ Spring Greens: Aeration often starts late April; call ahead for precise dates if chasing peak conditions.
🍔 Clubhouse Counter: Order a burger or sandwich right after 9 for fastest service—lunchtime rush stacks up on summer weekends.
Par-72 among ponds and hardwoods; roomy looks up front, tighter lines on the back. Stay-and-play keeps the day easy.
☀️ Dawn Tee Off: Morning rounds before 9:00 AM move faster, especially on weekends.
🍃 West Wind Reads: Prevailing west wind can knock down tee shots on elevated holes—club up heading out.
🌄 Mountain Breaks: Putts drift away from the Catskill range—aim accordingly, especially on 9 and 18.
🕰️ Shoulder Season: Mid-April and late October are quiet, with open fairways and quick twilight rates after 2:00 PM.
1960s routing with rolling, undulating greens and a calm collegiate setting. Practice range, leagues, and a round that flows.
🌄 Early Start: First light tee times (7:30 AM) mean the quickest rounds and calm fairways, especially midweek.
🌬️ Uphill Reads: Mountain slopes fool the eye—putts break harder away from the hills than they look.
⏳ Twilight Steal: Discount twilight rates after 3 PM most days give great value and quiet closing holes.
🗓️ Aeration Note: Greens get core aerated in mid-to-late April and mid-October—speed and smoothness vary right after.
Historic 1897 layout weaving through hills with wide-sky views. Usually unhurried; a thoughtful walk that favors placement over power.
☀️ Early Tee Times: The first hours after sunrise see the smoothest greens and fewest groups—especially on weekends.
🍺 Deck Break: The turn after 14 goes by the clubhouse; regulars linger on the deck with cold beers before heading out for the final four.
🌬️ Mountain Breather: Watch for shifting winds on exposed back-nine holes—putts roll faster toward Mount Utsayantha.
⛳ Shoulder Season Play: April and October see lighter play and lower rates, but expect occasional aeration and weather delays.
Tucked on 300 acres with wide mountain views, this par-66 18-hole layout offers a scenic, accessible round that still feels framed by the peaks.
🌄 Best morning stretch: Earliest tee times (6:45–7:30 AM) offer quiet fairways before the families and group outings roll out.
🌬️ Watch the wind: The back nine’s higher holes get late-morning breezes—club up on holes 13 and 15.
🛎️ Meal bell: Breakfast and dinner bells ring out across the property—expect a pause in play while folks head in for meals.
🎆 Fireworks nights: Friday fireworks and BBQ draw big crowds—play early or late for your quickest round on those days.
Golf in the Catskills isn’t about speed; it’s about air, space, and a day that doesn’t need more than a good swing and a better view. Finish your round, sit a minute on the patio, and let the ridgelines fade to blue.
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