Mine Kill State Park

Most of the course is an open parkland course with 3 holes in the beautiful mature forest and lots of elevation. I would have preferred more holes in this forest. I played the pro tees to the orange ... show more ›

Most of the course is an open parkland course with 3 holes in the beautiful mature forest and lots of elevation. I would have preferred more holes in this forest. I played the pro tees to the orange baskets. This layout was not fun. First, There was just one hole where I could see the orange basket. So, on numerous times I either walked up to find it or just assumed where it was by using the inaccurate tee signs. I also didn't like the design of several holes. I found myself throwing 150 feet to safety then laying up. There is a lot of tall grass and/or weeds just off the fairways. One could spend a lot of time in them looking for lost discs. The course is extremely hilly and I chose to play it when it was 90F. Overall, this course is well manicured but really rough off the fairways. They have small cement tees, tee signs, and directional signs. Play to the green baskets since orange layout is not fun.

This course, located in a New York State Park is amazing. There are two tees and two baskets on every one of the 18 holes. One of the best parts of this course is that each of the four combinations ... show more ›

This course, located in a New York State Park is amazing. There are two tees and two baskets on every one of the 18 holes. One of the best parts of this course is that each of the four combinations is a very different hole. Sometimes the same hole will be a technical short shot on one layout and a bomb on another. One layout is lefty-friendly and one righty-friendly. It is hard to design all four combinations this well so consistently.

The park is beautiful with great views of the Catskill Hills and wild oregano growing everywhere. The NY Long Path actually winds through holes 4 through 8.

The course is really two 9-hole courses back to back on opposite sides of the parking area.,with a long walk between them. The front 9 are mostly open shots with trees protecting the baskets. Hole 1 is a 550 foot bomb. Hole 5 is a signature hole with the short basket on top of a mound 30 foot in diameter, standing 15 feet off the ground. - playing 250 feet and uphill 20 feet, with a great mountain view behind the basket, a hard birdie.

The back 9 are more technical with lots of elevation holes, and thicker woods. Hole 14 is another signature hole - a stunning downhill hole through a tunnel to a basket nestled between two large trees. It is the best course I have played in NY, and IMO one of the ten best in the USA. Jorelman and Hyzer Creek are also excellent NY courses but I rank this higher.

The grounds of this course are meticulously trimmed (thanks to the state of NY), and the OB and rough are clearly marked. The views are spectacular and there is public swimming pool and snack bar for kids or friends, or after the round. Excellent signage -- except for the long walk between 9 and 10.