Just a stone’s throw due south from Kingston, Ontario, over Lake Ontario, is Oswego County in New York, ideal for a picturesque summer-time road trip. Hop in the Porsche Cayenne, head east from Toronto along the lake, then due south at the U.S. border near Kingston, on Interstate 81 into Oswego. Only this summer, bring your golf clubs, because the county is blessed with several idyllic public courses that tap into the natural beauty of the region.
Oswego County is comprised of two cities, 10 villages and 22 towns, across 968 square miles of land, situated between Lake Ontario, the Tug Hill Plateau (think dense forests, deep gorges, flowing rivers), and Oneida Lake (the largest lake located wholly within New York State, also known as the “Walleye Capital” of the state; check out this shot).
People go there because of a bounty of natural beauty, and year-round outdoor recreational activities – boating, biking, hiking, camping. People into fishing visit the famous Salmon River to haul in a catch of the day – trophy salmon, trout or steelhead. Charter fishing is a good way to try it, if you are new to the sport. There’s plenty of variety for charters here. The white sandy beaches are breathtaking, especially for taking in sunsets.
There’s a rich historical legacy to the region, and year-round family festivals that tap into that. The county boasts a rich history with sites like Fort Ontario State Historic Site and the Safe Haven Museum, which tells the story of Jewish refugees during World War II. The H. Lee White Maritime Museum offers insights into the region’s maritime heritage.
Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
But golf is another big attraction for people who travel to the region. Oswego County features several well-maintained, scenic golf courses, with beautiful views of the countryside, lakes, and rivers, There’s plenty of course variety, catering to all players of different skill levels and preferences. Summer weather is mild and pleasant, as you catch those lake breezes. Nothing is worse in the summer than 90-plus humidity as you try to grip your club through the sweat.
Golf courses in Oswego County often have affordable green fees compared to those in more urban or tourist-heavy areas.And you also package in other recreational activities while you are there – fishing, boating, historic sites, or relax down by the lake, all contributing to a more well-rounded vacation experience.
Stone Creek Golf Club
Road trip: Top 3 public golf courses in Oswego County, New York State
A good round of golf starts with having the right lineup of cigars in hand. The courses in Oswego County also feature great bars and restaurants for the ideal 19th-hole experience with family members or buddies. Yes, you’re battling against yourself and trying to score well. But golf is meant to be experienced as well as played. It’s the company; it’s the surroundings.
Here are the Top 3 Oswego County public courses to check out while in the area.
A 18-hole course priced at just $21 per person for 18, $15 for nine. Take a lesson there before you tee off, to make some small adjustments or tweaks that can lead to big results in lowering your golf score. Plays 5,624 yards off the back tees. Some water on Hole 3, 4 and 15, with beautiful, tree-lined fairways throughout.
One of three must-stops when you are in the area. The other two are:
Photo by Soheb Zaidi on Unsplash
Greenview offers two 18-hole championship public golf courses, located just minutes Syracuse just outside Central Square in West Monroe, NY. $28 for 18 holes with a cart, $18 for nine holes with cart.
Go to these different courses and take the nine-hole rate, so you can experience them all.
The Elms in Sandy Creek, NY, opened in 1930, and measures 6,087 from the longest tees, with a slope rating of 110 and a 68 USGA rating. There are three sets of tees for different skill levels. The Elms is immersed in nature – you’ll feel like you are miles from civilization. There’s a driving range and large practice green, so get there early, stretch, and warm up. The Elms Clubhouse is a family-owned restaurant and bar, great for food on the hot grill. You’re right on Lake Ontario – so the water views are one of the things that makes this golf course special.
Hit it straight! But limber up properly – check out these exercises before you tee if off.
Top image: Stone Creek Golf Club, by Bob Ruggio
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
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