May 07, 2013
The Adirondacks, particularly the high peaks region, are known to have historic golf courses with stunning scenery. Golf was introduced to the U.S. in the late 1800's and it was also at that time that many grand hotels and private camps were being built in Adirondacks as the vacation spot of the elite. These grand hotels were luxurious and rustic, and the outdoor activities they offered were part of the draw. Tennis, hiking, boating, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and golf were touted as the optimal summer recreation. By the turn of the century, many of the golf courses in the United States were located in the Adirondacks. Golf had fast become popular and fashionable.

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Golf in the Adirondacks

The first courses were rough, made with horses, wheelbarrows, and dynamite. Often they were only six-hole, some containing large rocks and grazing animals. In later years, the top professionals were brought in to design the courses. Men such as Donald Ross, Seymour Dunn, Willie Dunn, Alex Findlay, and Craig Wood are some of the designers of our Adirondack golf courses.

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On the Links in Lake Placid

 

During the 1920's tournaments and players became more and more popular and many of the courses were redesigned and enlarged to eighteen-holes with elaborate clubhouses. Unfortunately, the 30's and 40's halted expansion and growth with the coming of the depression and World War II. Many of the hotels were forced to close. By the 1950's many of the small courses had become distant memory as had the beautiful and magnificent resorts.

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Woman Golfing

Amazingly, a few of these historic golf courses are still in existence, highly rated, and can be enjoyed by the modern golfer. Here are a few historic (over 100 years old) courses:

  • Whiteface Club & Resort: Originally built in 1898, the course was redesigned and expanded by noted architect John Van Kleek in 1930, making it one of the largest & oldest courses in the Adirondacks.
  • The Saranac Inn Golf and Country Club: Built in 1907 as 9 holes and expanded in 1910 to 18 holes. Scottish pro Seymour Dunn was the architect and he had designed many of the Adirondack golf courses of that time. He designed it in Scottish fashion, using the natural terrain, and later called it his masterpiece.
  • The Lake Placid Club Links: Designed in 1909 by the master Scottish golf instructor and club maker, Seymour Dunn. The course was designed in Scottish Links style.
  • Lake Placid Club Mountain Course: Designed in 1910 by Alexander Findlay, who had come from Scotland and was one of the early golf pioneers. In 1931 the course was remodeled by Alister MacKenzie.
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Golf in the Adirondacks
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On the Links in Lake Placid
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Woman Golfing

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