September 18, 2019

Lake Placid is the perfect fall golf getaway

Long before Lake Placid became synonymous with the Winter Olympics, and before it was home to Ironman triathlons and World Cup events, it was known for its golf courses. The signature courses here were designed by some of the greats: John Van Kleek, Walter Hagen, Seymour Dunn, Alex Findlay, and Alistair Mackenzie — who also designed Augusta National and Cypress Point. Former Masters and U.S. Open champion Craig Wood grew up caddying here. But enough of the name dropping, let’s discuss the views and the courses. 

Scenic drives

This compact mountain village, ringed by Adirondack High Peaks, holds five golf courses — all of which boast gorgeous views of the nearby mountains. That backdrop adds a unique challenge to keeping your head down and out of the beautiful backdrop during your swing. This is especially true when the world is full of crisp perfection, the air clean and clear, the sky a vivid blue, and the leaves exploding into a thousand shades of yellows, oranges, and crimsons. 

Some of my favorite viewing points: From the Lake Placid Club clubhouse you can have a local beer and gaze at some of our more prominent peaks, like Mount Marcy and Algonquin Peak.  

Lakeside on the Whiteface Club and Resort property.

From many of the holes and clubhouse at Craig Wood Golf Course.

Fall fun

Perhaps take a break from golf and indulge in a fall activity. It’s time to explore and get up close to nature and all of those vibrant leaves. Take a walk around Mirror Lake, go mountain biking or paddling, or take a gondola ride to the top of nearby Whiteface Mountain for a panoramic view that will knock your socks off. Here’s a video for some inspiration.

The courses

Ranked #4 in the Classic Course category and #11 overall in New York state by Golfweek — March, 2014, the Whiteface Club & Resort is a favorite for its stellar views and relatively tight fairways. The course is perched on the shores of beautiful Lake Placid lake offering a challenge on each and every fairway and green.

The Lake Placid Club is one of the region’s outstanding century-old golf destinations, with 45 holes over three courses. My favorite is the Pristine Nine, a short course of mostly par 3s. It’s one of the best after-work activities in the region, taking just about 90 minutes to play on a meticulously-maintained course.

Craig Wood Golf Course is a  6,554-yard layout with two distinct nines — one sits in the valley, the other in the woods — and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It’s named for Lake Placid native Craig Wood, who was the winner of the Masters Tournament in 1941.

Indoor coziness

The 19th hole gets cozier as the temperature drops in September and early October. After you’ve enjoyed a pint with a view at the clubhouse, you could easily find yourself sipping a cocktail and enjoying a meal in front of a fireplace with a view. Check out our hotel listings too. Many of them offer golf and stay packages.

This week in ADK news:

Saranac Lake's awesome uphill bike park

Dawn Patrol on a SUP

Packages and Promotions

Valid Dec. 19

- Jan. 22

Valid Dec. 19

- Jan. 22

Winter Wonderland Special!

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Stay longer and Save!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid Dec. 1

- Dec. 25

Valid Aug. 8

- Dec. 19

Christmas Buy One Get One FREE

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Buy One Get One FREE on stays December 1 - December 25! Call 855-421-3002 to book today! Terms: Buy One Get One Free valid for stays December 1-25, 2024, Sunday - Wednesday nights. Not valid on existing reservations; new reservations only. Cannot be...

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Turkey Special in November

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Turkey Special In November - 3nts/4day weekend ($500/night: $1500) or 2 nts/3 day weekend ($600/night: $1200)

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Stay and Save!

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay 3 nights and get 20% off.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Town House Lodge by the Lake

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Dec. 6

- Dec. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 5

Girls Getaway Weekend

$75 Resort Credit per room per NIGHT to pamper the Girls!

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Outdoor Adventure Package

The Devlin

Maximize your time in the outdoors: book your room and a boat rental through HK Boat Rentals.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 25

100th Anniversary Package

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Dec. 22

- Dec. 27

Valid Dec. 7

- Dec. 30

Discounted Holiday Dates

New York Rental By Owner

Sunburst Cottage on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid! Sunburst is an Adirondack lakefront house that features a 7-person hot tub and free wifi. This is the premier vacation rentals on Mirror Lake with 6 bedrooms , each with their own private bath. In...

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid May. 1

- Oct. 31

Valid Dec. 6

- Nov. 1

Zip and Whip Expedition

Farmhouse UTVs

Experience Outdoors and Farmhouse UTVs have teamed up to bring your family and friends the Adirondack adventure you've been waiting for. Double up on a UTV and zipline experience. Ziplines are located in Lake Placid and the UTVs are located in Gabriels.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Linger longer in the Adirondacks and be rewarded!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid Oct. 23

- Oct. 23

Valid Oct. 24

- Oct. 23

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

New York Rental By Owner

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Experience the unspoiled Adirondacks while spoiling yourself and a loved one

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Town House Lodge by the Lake

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid Nov. 27

- Mar. 30

Valid Nov. 27

- Mar. 30

10% off Gift The Gorge Package

High Falls Gorge

Treat someone you love with the gift of nature! This is an e-gift card program with packages for admission to the park, money to spend in the Gift Shop, and even more to spend in the River View Café.

Load More