Sunshine, freshly cut grass, the clink of a bag full of clubs. That's summer golf! If you're like me, you've been on the links since opening day, working out the winter rust and having a blast. Whether you're new to the courses in Lake Placid or a repeat golfer, there's always something to learn about the courses. I recently spent some time with the pros at Craig Wood, Lake Placid Club, and Whiteface Club & Resort. Being the nice guy that I am, I decided to share their tips, tricks, and advice! I asked each pro the same questions to give a good glimpse at each course's highlights.
Jeff Estes - Craig Wood Golf Club
Pro Jeff Estes is the master of the swing! He's spent years studying swing mechanics and helping out everyone from everyday golfers like you and me to collegiate athletes and beyond. He's in his tenth season at the Seymour Dunn-designed Craig Wood, and he's been the pro at courses in Naples, Florida: Bonita Bay Club, Quail West Country Club, and Valencia Golf and Country Club. Sunny days in Lake Placid? Thank Jeff for bringing them north!
Q: What’s your favorite hole on the course?
A: #9. It has a great view of the Ski Jumps. And being a short par 5, it can definitely help your score.
Q: What’s your favorite view?
A: Standing on the par 3, 13th tee. Looking down from the elevated tee to the green it has a “desert look.”
Q: What are you most proud of at the course?
A: I'm most proud of the condition of our fantastic greens.
Q: What are the greens like?
A: They're normally very quick, steep, and undulating.
Q: What's the trickiest hole?
A: #5. It is uphill and usually all carry to the sloped green.
Q: What’s one tip you would give to someone golfing here?
A: Stay below the hole!
Jim Beauregard - Lake Placid Club
The Lake Placid Club has 2 18-hole courses: the Links Course and the Mountain Course, as well as The Pristine 9, an executive par 3 course. Pro Jim Beauregard has been at the club for 14 years, having previously been the pro at Adirondack Golf Course in Peru, Harmony Golf Course in Port Kent, and Mendon Country Club in Rochester.
Q: What’s your favorite hole on the course?
A: #7 on the Mountain Course. It has an elevated tee and a great view of the Sentinel range. I like eagle putts!
Q: What’s your favorite view?
A: Standing on the #9 green looking back at the #9 tee and seeing the view of Whiteface Mountain and Cobble Hill.
Q: What are you most proud of at the course?
A: I'm proud of the strong membership, which is a direct reflection on the great staff at the course.
Q: What are the greens like?
A: Very approachable with great reception and ample slope.
Q: What's the trickiest hole?
A: It has to be #17 on the Mountain Course! It's a 221 yard par 3, with an elevated hidden green. There are bunkers in the back and on the right.
Q: What’s one tip you would give to someone golfing here?
A: Don't be long on any approach shots!
Peter Martin - Whiteface Club & Resort
Peter Martin is an Adirondack legend and rightly so! He's been at the Whiteface Club & Resort for 43 years. As a teenager he caddied at the historic course at Saranac Inn. His interest in golf history in the Adirondacks is extensive; over the years he's written four books on the subject, which are available at the Whiteface Resort pro shop and in other stores throughout the Adirondacks. A proud but humble man, Peter did confirm with me that the #1 hole at the resort is named after him!
Q: What’s your favorite hole on the course?
A: #6 is our signature hole! It has an elevated tee with a dogleg left to an elevated green, and a great view of Whiteface Mountain.
Q: What’s your favorite view?
A: All the views are magnificent!
Q: What are you most proud of at the course?
A: The greens are in great shape at a medium speed. We have made some nice changes to the course in recent years, making play more enjoyable than ever.
Q: What are the greens like?
A: Very approachable with a medium speed.
Q: What's the trickiest hole?
A: #14. It could be the toughest par 3 in the Adirondacks! It's 212 yards, with a pond in front of the tee and an undulating green surrounded by bunkers.
Q: What’s one tip you would give to someone golfing here?
A: Have fun and relax. And enjoy your time playing golf!
Whiteface Resort Golf Course opened in 1898 as the Whiteface Inn Golf Course. For many years, it was only accessible by boat via the lake after which Lake Placid is named as the Whiteface Inn road was not in existence at that time. It's been a popular course ever since, and the road has helped give even more golfers access the club. Whiteface Resort Golf Club also has a restaurant located adjacent to the first tee. It's a wonderful spot for a post-round meal or for when you're looking for a pretty place to eat a delicious meal.
If you're looking for a great golf vacation, there's no time like the present to plan your trip to Lake Placid!
