A Most Delightful Golfing Adventure at The Golf Club at Manson Ridge in Monroe NY

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

If you like beauty, challenge and first-class treatment in your daily fee golf, then The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge in Monroe, N.Y. is the place for you and your friends.

Created by legendary golfer and world-renowned golf architect Jack Nicklaus, Mansion Ridge is a stunning track that was carved out of the mature forests and rolling hills of a 220-acre estate. It features rock formations, extreme elevation changes, and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Nicklaus designed this gem to test your shot-making skills and stamina, and you’ll be asked to negotiate wetlands and strike crisp shots over and around bunkers, as well as some water. The layout measures 6,899 yards from the tips and plays to a par of 72.

“Mansion Ridge is all about the “member for a day” feel for our daily fee golfers,” said Patrick Wynn, General Manager of the property. “The warm and friendly staff, the fully stocked pro shop and excellent playing conditions help set us apart from our competition. Also, the delicious food and drinks help out as well. We attract most of our guests from Northern New Jersey, and Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties, as well as New York City.”

Mansion Ridge’s golf course is such a unique golfing experience, with a layout and design that will challenge all individuals, regardless of handicap. In addition to the recreational golfer, the course draws metropolitan New York’s best players, PGA professionals, and even a few Tour players.

Wynn considers the course’s signature hole is to be number 14, which is an uphill

dogleg right. “The tee shot needs to be in the left center of the fairway to have a look at the green, while avoiding the fairway bunkers left of the fairway. The approach plays uphill about two clubs to a fairly large green. A large rock wall guards the green to the left, and leaves a difficult chip. Second shots which are a little short find a pretty easy chip to help you walk away with par. This is the part of the property, which is very close to Harriman State Park, so during the fall you may even see a bear in the distance.”

The course gives you a little time to warm up before you’re hit with a tough parfour, the sixth, measuring 422 yards. There’s a forced carry off the tee, and a good drive will leave you an exacting mid-iron to a kidney-shaped green.

The eighth is a great, short par-four, playing 356 yards from the tips. Favor the left center of the fairway to avoid a sharp drop off to the right. Figure an extra club to the uphill green and watch out for a huge bunker that guards the right side of the putting surface. Number 10 gives you a bit of a rest as you open the inward nine. The 363- yard par-four will leave you a short iron to a tired green, as long as you hit the fairway. Number 12 is a superb par-three. The 167-yarder plays over water to a wellprotected tabletop green. Short is trouble because of the water, and there’s OB beyond. The 18th is one of the best finishing holes in the region. It’s 478 yards, but a well struck drive will tumble down a hill and leave you a mid-iron to a green protected by a pond to the left. It is simply a super way to finish a memorable round.

Said Wynn, “We are on year two of our new golf carts with fully equipped GPS and Bluetooth speakers that you can connect your phone.”

The club offers a Monday Ladies Night and Tuesday Men’s Night, where you can play nine holes after 3:30 p.m. and get a burger and drink for a great rate.

Mansion Ridge also specializes in group/ corporate golf outings, fundraisers, and charity events, with a full-service catering facility onsite.

The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge

Monroe, N.Y.

www.MansionRidgeGC.com

845-782-7888