Travel to New York’s Catskills
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for Great Stay and Play
ubscribers to Golfing Magazine’s award-winning Course Play Stimulus Program, where they receive access to some of the best golf courses in New England and beyond for a small “service” or cart fee, are in for a treat when they head to the northern Catskills of New York State to visit three of our member courses, Sunny Hill (two courses) and Blackhead Mountain. Both are resort courses. At Sunny Hill (www. SunnyHill.com) in Greenville they will find two courses, the Thunderhart Golf Course, a championship 18-hole golf course, and an 18-hole “executive” layout, the latter making for a fun and quick play if you also want to chill out for the day and enjoy all the resort has to offer. Thunderhart Golf Course is set in the scenic Catskill Basin, and has 11 ponds and 15 sand traps to navigate around and over. The 6,482- yard course plays to a par of 72. The front nine provides a traditional golf experience. The back nine was created in the Parkland style, which has each hole
Blackhead Mountain Country Club
cut through forest. Acquired in 2007 by the Nicholsen family, owners of Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course, Thunderhart has been transformed into one of the region’s premier golf complexes Sunny Hill is an all-inclusive resort where guests are treated like family. It’s a tradition that goes back nearly 100 years when the resort first welcomed guests to vacation in the Catskill Mountains. Sunny Hill Resort offers several properties for larger groups and/or families, including lodging where rooms can be adjoined.
The Homestead suites each sleep six and can be rented together to allow for groups of up to 12 to vacation together. The Edmonton Combo allows for rooms to be connected to accommodate up to four, and the building features a separate lounge area with tables and chairs for game nights, group activities or family gatherings. There are also smaller family accommodations and rooms. There are dining options and a day spa at the resort. The adventures found on Sunny Hill Resort’s 600 acres can transform a visit into a dream getaway. After golf you can lounge on a picnic blanket for family movies and concerts under the stars, or drop a line into Lake Loree and catch a lunker bass. Nearby Blackhead Mountain Resort (www.BlackheadMtn.com) in Round Top features a course designed by USGA architect Nicholas Psiahas. An original nine holes were opened in 1990, and a second nine holes were added in 1999. This is one of the best 18-hole, par-72 championship courses in the region. The layout was carved into the natural terrain of the beautiful and majestic Blackhead Mountains of the Northern Catskills. It offers not only stunning scenery, but offers a tremendous playing challenge as well. There are water hazards, bunkers, doglegs and two-tiered greens that complicate your round. Because of the extreme amount of care placed into the maintenance of the course by USGA Superintendent Edward Maassmann and his staff, the layout has the reputation of always being beautifully manicured and in great condition. At the cozy Blackhead Mountain resort there are 22 rooms that can accommodate small to mid-size groups for overnight stays. There is dining and a fitness facility on the premises. The resort can customize packages to suit your needs and requirements. www.GreatNorthernCatskills.com. www.GolfingMagazine.net
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