By Carol Fisher-Linn
Chautauqua Golf Club
Writer Mike Kasarda, in a 2014 article in The Chautauquan Daily, when writing about the historic golf course, prefaced his story with this: “Many Chautauquans are quick to remember that the original course used to be a modest farm, a home for swine and some plants; or that Amelia Earhart landed on what is now the 17th fairway of the Lake Course [July 20, 1929], before speaking [at Chautauqua Institution] about her 20-hour transatlantic flight; or that President Bill Clinton played two rounds to take his mind off the upcoming election in 1996.” Clinton was staying at the Athenaeum, October, 1996, to prep for the Clinton-Dole debates, and golfed a bit with NYS Lt. Gov. Stan Lundine.
Opened July 18, 1914, the course is truly historic. According to his book, Chautauqua Golf Club: One Hundred Years, Two Golf Courses, One Remarkable History, by Dave Turnbull, a member of the Golf Club and historian for its board of governors gave this historical account of the Chautauquan attraction. “…I was particularly intrigued by the exhibition matches at the club in the mid-20th century,” Turnbull said. “Fourteen hall of famers played on the Lake Course — 16 if you count Dinah Shore and [course designer] Donald Ross…”
The course is located across the street from Chautauqua Institution at 4731 West Lake Road (Rte.394) Chautauqua NY. It features two four-star rated courses, (one of only two such courses between Cleveland and Rochester) offering players choice and variety.
Director of Golf, Kirk Staufer shared that “the greatest thing about Chautauqua Golf Club is the people, the uniqueness of the two courses, and the beautiful state-of-the-art Learning Center offering a great venue with three, 150-yard learning holes.” A complete teaching and practice facility, its especially great for families and their kids. “What’s really nice is that no one feels they are in anyone’s way, holding up anyone’s game.” Finish the day with a relaxing meal and drinks at the beautiful full-service Club House. For a full listing of guest fees please go to www.Chautauqua-golf-club.company.site or call 716-357-6211 for booking and information.
Holiday Valley Double Black Diamond Golf
Ellicottville’s Holiday Valley Resort opened as a ski area on January 1, 1958. It took the founders no time at all to realize that their project was offering nothing in the off-ski-season months. By 1962 the first nine holes were established, with the second nine introduced in 1987. The Double Black Diamond Golf Course is a 6500 yard, par 70 course situated in the Allegany foothills, offering a unique layout because of its varied terrain. The mountain topography presents one kind of challenge while the flatter course introduces another with its many ponds and bunkers. The front nine, mostly level with some water features doesn’t prepare you for the more challenging mountainous back nine with interesting elevation changes and sloping fairways. One thing about golfing at “The Valley” especially if you are a beginner is the exposure to Kyle Benish, PGA Head Golf Professional (only 4% of Class A members have this rare PGA certification). For all his professional certifications, rather than intimidating students he makes golfing fun, applauding even the smallest of accomplishments. In his words, “Getting after the game. Having fun.” He pointed out that 10 brand-new beginner ladies started their league this past Wednesday and everyone left, despite the brisk weather, having thoroughly enjoyed themselves and feeling less like beginners.
Benish claims that “Holiday Valley has the best greens in WNY, or in the state, and provides a wonderful guest destination for golf packages. A very playable golf course, it is truly a friendly place to recreate with an awesome practice facility directly across the road, featuring a 300-yard driving range, 10 covered tees, up to 50 grass tees, a ball machine and a new, 70 foot NFL field goal themed range game.”
A visit to the “RATES” tab at the Holiday Valley social media at www.holidayvalley.com/golf will bring up this suggestion: “For a view of our course layout, check out this flyover video of the entire golf course.” Benish also suggests going online to review all the summer activities available this year. Find anything you need at their Pro-shop voted one of America’s “Best Golf Shops” by PGA Magazine.
Holiday Valley offers the bonus of three outdoor pools. For refreshments, choose the cabana bar next to the pool, McCarty’s Café or Edna’s all located within the facility property. Another bonus: the village of Ellicottville is 1.5 miles to the north.
Each week, we will feature two golf courses open to the public: one in Cattaraugus County and one in Chautauqua County. If you have a suggestion on who should be on the list, let us know! It’s easy, simply logon to thevillagerny.com and click the “General Submissions” tab.