By Carol Fisher-Linn
Cardinal Hills Golf Course
Nestled in the hills of Cattaraugus County, Cardinal Hills Golf Course in Randolph, NY is conveniently located just two miles off I-86 at Exit 16, making it easily accessible to golfers from across Western New York and beyond. The course sits 20 miles from Ellicottville, 24 miles from Bemus Point, and about 15 miles from Jamestown — a central destination worth the drive.
Originally founded in 1927, Cardinal Hills will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027, and the course has aged beautifully. Today it stands as a gorgeous 18-hole, par 72 layout, with meaningful updates and upgrades made to both the course and clubhouse in recent years.
Like most courses in this region, Cardinal Hills plays across rolling terrain and for good reason. The area sits within the northwestern glaciated portion of the Allegheny Plateau, part of the broader Chautauqua Drumlin Field that stretches from northwestern Pennsylvania into southwestern New York. Glacial movement sculpted this landscape over millennia, producing the undulating landforms known as drumlins that give the region its signature character. Pair that natural drama with sweeping countryside views, and you’ll find a little bit of paradise. The course takes its name from the mascot of the local school, which borders the property and fields a competitive golf team of its own.
The course is designed to challenge and delight in equal measure, featuring strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens that reward precision and patience. The layout offers an appealing mix of open fairways and tree lined holes. A standout is the newly renovated hole #2, a 527-yard par 5 with a large, bunker protected green and a stunning view back toward the school.
Cardinal Hills welcomes golfers of all skill levels, with a friendly staff committed to making every round a positive one. The pro shop carries all the essentials, and a warmup putting green lets you shake off the rust while you wait for your foursome to arrive. Afterward, unwind at the onsite restaurant and bar, whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Friday nights throughout the summer bring a family friendly atmosphere, with Steak & Seafood specials rounding out the regular pub menu. The facility also features a separate event center, ideal for large tournaments or private gatherings.
Cardinal Hills Golf Course brings together quality golf, genuine small-town hospitality, and affordable rates in the heart of Randolph. To book a tee time or inquire about events, call (716) 358-5409 or reach out to Eric directly at ericbrown@cardinalhillsny.com.
Peek’n Peak
Off I-86, 72 miles from Ellicottville; 26 miles from Bemus Point; 47 miles from Randolph, Peek’n Peak in Clymer NY, near Finley Lake, began life as a ski hill in 1964. The major championship Upper Golf Course was completed between 1993 and 1997. A lower golf course served golfers for a time but has been razed and serves as open green space. The Upper Course is a par 72 ranging from 4,800 to 7,000 yards. Golfers of all levels can enjoy the course with 5 teeing options to choose from. If I were a golfer, I would certainly plan to golf on Wednesday’s when the special promotion is Play Your Age – I would enjoy an 83% discount on my round of golf.
The course is open to the public and visitors are welcome to book tee times. Zane Thomas, lead supervisor in the pro shop praises the maintenance team for keeping the courses in superior condition and he tells us that, because of one of the highest elevations in the area, the views are incredibly amazing. He calls the course challenging, especially because “the greens run really fast.”
The Peak is a complete entertainment package with various dining facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, an aerial rope course, ziplines, mini-golf, two brand-new professional sand volleyball courts, a paintball arena, and cornhole courts. The Tudor styled Inn at The Peak provides visitors with a dose of old world charm with parlor suites, hardwood details and stained glass taking visitors back to another time. One wonders if in the enchanting hours of the night one might find the spirit of Mary Queen of Scots roaming the halls or King James IV, Tudors who were known to love the game. In fact, Mary was the first known female golfer in history.
Golf Digest rates the acclaimed Upper Course in Peek’n Peak at 4.5 stars. They have hosted nationally televised PGA tournaments with several pro golfers. The championship-caliber course, featuring bentgrass greens, rolling hills and elevation changes continues to maintain this highly regarded designation for 2026, which it has held for several years.
Peek’n Peak is located on 1405 Old Road in Clymer, NY. Reach them by calling 716-355-4141 www.pknpk.com or pknpkinfo@visitscott.com. Visit www.pknpk.com for more information and to view at hole-by-hole flyover of the Upper Course.