I have to admit that spending 4 hours on the golf course ranks lower on my list than a day at a spa or museum. But my husband loves it and when we lived in the city I often tagged along. These are my favorite courses to enjoy on a weekend trip from NYC.
Highlights:
- The Catskills, NY – mountain courses with sweeping views and rustic lodges
- The Hamptons, NY – upscale golf clubs and luxury beachside stays
- Pocono Mountains, PA – resort golf, spa services, and forested fairways
- Connecticut Gold Coast – classic country clubs with coastal charm
- Hudson Valley, NY – vineyard-side courses and boutique inns
Unique Golf Trips
1. For Spa Fans, Foodies: Crystal Springs Resort
Rating: ★★★★★
© Crystal Springs Resort
Location:
Hamburg, New JerseyHighlights:
If you’re looking for a luxurious mountain escape just 90 minutes from NYC, Grand Cascades Lodge is the perfect answer. With six championship golf courses, two spas, and year-round wellness activities, this resort offers the perfect balance of pampering and play—without the hassle of flights.Recommended For:
Golfers, couples, spa enthusiasts, wellness travelers, and anyone craving a high-end escape close to the city.What I Love: ♥
Signature golf courses, luxury spa treatments, guided wellness experiences, and stunning views that make every moment feel like a retreat.- Stay in elegant accommodations at the heart of Crystal Springs Resort, where alpine charm meets modern comfort.
- Play on six championship-caliber golf courses designed by top names like Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio, and Roger Rulewich.
- Relax in one of two luxurious spas offering couples’ massages, facials, manicures, and total body bliss.
- Recharge with wellness experiences like yoga, meditation, and guided activities designed to restore body and mind.
- Enjoy a year-round resort atmosphere with seasonal events, gourmet dining, and endless ways to unwind—just a short drive from New York City.
Address:
Grand Cascades Lodge, 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 07413Phone: 973-862-4351
2. For Budget Travelers: Sunny Hill Golf Course
© Sunny Hill Golf Course
Location:
Greenville, New YorkHighlights:
If you’re searching for a casual, scenic golf getaway in the Catskills, Sunny Hill Golf Course delivers with beauty and ease. This resort-style course is perfect for every skill level, offering breathtaking mountain views, wide fairways, and all-inclusive packages that make planning a breeze.Recommended For:
Golfing families, beginners, seasoned players, and anyone looking for a laid-back golf vacation with mountain charm.What I Love: ♥
All-inclusive golf packages, PGA-certified lessons, panoramic Catskills views, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages and abilities.- Play a relaxed round on this championship course with wide fairways, lush greens, and well-kept bunkers—all framed by the stunning Great Northern Catskills.
- Learn the game or improve your skills with PGA-certified golf lessons available for both kids and adults.
- Stay with convenience through all-inclusive packages featuring lodging, two meals daily, and unlimited golf with a motorized cart.
- Relax in a welcoming, scenic environment that’s as perfect for first-time golfers as it is for long-time players.
Address:
Sunny Hill Golf Course, 352 Sunny Hill Road, Greenville, NYPhone: 518-634-7698
3. For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Christman’s Windham House Country Inn and Golf Resort
© LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Windham, New YorkHighlights:
For couples seeking a relaxing mountain escape with the perfect mix of leisure and scenic beauty, Christman’s Windham House delivers. Just off Route 23, this elegant inn and championship golf resort offers cozy lodging, top-tier golf, and sweeping views of the Catskills.Recommended For:
Couples, golf-loving duos, romantic weekenders, and anyone looking to unwind amid wide-open fairways and crisp mountain air.What I Love: ♥
Award-worthy Mountain Course conditions, peaceful mornings on the Valley Course, a historic inn atmosphere, and the natural romance of the Catskills.- Play on the 7,150-yard Mountain Course, kept in tournament-ready condition and offering a rewarding challenge with picture-perfect views at every hole.
- Stroll the 9-hole Valley Course, a relaxed course since 1965 with open fairways and a 1.5-hour pace—perfect for a casual round before dinner.
- Learn at the golf school or sharpen your skills at the on-site practice facility and pro club fitting service.
- Unwind at the historic country inn, where peaceful surroundings, mountain sunsets, and charming rooms make every stay feel special.
Address:
Christman’s Windham House Country Inn and Golf Resort, 5742 Route 23, Windham, NYPhone: 518-734-6990
4. For Casual Golfers: Colonial Golf Club
© Colonial Golf Club
Location:
Tannersville, New YorkHighlights:
If you love classic golf courses with mountain views and a welcoming atmosphere, Colonial Golf Club in the Great Northern Catskills is a hidden gem. Just off Main Street in Tannersville, this 9-hole course blends tradition, natural beauty, and great amenities for every golfer.Recommended For:
Casual golfers, league players, weekend visitors, and anyone looking for a relaxed round with scenic Catskills charm.What I Love: ♥
Historic 1920s layout, tree-lined fairways, PGA instruction, and the kind of peaceful setting that makes every swing feel better.- Play a 9-hole, par-35 course stretching 2,591 yards, originally designed in the 1920s using the natural contours of the Catskill landscape.
- Enjoy lush fairways, crisp greens, and breathtaking Catskill Mountain views as you make your way through this timeless course.
- Learn from Class-A PGA teaching instructors, sign up for local leagues, or explore membership options for regular play.
- Relax after your round at the on-site café or bar, and browse the fully-stocked pro shop for gear and gifts.
- Ride in style with available golf carts and soak in the peaceful pace of mountain golf in a quaint village setting.
Address:
Colonial Golf Club, 6245 Main Street, Tannersville, NYPhone: 518-589-9807
5. For Couples: Catskill Golf Resort
© Mikael Damkier/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Catskill, New YorkHighlights:
For a golf escape packed with scenic views, a great restaurant, and family-friendly extras, Catskill Golf Resort is a standout destination. Nestled in the Northern Catskills, this 18-hole public course pairs beautiful mountain backdrops with amenities that go beyond the green.Recommended For:
Golfers, couples, families, and anyone seeking a mix of challenge, relaxation, and Catskill mountain charm.What I Love: ♥
Wide fairways, panoramic Catskills scenery, poolside lounging, and post-round meals at the on-site Bistro 27.- Play one of the Mid-Hudson Valley’s most scenic and challenging 18-hole championship courses, stretching across lush mountain terrain.
- Refuel at Bistro 27, the resort’s signature restaurant serving delicious cuisine in a casual, welcoming setting.
- Relax with a dip in the shimmering swimming pool—perfect for cooling off after a summer round or keeping the kids happy.
- Shop the fully stocked Catskill Golf Club Pro Shop featuring golf apparel, shoes, bags, accessories, and quality equipment.
Address:
Catskill Golf Resort, 27 Brooks Lane, Catskill, NYPhone: 518-943-0302
6. For Relaxation Seekers: Hanah Mountain Resort & Golf Club
© Hanah Mountain Resort & Golf Club
Location:
Margaretville, New YorkHighlights:
If you're looking for a serene mountain escape with top-tier golf, Hanah Mountain Resort & Golf Club is a standout. Just 2.5 hours north of NYC, this elegant retreat combines Catskill scenery, championship golf, and cozy hospitality—all in one peaceful package.Recommended For:
Golfers, couples, city escapees, and anyone who appreciates misty mountain mornings and crisp drives down lush fairways.What I Love: ♥
The dramatic mountain views, a legendary 13th hole, burgers at the 19th hole, and the quiet, cozy distance from city chaos.- Play an 18-hole championship course designed by renowned architect Ferdinand Garbin in 1958, known for its sweeping Catskill views and well-paced challenge.
- Test your skill on the infamous 13th hole, nicknamed “The Terminator” by Golf Digest—one of the most difficult holes in the country.
- Soak in misty mountain sunrises and long, scenic fairways that make each hole feel like a postcard.
- Unwind post-round at the cozy “19th hole” restaurant with classic comfort food and a refreshing drink overlooking the greens.
Address:
Hanah Mountain Resort & Golf Club, 576 West Hubbell Hill Road, Margaretville, NYPhone: 845-586-4849
7. For Quiet Retreat Seekers: Hideaway Hills Golf Club
© Hideaway Hills Golf Club
Location:
Kunkletown, PennsylvaniaHighlights:
If you’re looking to escape the bustle of city life and immerse yourself in a scenic, challenging golf experience, Hideaway Hills Golf Club in the Pocono Mountains is the perfect destination. This hidden gem offers lush landscapes, elevation changes, and one unforgettable Island Green.Recommended For:
Golfers seeking a peaceful mountain retreat, NYC escapees, and anyone looking for a picturesque round that still offers a strong challenge.What I Love: ♥
The signature Island Green, elevation changes that keep things interesting, four lakes, and over 60 sand traps set in the tranquil beauty of the Poconos.- Play an 18-hole, par-72 course that stretches 6,933 yards across rolling, tree-lined fairways and beautifully maintained greens.
- Challenge yourself with over 60 sand traps, four lakes, and dramatic elevation shifts throughout the course.
- Practice your skills with excellent facilities including a two-tiered driving range, chipping green, and an undulating putting surface.
- Experience a round that's equal parts peaceful and invigorating, surrounded by the serene slopes of the Pocono Mountains.
Address:
Hideaway Hills Golf Club, 159 Golf Course Road, Kunkletown, PAPhone: 610-681-6000
8. For Adventure Seekers: Jack Frost National Golf Club
© Jack Frost National Golf Club
Location:
Blakeslee, PennsylvaniaHighlights:
If you're looking for a mountain golf experience that’s as player-friendly as it is scenic, Jack Frost National Golf Club is a must-visit. Just a 2-hour drive northwest of New York City, this championship course is nestled in the Pocono Mountains and built to impress.Recommended For:
Mid-handicap golfers, mountain course fans, city dwellers seeking a weekend tee time, and anyone who loves a great view with their game.What I Love: ♥
Generous fairways, no blind shots, a welcoming design for all skill levels, and gorgeous oak forest framing each hole—plus an excellent practice area to warm up or sharpen your skills.- Play a championship-caliber course with wide fairways, visible targets, and few uneven lies—rare for a mountain setting.
- Admire the course’s dramatic elevation changes and sweeping vistas that showcase the beauty of the Pocono Mountains.
- Enjoy the natural rhythm of the course, with every hole carved thoughtfully through oak forest and elevated terrain.
- Practice like a pro with a revamped area featuring a full driving range, short game zone, fairway bunker, chipping green, and pristine putting surface.
Address:
Jack Frost National Golf Club, 1 Jack Frost Mountain Road, Blakeslee, PAPhone: 570-443-2414
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