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Mohonk: a 19th century golfing experience
Mohonk’s 112-year-old course is a shot-maker’s paradise. Like other early courses in America designed at the turn of the 19th century, ours has a strong Scottish influence. It was first laid out by Mother Nature and Albert Smiley (Mohonk’s founder), along with two house guests, E.E. Schermerhorn and Mr. James Talcott. The original layout in 1897 was 1600 yards. In 1911, Mr. Robert Pryde, a Scotsman working in Yale, Connecticut, was the “go-to” man for golf courses. He lengthened the course and added Scottish charm. Pryde brought the length to 2350 yards. (The current length is 2707). Mr. Pryde, before immigrating to America, worked at St. Andrews. He was called upon to help design some of the first courses in the northeast.
Mohonk’s golf course features undulating fairways that require you hit to flat landing areas we call bowls. The course protects itself with blind tee shots and uneven lies. Mohonk’s 19th century design is able to battle 21st century equipment—a testament to Mr. Pryde’s lasting influence.
Enjoy Midweek Golf
and a Meal on the Mountain
Golfers at Mohonk can make reservations for breakfast or lunch midweek at the Mountain House, along with their rounds of golf. Our expansive breakfast buffet includes fresh fruit, bagels and fresh-baked breads, pancakes, omelet and waffle stations, bacon, sausage, specialty entrées, and many other delicious breakfast dishes.
Mohonk’s bountiful lunch buffet includes soup, full salad bar, specialty salads, fresh vegetables, hot entrées, carved meats, and a tempting assortment of desserts.
The rate for breakfast or lunch midweek, nine holes of golf, and a cart for two people is $146. The rate for breakfast or lunch midweek, 18 holes of golf, green fees, and a cart for two people is $174. Our Golf Pro Shop staff will be pleased to confirm dining room reservations, along with your tee times, from April through mid-November, Monday through Friday. Please call 845.256.2154 for reservations.
The Spa at Mohonk
Mountain House
Combine a round of golf with a Spa treatment! Our Spa offers a selection of treatments to help you relax before (or unwind after) your day on the course. What’s more, guests with Spa treatments have access all day to the steam and sauna rooms and the outdoor heated mineral pool in our Spa wing. Please call 877.877.2664 for Spa reservations.
Stewarding the Mohonk
Golf Course
This year, Mohonk’s golf course (first opened in 1897) will celebrate 112 years of continuous use. A “tee to green” irrigation system was installed in 1998 and additional golf cart paths were paved in 1999. Along with the distinction of being one of the oldest courses in the nation, Mohonk’s golf course is also an industry leader in sensitivity to the environment. This dedicated stewardship has earned the course the designation of “Cooperative Sanctuary” from the International Audubon Society.
Bob Bomba, golf supervisor, a long-time Mohonk Mountain House recreation manager, oversees the operation of the Golf Shop. He has extensive experience in the sports field and is ready and able to help individuals and groups enjoy our unique course.
Adam Mahler, golf course superintendent, is in his third season of leading the golf maintenance team, and has worked on Mohonk’s golf course since 1999. Adam is a member of the Hudson Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association and the New York State Turfgrass Association. Adam continues Mohonk’s commitment to environmental stewardship through member-ship in Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary System.
A Hole-by-Hole Tour of Mohonk Golf Course
Course Description:
The length of Mohonk’s golf course makes it both challenging and forgiving. Four different height cuts of grass define each hole. Contour-cut fairways help you determine the best tee shot placement. Missing the fairway can mean the different between making a birdie or scrambling for par.
Par: 35
Yardage: Red – 2337
White – 2381
Green - 2707
Hole 1: Mountain Rest 210 Yards Par 3
• A small, steeply sloping green set atop a bunker-fortified hill is the setting for our world-class opening hole, a challenging introduction to the excellent golf ahead.
Hole 2: Over the Hills 330 Yards Par 4
• Teeing off in front of our rustic original 1903 Golf Clubhouse to the concealed fairway offers a great chance to look out across the entire landscape. A mid- to high-iron from the narrow and slightly uphill fairway is required to leave a solid chance for a birdie putt.
Hole 3: Far Away 380 Yards Par 4
• Our number-one handicap hole is lined by tall, stately oaks – a menacing test to any golfer. A bowl-shaped landing area sets the stage for a deceptive mid-iron approach to a tight, undulating green.
Hole 4: Ravine 375 Yards Par 4
• Full of superlatives, this picturesque hole starts off with an elevated tee shot to the floor of a gentle, sloping ravine. After a mid-iron approach shot, no golfer can overlook the beauty of the valley below.
Hole 5: Pitch Up 118 Yards Par 3
• Our second par three may be short in distance, but not in elevation or difficulty. A high-iron is recommended to hold the quaint and dramatically sloping green.
Hole 6: Pitch Down 155 Yards Par 3 (White Tee)
• This is the original 6th hole, played from 1897 – 1978. In autumn, players enjoy watching their ball fall against the colorful foliage.
Hole 6: Pitch Down 311 Yards Par 4 (Green Tee)
• With a tree-lined extreme descent, a good tee ball must be high and strong. Framed by beautiful, dense foliage, the green below demands a high, soft approach, leaving a good chance for a birdie on the gently sloping green.
Hole 7: Lindens 240 Yards Par 4
• This hole personifies the risk-reward relationship that many of golf’s greatest holes offer. Lay-up to the steeply sloping fairway or risk driving the green and tempting it intimidating front bunker.
Hole 8: Hill Crest 265 Yards Par 4
• This challenging par four presents a tough test off the tee. With dense mountaintop forest lining the right side, a straight tee shot is essential. A dangerously slanted green requires a skilled putting touch.
Hole 9: Orchard 478 Yards Par 5
• This hole is definitely reminiscent of links-style design. The final tee shot of the day must avoid the threatening heavy gorse on the left. Two majestic pine trees guard entry to the compact green, so a high, soft shot is needed. A truly demanding par five leaves the golfer with an aesthetically pleasing, yet challenging, test.
Golf for a Cause
If your group or organization is planning a fund-raising golf tournament this summer, e-mail the specifics to
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for inclusion in an upcoming Fairways golf page. |
