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Rainbow Golf Course serves day trippers and vacationers
In 1955, Walter Birmann, Sr. (now deceased) recognized the slowing of the once popular resort business through the 1930s, 40s and early 50s. The popularity of dependable, affordable cars and introduction of new highways gave tourists the opportunity to travel further distances to vacation.
His vision that people wanted more than a clean room, a swimming pool, three meals a day and a view of the mountains prompted him to build a golf course.
With his two sons, Walter, Jr. and Carl the first five holes of Rainbow Golf Club were opened in 1956; two more holes were added in 1957 and the last two were completed in 1958. Rainbow Golf Club then became the first golf course in Northern Greene and southern Albany Counties. The closest courses then were Normanside – 22 miles to the north and Catskill CC, 20 miles to the south. There were none east to the Hudson River and only Cobleskill, some 30 miles to the west.
The course was located on the original Birmann Farm, purchased by Otto and Anna Birmann in 1917 after doctors advised Anna that the air pollution in Hillside, NJ was giving her respiratory problems. They took up residence in Greenville with their son Walter, Sr. and two daughters, Amanda & Charlotte.
From the first summer they moved to Greenville in 1917, their many friends from their previous home in New Jersey kept coming to “the Mountains” (as they called Greenville) to escape the New Jersey summer heat.
Unfortunately, although the Birmanns were good hosts; their budget couldn’t afford to room and board all these people.
At this point the Birmanns were forced to put a modest price on this “room & board” they were previously giving for free. Well, they immediately lost some ‘friends’ as the cost was more than they could afford. It was $3 per day or $19 per week. And you could even help with the chores! Hence, the Birmann Farm Resort was born.
Over time, the farmhouse was expanded to accommodate more rooms and the farm itself was phased out.
In the late 30s a five acre parcel was bought across Rt. 26 from the farm where a restaurant, bar and banquet facility seating 200 was built and renamed Rainbow Lodge. This provided added dining facilities to accommodate the 26 rooms built on the original farmhouse and for any additional accommodations that would be added.
In 1960 a clubhouse was built adjacent to the golf course and in 1963 a 12 unit motel was built adjacent to the restaurant/bar complex to add more modern accommodations.
An addition has since been added to the clubhouse to increase its capacity. The original addition on the farmhouse, which had 26 individual rooms, was converted into vacation apartments in 1994.
In 1976 the golf course was taken over by Walt Birmann, Jr. and his wife Cookie. Rainbow Lodge was taken over by Walt’s brother Carl and his wife and they operated it until 2006.
When Walt and Cookie took over ownership in 1976 it was their intention to build another 9 holes to stay competitive with the other new courses springing up. Finally, after rearranging the original nine to accommodate the new nine, the full 18 was opened in 1995.
Today Rainbow Golf Course boasts an island green and three other signature holes which make it a unique challenge for golfers in every handicap group.
The five sets of tees, doglegs, water hazards and sloped greens to hold a good golf shot make Rainbow truly a championship golf course where “risk and reward” is the flavor of the day.
In these tougher economic times, the golf course and its vacation suites make Rainbow a destination to vacation close to home. The “stay and play” packages are very reasonable and the course is in excellent condition. For more information visit www.rainbowgolfclub.com or call 518-966-5343.
GOLF FOR A CAUSE
Bloomington Fire Department scrambles
at Apple Greens on September 15
Bloomington Fire Department will host a golf tournament on September 15 at Apple Green's Golf Course in New Paltz. The fee is $85 per golfer and the format is scramble. It will be a 9:00am shotgun start. The fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, continental breakfast, bag lunch, buffet dinner. There will be a raffle and prizes awarded after dinner. Tee and green sponsorships are also available. Please contact either Kevin Keller 845-853-2242, Greg Barringer 845-339-6634, or Mike Schabot at 845-331-4346. Proceeds will be used to support the apparatus fund of the Bloomington Fire Department.
Charles Haas Memorial Scholarship
Tournament on September 27
The 2nd Annual Charles Haas Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, September 27 at Rondout Golf Club. The four-man scramble format will start at 1 p.m. Registration and lunch will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The $90 per person entry fee includes lunch, green fees, cart, refreshments on the course, assorted prizes and dinner following the tournament. You may bring a guest to the dinner for an additional charge of $30. For more information call 845-687-0948 or 845-687-9174. Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund for Ulster County firefighters.
Doug Maloney Memorial Tournament
September 28 at Rondout
The Doug Maloney Memorial Tournament will be held at Rondout Golf Club on September 28. The event begins with an 8-8:45 a.m. breakfast and a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Dinner follows at approximately 1 p.m. Proceeds support Gateway Community Industries. Call Evelyn Flavin (845-331-1261, ext. 224).
‘Friends Helping Friends’ October 4
at Dinsmore
The 1st Annual Friends Heloping Friends Fall Classic Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, October 4 at Dinsmore Golf Course in Staatsburg. The tournament, a best ball scramble with four-player teams, starts at 9 a.m. Dinner and prize ceremony will follow at CJ’s Ristorante, Route 9G, Rhinebeck. Entry fee is $100 per person; proceeds will benefit Al Hackbarth, former owner of PacMail and Hollywood Deli. For further information or to register your team, call (845) 876-7711.
VFW Post 7765 hosts benefit
tournament Sept. 30 at Red Hook
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 7765 in red Hook will hold its first annual Scramble Golf Championship on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at red Hook Golf Club. The $100 per person cost includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments on the course and 18 holes of golf. For more information, contact Glen Coon at (845) 758-5854 or Vince DeCicco at (845) 224-4458. Proceeds will benefit the Jim Turner Fund and other VFW veterans programs.
If your non-profit organization is holding a charity golf tournament and you would like the details included in an upcoming edition of this Fairways golf page, email pertinent information to
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