Putting skills key at Van Patten
Golf course boasts excellent conditions early in season
CLIFTON PARK — The common golf expression “you drive for show, but putt for dough” is certainly reaffirmed at Van Patten Golf Club. The home of the Shenendehowa High School golf team is characterized by large, undulated greens that require a keen eye to read the breaks, as well as a steady and precise putting stroke.
“You have to be a good putter,” second-year head professional Bob Kennedy said. “You can find yourself on these greens with a 30, 40 or 50-foot putt. Our greens are typically very fast and require great skill on them.”
The course, which was designed by former head professional Armand Farina, opened for 18 holes in 1968. A few years later, Van Patten built an additional nine holes, making it one of only a handful of courses in the Capital Region that offers 27 holes. The standard 18 holes are comprised of the red and white nines, while the blue nine creates flexibility for leagues, outings or overflow golfers on a busy day.
In 2004, Van Patten received a makeover with the opening of a new clubhouse, which consists of The Vista Restaurant and an improved pro shop. Furthermore, the course updated its practice facility, building a grass and matted driving range to complement a practice putting green and shortgame area.
Players have to be on top of their game right from the get-go. Golfers need to capitalize on the 475-yard par-5 opener because the following handful of holes can be difficult.
The second and third are two of the narrowest par 4s on the course, and at 367 and 390 yards, respectively, distance remains a priority off the tee.
Large water hazards also make for intimidating tee shots on No. 4 and No. 6. While the pond is more of a visual effect on the fourth, players must hit directly over the formidable hazard on the 148-yard sixth.
After a daunting start, golfers can breathe a sigh of relief when they reach the tee at the open, 350yard eighth hole. Following that, an uphill, 470yard par 5 allows golfers to close their front nine on a high note — provided that they can navigate the slip- pery, back-to-front sloping green.
“You have to score on the par 5s because the par 3s are tough,” Kennedy said. “They’re well bunkered and they can have some length to them depending on the tee location. So take advantage on the par 5s.”
The back nine is more forgiving off the tee than the front. A majority of the holes have a smattering of trees, but none boost a well-defined boundary like No. 2, 3 or 7 on the front side. However, like the opening nine, the back offers a healthy mix of doglegs and hazards, such as the picturesque 16th hole.
The 325-yard par-4 is a dogleg left that has an ominous water hazard running all the way down the left side. An iron off the tee is the smart play, but any leftward-straying shot will get wet.
The uphill, 475-yard par 5 concludes most golfers’ rounds, but ambitious players can keep their round alive by playing the blue nine.
The par-37 third nine is the longest of the trio by nearly 300 yards. However, Kennedy said that nine is usually in the best condition due to less play than the red and white nines.
Van Patten was in excellent condition, especially considering it’s so early in the season. The course is working on some drainage projects, which is only visi- ble on the third hole, as well as trimming some trees and cleaning up debris to make it more visually appealing.
The greens were also in excellent condition. They rolled consistently true and were quick for early May, which is comforting to know when standing over yet another 40-foot, breaking putt.
Sports writer Alex Ventre is an avid golfer. He can be reached at aventre@saratogian.com.