Examining local executive courses
While there are plenty of championship golf courses throughout the Capital Region to keep players occupied, the area also offers a variety of executive courses. So if you’re a beginner, looking for a change of pace or want to hone your iron and wedge game, these courses could meet your needs:
Saratoga Spa Par 29
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Par 29 is a sister course of the championship facility, the Saratoga Spa Golf Course. Both are located in the Saratoga Spa State Park, but unlike the championship course, players will hit mostly irons and wedges at the executive course.
As its name indicates, the nine-hole layout is a par 29 with two par 4s and seven par 3s. The two par 4s — No. 3 and 9 — are 310 and 289 yards, respectively, while the par 3s range between 93 and 190 yards. The 1,671-yard course offers two sets of tees and many tree-lined holes.
“There’s a little quicker pace of play,” Saratoga Spa assistant professional Jon Hines said. “If you’re new to golf or not that good, it’s less challenging than the championship course. But it’s also a good place to work on your irons and short game.”
Galway Golf Club
GLENVILLE — Galway Golf Club is a nine-hole, par 30 course that caters to “seniors and the less than accomplished,” according to owner George Wedekind. Built in 1967, the course is opened year round and the flags are never removed from the greens.
The course — which completed a grass-tee driving range a couple of years ago — offers three par 4s and six par 3s. The longest hole on the course is the 325-yard fifth hole, while the par 3s are in the 135-yard area.
Galway Golf Club also provides two practice putting greens, as well as a snack shack and memberships.
“It’s a family place and has a character all its own,” Wedekind said.
Mill Road Acres
LATHAM — Mill Road Acres was built in 1973 as a nine-hole course, but added an additional nine in 1983. The 3,070-yard, par 58 course offers two par 4s on each nine. While the front nine is nearly 300 yards longer, the back nine may be the more challenging side.
“The back nine is a bit narrower,” co-owner Gloria Jevons said. “People who are accurate like the back nine better because the front is a little more forgiving and a little bit longer.”
Mill Road Acres also offers a restaurant that’s opened year-round, as well as a grass driving range and lessons with head professional Peter Gerard.
Hiawatha Trails
GUILDERLAND — Rolling hills and undulated fairways define the 18hole, par 57 Hiawatha Trails Golf Course. The links-styled course is open off the tee, but players may find awkward stances due to the course’s unpredictable terrain.
“The golf course is very challenging,” owner Geoffrey Epps said. “It offers unique slopes, downhill shots and a few uphill shots. A lot of golf courses are tight, but we’re more wide open for an executive links golf course.”
Water hazards also play a factor on five of the holes. A 10-foot wide creek weaves throughout the course, adding character to Hiawatha Trails’ layout.
The course — which has improved its irrigation in recent years — also offers a few night golf events. Epps uses glow sticks, glow balls and full moons to illuminate the course on clear nights.
Whispering Pines
ROTTERDAM — The par 55, 18-hole course boasts a tight layout as many of the holes were cut between pines trees. Furthermore, bunkers and water hazards make the 2,315-yard course just as challenging as a championship facility.
“The course simulates your second shot on regulation courses,” said general manager Mark Armstrong, who runs the course with two brothers, Kirk and Brett. “The (tee) shots are very challenging. If you miss by 10 yards, you’re in the woods or water.”
The tree-lined course also offers an all-grass driving range, practice putting green and shortgame area with bunkers.
Barney Road
CLIFTON PARK — Built in 1966, Barney Road Golf Course features a nine-hole layout that plays 1,331 yards from the longest set of tees. The par-28 course was recently purchased by the Town of Clifton Park in 2011, making it a municipal course.
The short layout rewards good shots, but is still challenging for golfers of all abilities.
For green fees and more information on local executive courses, go to their websites. Sports writer Alex Ventre is an avid golfer. He can be reached at aventre@saratogian.com.