Road Trip to Saratoga – Part 1 of 3
Let's tee it up at Saratoga National Golf Course
I’ve been playing golf for 30+ years. I’ve played over 150 golf courses, mainly up and down the east coast… of those, one of my favorite places to visit is Saratoga Springs NY., specifically to play Saratoga National Golf Course.
Saratoga National Golf Club is a little more than a two-hour ride from my home in Connecticut. The course was built 25 years ago and my first experience there was for an invitational about 22 years ago with what was then called the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association). The EWGA (now LPGA Amateurs) had chapters in both Connecticut and New York and Saratoga National was the home course of the NY chapter. We had 4 groups going there to compete. What a day!
Set the scene: Driving into the property was like driving into Southfork (for you that remember the old tv show Dallas). The property is in pristine condition; you drive by the gatehouse down a long winding drive bordered by beautiful golf holes and ponds with fountains.
As we approached the main property, we were in awe of the spectacular stone clubhouse. Of course, everything was new then and clean as a whistle. We drove up to the bag drop and a very attentive bag staff in their crisp polo shirts jumped to attention to load our gear onto carts. The staging area is well organized and everyone knew their task and attended to our every need.
We went into the Pro shop to check in and saw the extensive array of women’s apparel and equipment, including any little accessory you could imagine. We were already in heaven!
We next stopped at the practice area. A large grass driving range, a short game area which included a sand area. Balls were all stacked in neat pyramids and the cost was included with our daily fee. There was also a large putting practice area just before you drive up to the first tee.
Just a side note about Saratoga … it is a big horse racing area. Therefore, the theme is clearly centered around that. Saratoga National’s logo pictures a horse, the artwork and landscape art is also horse centric. Needless to say, with a thoroughbred racetrack and harness racing in town, horse-loving people are a huge part of the clientele in the entire area. Horse racing season is early June to about Labor Day, and you can expect to pay a premium price for just about everything.
Back to the course… on that day, we had a fierce competition with the NY chapter, but what made it even more interesting was the weather. In early June the skies opened, and we played in rain that was coming down sideways. Luckily it was a warm rain (we kept telling ourselves). However, during that round, my first time playing this heaven on earth golf course, I promised myself it was going to be a place I would want to come back to time and time again. PS, our Chapter did not win the tournament that day, but we all could not wait to return!
The Front 9 at Saratoga National Golf Course - A view from the forward tees!
Saratoga National is considered a parkland/marshland course layout that curves around wetlands and creeks. It’s not unusual to see a Blue Heron as you are traveling around the course’s 6 ponds. The course is always in pristine condition, so the GPS on the carts will warn you to keep out of the rough and tall fescue areas.
Before starting your round, you’ll notice that there are 6 sets of tees. The scorecard has suggested tees based on your handicap. I always opt for the shortest distance which would be the forward tees at a total yardage of 4930. (I didn’t pay all that money to beat myself up… I am over that!) The par 72 consists of 4 par 5s and 4 par 3s and the rest par 4s.
The number one handicap hole from the forward tees measures 454 yards and you will definitely see why it ranks #1 hardest hole on the course.
So, after hitting a few balls on the range and making a few putts you drive over to the Starter. The tee times are set far enough apart so that there is comfortable spacing between groups, and the Starter will keep an eye on the group in front of you to let you know when you can tee off.
The first hole is a scenic downhill short dogleg right with a fairway bunker to the left. It’s a great starting hole that gives you some options. Longer hitters may want to go for the green, shorter hitters can take a safer route and possibly make a par!
Each hole is unique and has its own challenges. Number two is a very makable par 4, uphill, but short. On number three you’ll be staring right at a couple of large bunkers, but again you will have options off the tee. After your tee shot, it’s downhill and then uphill to an undulating green.
On the way to hole number four (forward tees) you will meander through some wetlands, keep an eye out for the local Blue Herons. You will definitely have a great advantage from the forward tees on this Par 5. Wide open fairway to an uphill green.
Number five is the first par 3 and it’s protected by a good size bunker and tall fescue. From the forward tee, you have a great angle into the green skirting a lot of the trouble. This makes it a much easier Par 3, so take advantage!
Hole number six has become one of my favorite holes on the course. Is it difficult? Yes, it’s ranked #2, but if you manage your way around, you can walk away with a good score. Don’t get greedy... you will be working your way around water and bunkers. I honestly had to play this course several times before I figured out the best way to play it. For me, a bogey is a win!
You will need a break after hole number six, luckily there is a way station with indoor plumbing and usually a cooler with Saratoga bottled water to refresh yourself! Next up is hole number seven a fun par 3, short.. (82 as the card says) … but all carry. Long is better than short, here, but not too long!
Number 8 is a slight dogleg left, if you stay left it will keep you out of the trees on the right and then you have a good look at a well-protected elevated green. Staying left is usually a good option. Off to number nine, a very short par 4 with lots of tall fescue on the left. The scorecard will let you know to stay out of the tall fescue and if a ball does go in there, treat it as you would a lateral hazard.
The ride to number 10 is so much fun, as you will be driving by the clubhouse waterfall and have a view of the 18th hole green. At the turn is Mulligan’s snack shack with food, drink and restrooms. Fuel up, the back 9 will need your full attention.
To be continued in Part 2.
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