Golf Courses in Dutchess County

Date Published: March 18, 2024

 

Dutchess County boasts some of our country’s first golf courses, including the nine-hole Dutcher Golf Course in Pawling and the 18-hole Dinsmore Golf Course at Mills-Norrie State Park in Staatsburg, built in the 1890s.

Just off the Taconic State Parkway is the 18-hole championship James Baird State Park Golf Course, which is known for its lengthy fairways and tricky shots.

Poughkeepsie’s McCann Memorial Golf Course, designed in 1972 by William F. Mitchell and updated in 2001 by Stephen Kay, features a formidable assortment of blind tee shots, water hazards and other obstacles. Long fairways pose a delightful challenge for distance-drivers, and tricky greens will have the most experienced putters coming back for more.

Robert Trent Jones Sr. set the 18-hole Casperkill Golf Club amongst soaring ancient oaks and the meandering Casperkill Creek. In southern Dutchess, The Beekman Golf Course lies at the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, offering spectacular views along the 27 holes of the USGA-rated course.

One reviewer described The Links at Union Vale as “18 holes of Ireland in Dutchess County.” This sprawling course designed by Stephen Kay and Doug Smith follows the natural shape of the terrain. Tactical play is required to best a bevy of obstacles ranging from moguls to swells. Thirsty golfers are rewarded with a pint post-round at The Harp and Eagle Pub onsite.

The Red Hook Golf Club in northern Dutchess is player-friendly and appeals to a wide range of skill levels. College Hill and Vassar Golf Courses in Poughkeepsie and Dogwood Knolls Golf Course in Hopewell Junction are family-friendly nine-hole golf courses that are perfect when you’re looking to get out for a quick game.

Fishkill Golf Course and Driving Range makes a f ine practice facility with a 12-hole executive course and grass tee range. In addition to the driving range at Par Fore Golf Center, families can take advantage of batting cages and a mini-golf course.