Catskills - Sullivan County - Concord Monster

[carvemeister]

NEED SOME TRIP ADVICE

I'm planning a quick 2 day getaway from Long Island next week just to get away from the usual, and would love to play a couple scenic hilly courses in the southern Catskills . We played Grossingers several years ago and loved it so we'll definitely play 18 there. Probably play 36 holes on day 2 and were thinking of the Monster, but I'm very concerned about the conditioning there since it's on the verge of closing down.

Has anybody played there recently? Any report on the conditions?

Also thinking of Tarry Brae in the a.m. instead, and possibly hitting Mansion Ridge in Monroe - late afternoon before heading home. Not sure about Mansion Ridge either because I've heard mixed reviews on conditions there.

Any Sullivan County golfers hanging around here to add some input? Thanks.

[nbaresejr]

I played Mansion Ridge opening weekend. It was a big beat up from the winter but that was to be expected for opening weekend. It was $59 at that time and now that its prime season its over $100 i believe. Not worth that kind of money IMO.

[carvemeister]

You can still play Mansion Ridge for about $45 at the twilight rate. I think there's enough daylight to get in 18 holes, so maybe that's worthwhile.

It's tough to find out any current info on some of these areas along Rt. 17. I expect Grossingers should be in good shape though.

[Joel627]

Grossingers is great. Town of Wallkill Course is nice in the area (near Middletown) as well. Tarrae Brae is nice as well, but havent played it in about 5 years so can't vouch for it of late. On your way back to LI, you can also hit some of the Crystal Springs courses, Black Bear, Ballyunion, etc. Berkshire Valley also isn't a bad track in Morris county, just a little bit south of the Crystal Springs tracks. Enjoy.

[carvemeister]

Yeah, I loved Grossingers last time I played there. It's been a while though and I'm really looking forward to it. It kicked my butt pretty hard years ago.
I was actually considering the Crystal Springs courses and haven't ruled them out either. I'm starting to think that The Concord Monster might end up a disappointment. I wish I'd gotten to play there in it's heyday. I have a feeling the conditioning could be marginal at best these days. Even their website hasn't been updated in a year or two.

[weissdabigman]

Tarrae Brae is still great. Great bang for your buck as well!

[carvemeister]

[quote name='weissdabigman' date='13 July 2010 - 02:31 PM' timestamp='1279045909' post='2573343']
Tarrae Brae is still great. Great bang for your buck as well!
[/quote]



Have you played the Concord? What did you like about Tarry Brae? We're going to pick one on Thursday to play after the Big G. Leaning toward the Monster because they promised me on the phone the course was "in the best shape it's been in 10 years."

[weissdabigman]

[quote name='carvemeister' date='13 July 2010 - 05:53 PM' timestamp='1279058028' post='2573876']
[quote name='weissdabigman' date='13 July 2010 - 02:31 PM' timestamp='1279045909' post='2573343']
Tarrae Brae is still great. Great bang for your buck as well!
[/quote]



Have you played the Concord? What did you like about Tarry Brae? We're going to pick one on Thursday to play after the Big G. Leaning toward the Monster because they promised me on the phone the course was "in the best shape it's been in 10 years."


[/quote]


I've only played Concord once. To be honest with you, I don't remember anything about it. I know a lot of felllow golfers in the bungalow colony I stay at play there. I guess it's just not on my radar. If you like hilly courses blind shots then Tarrae Brae is for you. Let me know what you choose!

[carvemeister]

OK, mini road trip is over. We played Mansion Ridge Wednesday in a pretty steady rain. Beautiful course. Does have some fairway drainage problems, but I'm spoiled playing here on L.I. where every course is built on sand, so maybe this is to be expected on a rainy day "upstate." Still, this place had some spectacular holes and I'd go back again in a heartbeat. it had a few hints of Bethpage and Montauk Downs in spots.

Grossingers was great as usual and in spectacular shape. Greens were perfect and very fast.

Finally we played the Monster and what a nice surprise. It is in almost immaculate shape. Fairways were perfect. The greens were spotless, true and fast, and even the sand traps were pretty well maintained. It's long as hell but wide the fairways are pretty forgiving so some of my usual driver pushes, slices, and yanks were able to find the rough instead of the woods. Quite a lot of clover patches in the rough, but that's the only difference I saw compared to other well maintained courses. I hope they keep it open because it's really a lot of fun to play if you like to grip it and rip it - and you will need a hybrid for sure on almost every second shot.