Orchard Creek Golf Club

[italianstallion]

Golf Digest rated 4 1/2 stars.

Orchard Creek Golf Course is located in the quaint little town of Altamont, NY...11 miles outside the state capital of Albany. This 6623 yard par 71 course was designed and built in 1999 by Paul Cowley, who worked under the direction of Davis Love III for many years. Carved out of an operating apple orchard, Orchard Creek provides golfers with beautiful panoramic views of the Helderburg Plateau. In the spring, the course is lit up with millions of blooming white flowers on the apple trees, and of course in the fall, ripe apples are free for the taking for any golfer looking to curb their pre-turn snack attack. In 2004, Golf Digest rated Orchard Creek as the Best New Bargain in the Country, and gave it a 4 1/2 star rating.

But, don't let the beautiful views and delicious apples fool you, this is a very tough layout. All tee shots require perfect accuracy if you want a shot at the green, there are very few holes where you can afford to miss on your first shot. The apple trees may be small, but the spacing of them is so tight that its almost impossible to hit the green when you wander into them. When you finally make your way to the green, don't ever count on a straight putt; Orchard Creeks greens are some of the fastest and most undulating greens in the area.

Here are some pictures.



1st hole, 534 yrds, Par 5





2nd hole, 398 yrds, Par 4. No room to miss right. If you do, the best score you will make is a 5 since the tree line guards the highly elevated green.







3rd hole, 498 yrds, Par 5




4th hole, 407 yrds, Par 4





5th hole, 355 yrds, Par 4


6th hole, 162 yrds, Par 3



7th hole, 455 yrds, Par 4



8th hole, 193 yrds, Par 3


10th hole, 393 yrds, Par 4



11th hole, 164 yrds, Par 3



12th hole, 371 yrds, Par 4



13th hole, 474 yrds, Par 4



15th hole, 257 yrds, Par 3



16th hole, 587 yrds, Par 5. Always plays into the wind, which of course makes the longest hole on the course even longer. Pond in front of the green prevents those who want to try for it in two.





17th hole, 225 yrds, Par 3



For more information, visit http://www.orchardcreek.com/index.asp



-Vince

[drpino]

looks great, thanks for posting pics. i live in NYC but grew up and visit my parents in Dutchess County all the time (particularly to play golf). this course is going on my "To Play" list. reminds me a lot of Apple Greens Golf Course in Highland, NY.

[Thug Hunter]

Visiting upstate for the first time in 20 years and I'll be playing this course. This post will help me against the regulars, my Dad!