Courses at Turning Stone Verona, NY

[dartboss04]

I'm planning a trip up to Turning Stone in late May and am looking for any feedback on the three main courses Atunyote, Kaluhyat, and Shenendoah. I'm definitely playing Atunyote, but wasn't sure where to play for my second round.

 

Any thoughts on the resort itself, the three courses, etc would be greatly appreciated.

[Kuz013]

My advice for the second course would be Shenandoah. I believe they consider kaluhyat second best to atunyote, but I think the layout is much better at shenandoah than kaluhyat. Other than that, its a first class place, if you have a tee time you can pretty much show up to the range hours beforehand. They entire place is immaculate, especially atunyote as it doesn't get a whole lot of play due to the price, but definately worth it.

[stevopagolf]

I found Kaluhat more interesting and challenging than Shenandoah. Both are great you can't go wrong with either one. Its a nice place in the absolute middle of nowhere...

[lightningbolt444]

[quote name='stevopagolf' timestamp='1330561582' post='4406465']
I found Kaluhat more interesting and challenging than Shenandoah. Both are great you can't go wrong with either one. Its a nice place in the absolute middle of nowhere...
[/quote]

Agreed

[dartboss04]

It's definitely a tough call. Kaluhyat reminds me of the Lake of Isles courses in CT, which I've played, particularly with all the forced carries, but it also seems like it is the most unique and Atunyote and Shenendoah are similar. Maybe I can swing it and play all 3. Haha, probably not happening.

[stevopagolf]

[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1330609254' post='4409931']
It's definitely a tough call. Kaluhyat reminds me of the Lake of Isles courses in CT, which I've played, particularly with all the forced carries, but it also seems like it is the most unique and Atunyote and Shenendoah are similar. Maybe I can swing it and play all 3. Haha, probably not happening.
[/quote]
The forced carries are not too plentiful really. Atunyote and shenendoah are quite similar, other than saying you played a Tour course, IMO its not worth the extra $$. Save your wampum, unless you winnum big wampum at the Casino, and play Shenandoah and Kaluhyat. I play one round a year at Turning Stone with a buddy and we always go back to Kaluhyat.

[luxman]

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/498528-turning-stone-atunyote-and-kaluhyat/page__p__3876739__hl__turning+stone__fromsearch__1#entry3876739

Thread includes hole by hole pics of the Atunyote course and a mini-review of the resort.

While I did not play the Shenandoah course, I was less than impressed with the Kaluhyat. I disagree with Steve's comment about not too many forced carries. If I remember correctly there are at least 5 or 6 tee shots with forced carries and at least a couple of approaches. It is a "pretty" layout, but personally I thought that the Atunyote course was worth every penny and was head and shoulders better than the Kaluhyat course.

[dartboss04]

[quote name='stevopagolf' timestamp='1330614859' post='4410525']
[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1330609254' post='4409931']
It's definitely a tough call. Kaluhyat reminds me of the Lake of Isles courses in CT, which I've played, particularly with all the forced carries, but it also seems like it is the most unique and Atunyote and Shenendoah are similar. Maybe I can swing it and play all 3. Haha, probably not happening.
[/quote]
The forced carries are not too plentiful really. Atunyote and shenendoah are quite similar, other than saying you played a Tour course, IMO its not worth the extra $. Save your wampum, unless you winnum big wampum at the Casino, and play Shenandoah and Kaluhyat. I play one round a year at Turning Stone with a buddy and we always go back to Kaluhyat.
[/quote]

I'm pretty set on Atunyote more for the experience itself, as I heard the service there is pretty special. I've already set aside the wampum for this trip in particular, so that really isn't a deciding factor.

[dartboss04]

[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1330620715' post='4411233']
[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/498528-turning-stone-atunyote-and-kaluhyat/page__p__3876739__hl__turning+stone__fromsearch__1#entry3876739"]http://www.golfwrx.c..._1#entry3876739[/url]

Thread includes hole by hole pics of the Atunyote course and a mini-review of the resort.

While I did not play the Shenandoah course, I was less than impressed with the Kaluhyat. I disagree with Steve's comment about not too many forced carries. If I remember correctly there are at least 5 or 6 tee shots with forced carries and at least a couple of approaches. It is a "pretty" layout, but personally I thought that the Atunyote course was worth every penny and was head and shoulders better than the Kaluhyat course.
[/quote]

Thanks for the feedback and link. Atunyote is a definite, and from the flyovers seems long but open and fair, so the forced carries may be a good change of pace for the other round. I may just have to go over their course flyovers on the website a few times for each course to see if anything hits me.

[Dirty Curt]

[quote name='lightningbolt444' timestamp='1330561981' post='4406527']
[quote name='stevopagolf' timestamp='1330561582' post='4406465']
I found Kaluhat more interesting and challenging than Shenandoah. Both are great you can't go wrong with either one. Its a nice place in the absolute middle of nowhere...
[/quote]

Agreed
[/quote]

+2

[marrigo]

I've played all three a couple times. Generally agree with the previous posts. [color="#1c2837"][size="2"]Kaluhyat is the most difficult of the bunch, especially off the tee. I think from the tips it's the second highest slope in New York next to Bethpage Black (or it was). Atunyote is the least penal off the tee with wide fairways, and I personally think it plays the easiest. Shenendoah is in between on the difficulty scale, and has some nice short par 4's .Shenendoah gets the most play by far so if you like solitude then play Kaluhyat after your round at Atunyote. One thing to keep in mind with all of the courses but especially Atunyote is that May can be a bit soggy around here and Atunyote's fairways do not drain that well so if it's wet you may want to move up a tee or two. I played form the tips with soggy conditions and ohhh did it play long (as if 7400 isn't long enough).[/size][/color]

[dartboss04]

[quote name='marrigo' timestamp='1330624174' post='4411833']
I've played all three a couple times. Generally agree with the previous posts. [color="#1c2837"][size="2"]Kaluhyat is the most difficult of the bunch, especially off the tee. I think from the tips it's the second highest slope in New York next to Bethpage Black (or it was). Atunyote is the least penal off the tee with wide fairways, and I personally think it plays the easiest. Shenendoah is in between on the difficulty scale, and has some nice short par 4's .Shenendoah gets the most play by far so if you like solitude then play Kaluhyat after your round at Atunyote. One thing to keep in mind with all of the courses but especially Atunyote is that May can be a bit soggy around here and Atunyote's fairways do not drain that well so if it's wet you may want to move up a tee or two. I played form the tips with soggy conditions and ohhh did it play long (as if 7400 isn't long enough).[/size][/color]
[/quote]

I'm playing at the end of May weather permitting so hopefully it will dry up a little. I don't need the conditions to move up a tee or two...hahaha. I don't hit the ball too long and planned on playing the white regardless. The blues are at 7000 and that is already out of my comfort zone.

[sabram]

[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1330549222' post='4404945']
[size="2"]I'm planning a trip up to Turning Stone in late May and am looking for any feedback on the three main courses Atunyote, Kaluhyat, and Shenendoah. I'm definitely playing Atunyote, but wasn't sure where to play for my second round.

Any thoughts on the resort itself, the three courses, etc would be greatly appreciated. [/size]
[/quote]

Atunyote is nice and very expensive. As a result it is usually not very crowded. Kaluhyat (pronounced Kalooyah) is the toughest of the three courses. It has a faux links look in that it is open and undulating, but the turf is marshy so it doesn't play like a links. I've never scored well on Kaluhyat. My buddies call it willkillyah. Shenandoah is a nice woodland course with some elevation changes and variety of holes. It makes for a more fun day than Kaluhyat. Kaluhyat makes you work too hard.

The hotel attached to the casino is mediocrre at best. The lodge (located near the Shenandoah club house and adjacent to the casino is very nice albeit more expensive. They have a good (and expensive) restaurant in the Lodge. The casino itself is okay but not innthe same league as anything on the Vegas Strip.

Perhaps your next trip will be Hanover Country Club for tubestock . My son is D '06

[dartboss04]

[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1330722231' post='4421335']
[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1330549222' post='4404945']
[size="2"]I'm planning a trip up to Turning Stone in late May and am looking for any feedback on the three main courses Atunyote, Kaluhyat, and Shenendoah. I'm definitely playing Atunyote, but wasn't sure where to play for my second round.

Any thoughts on the resort itself, the three courses, etc would be greatly appreciated. [/size]
[/quote]

Atunyote is nice and very expensive. As a result it is usually not very crowded. Kaluhyat (pronounced Kalooyah) is the toughest of the three courses. It has a faux links look in that it is open and undulating, but the turf is marshy so it doesn't play like a links. I've never scored well on Kaluhyat. My buddies call it willkillyah. Shenandoah is a nice woodland course with some elevation changes and variety of holes. It makes for a more fun day than Kaluhyat. Kaluhyat makes you work too hard.

The hotel attached to the casino is mediocrre at best. The lodge (located near the Shenandoah club house and adjacent to the casino is very nice albeit more expensive. They have a good (and expensive) restaurant in the Lodge. The casino itself is okay but not innthe same league as anything on the Vegas Strip.

Perhaps your next trip will be Hanover Country Club for tubestock . My son is D '06
[/quote]

Thanks for the feedback on the courses. I think I know what to expect at Kaluhyat based on playing the Lake of Isles courses at Foxwoods in CT. From the middle, where I typically play, the slope and rating is even slightly higher. When I watched the flyovers on the website, Kaluhyat was very similar, particularly with the forced carries. The last two holes at Lake of Isles are long carries over ponds. See below photo of the 18th. I can't imagine playing it from the tips.

I read similar reviews on the hotels and have booked the Lodge as well as dinner at Wildflowers. Honestly, the casino was just an added bonus for evenings. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are on par with Vegas, and are only 45 minutes from me. This is purely for the golf.

Haha. It has been too long since I've made the trip back up. Usually, we will try to head up for a hockey game in the winter, but I'd love to hit Hanover CC again. I'm an '04 so we may have crossed paths.

[attachment=1051655:76418_633055110326_500427_33857678_8220756_n.jpg]

[luxman]

Wildflowers significantly exceeded my expectations. Was truly an amazing meal with exceptional service.

The casino was a major disappointment. If you use the walkway that connects the lodge to the main hotel, as soon as you walk past a certain point it was as if you walks through a curtain of smoke. If I go back i would skip the casino altogether.

[dartboss04]

[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1330783527' post='4425209']
Wildflowers significantly exceeded my expectations. Was truly an amazing meal with exceptional service.

The casino was a major disappointment. If you use the walkway that connects the lodge to the main hotel, as soon as you walk past a certain point it was as if you walks through a curtain of smoke. If I go back i would skip the casino altogether.
[/quote]

That's good to hear.

If anything, I plan on playing a little poker, and that room is smoke free, and we may brave it to get to Peach Blossom for the second night for dinner. I've read about the smoke problem in other threads, which is a little discouraging. As long as Atunyote lives up to it's hype, it will be a successful trip.

[luxman]

IMO the course will live up to its hype.

The other dinner we had was at the Brazilian steakhouse and that was also good.

[Soccertoad]

Atunyote is the nicest course I've ever played. We saw only 1 other golfer (the Chief) and we had the beverage cart to ourselves the whole round. A tough but fair course, the whole thing was in immaculate condition. The fairways were broad, but ball placement was important in order to get low scores. Would definitely recommend this course for the overall experience.

[mickw]

Atunyote should live up to your expectations...it's a gem. The overall feel of the place is pretty damn relaxing...very laid back on all accounts. As far as your second course, you can't go wrong with either one...Shenendoah is less difficult than Kaluhyat, but still a test in itself.

[BNich0622]

[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1330549222' post='4404945']
[size="2"]I'm planning a trip up to Turning Stone in late May and am looking for any feedback on the three main courses Atunyote, Kaluhyat, and Shenendoah. I'm definitely playing Atunyote, but wasn't sure where to play for my second round.

Any thoughts on the resort itself, the three courses, etc would be greatly appreciated. [/size]
[/quote]

My gf's brother played Shenandoah last summer with the head pro at the course where he works. He said it was the nicest course he had ever seen. Beautiful golf course, long (they played from the tips) challenging but still a fun track to play. The pro picked up the tab, so I can't comment on price, but he really liked the course layout and conditions.

[dartboss04]

[quote name='Soccertoad' timestamp='1332895009' post='4595150']
Atunyote is the nicest course I've ever played. We saw only 1 other golfer (the Chief) and we had the beverage cart to ourselves the whole round. A tough but fair course, the whole thing was in immaculate condition. The fairways were broad, but ball placement was important in order to get low scores. Would definitely recommend this course for the overall experience.
[/quote]


[quote name='mickw' timestamp='1332895834' post='4595264']
Atunyote should live up to your expectations...it's a gem. The overall feel of the place is pretty damn relaxing...very laid back on all accounts. As far as your second course, you can't go wrong with either one...Shenendoah is less difficult than Kaluhyat, but still a test in itself.
[/quote]

I'm very excited to play Atunyote for the experience. Did they make you take forecaddies when you were there?

[dartboss04]

[quote name='BNich0622' timestamp='1332896803' post='4595390']
My gf's brother played Shenandoah last summer with the head pro at the course where he works. He said it was the nicest course he had ever seen. Beautiful golf course, long (they played from the tips) challenging but still a fun track to play. The pro picked up the tab, so I can't comment on price, but he really liked the course layout and conditions.
[/quote]

Currently I have Kaluhyat booked, but I'm still not sure on the second course. Thanks for the feedback.

[mickw]

[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1332898275' post='4595584']
[quote name='Soccertoad' timestamp='1332895009' post='4595150']
Atunyote is the nicest course I've ever played. We saw only 1 other golfer (the Chief) and we had the beverage cart to ourselves the whole round. A tough but fair course, the whole thing was in immaculate condition. The fairways were broad, but ball placement was important in order to get low scores. Would definitely recommend this course for the overall experience.
[/quote]


[quote name='mickw' timestamp='1332895834' post='4595264']
Atunyote should live up to your expectations...it's a gem. The overall feel of the place is pretty damn relaxing...very laid back on all accounts. As far as your second course, you can't go wrong with either one...Shenendoah is less difficult than Kaluhyat, but still a test in itself.
[/quote]

I'm very excited to play Atunyote for the experience. Did they make you take forecaddies when you were there?
[/quote]

Negative...no caddies taken any of the 4 times I've played there. One of those times was over Memorial Day weekend 2011 (close to the timeframe when you'll be playing). Actually, we got to the course 10 mins. late for that round and they told us to take our time eating lunch, warming up, etc. They said we didn't have another group behind us for 2.5 hours, lol.

[dartboss04]

I've got my time booked for this Thursday afternoon. I'll try to have some pictures up in the general travel forum this weekend. I'm pretty pumped.

[tinman]

I’m playing Shenendoah tomorrow for the first time.How tight are the fairways?...Nervous