The 5 Greatest Private Clubs in Central NY

Central New York is blessed with majestic landscapes, plentiful hiking and biking trails, innovative breweries, eclectic restaurants and many outstanding golf courses. This month we are showcasing the five greatest private clubs in Central New York, ranked in no particular order.

Bellevue Country Club

Designed by the world renowned golf course architect, Donald J. Ross, Bellevue Country Club sits on Onondaga Hill, looking over the beautiful Syracuse skyline as a long standing gem that has hosted years of great golf – from the pros who have challenged its tight fairways and sloping greens to the amateurs who enjoy a stern test of their ability. Opened in 1916, Bellevue quickly established itself as the premier golf facility in the Syracuse area, a distinction it proudly holds today. Over the years much has been done to improve and modernize the course, bringing it current with today’s standards while still maintaining its design integrity established by Ross.

The golf course is the heart of Bellevue Country Club and, in recent years, much has been done with membership to solidify its long-term viability. Maintaining a meticulous golf course has always been the priority of Bellevue’s greens superintendents. Under the roof of its newly constructed maintenance facility, Bellevue has the latest in mowing equipment, assuring the best cut possible on the course.

From the daunting challenge of the first hole, a long par four, to what has been called the finest finishing hole in our area, Bellevue will provide all golfers with a worthy challenge while providing breathtaking views of the hills surrounding Central New York. Lush fairways, undulating greens, acres of trees, well-positioned bunkers and thoughtful shot-making are all part of the Bellevue history that makes this golf course a pleasure to enjoy.

Cavalry Club

Cavalry Club’s rich history traces back to 1904, born from the response to the Spanish American War as the mounted Cavalry Troop. Since 1965, they’ve expanded, boasting a nationally recognized premier golf course where their mission is to create a sanctuary for camaraderie, recreation, and excellence, preserving their legacy while embracing innovation and dedication to its members and community.

Cavalry Club has two of the best finishing holes in Central New York. Heading back to the clubhouse, the Par 4 ninth hole is fairly long and normally plays into a prevailing wind. Meanwhile the Par 4 eighteenth hole requires a solid tee shot to a narrow fairway. A fairly long approach shot must carry over the pond and avoid the bunkers to the right. You don’t want to come up short or to the left as your ball is very likely to kick off the bank and into the pond. This undulated and fairly sloped green can leave players with very difficult putts. The 18th has long been considered one of the best finishing holes in the area.

The award winning design of Cavalry Club’s renowned architects, offers a perfect blend of tradition and challenge, set against a stunning landscape that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a seasoned player or passionate newcomer, the Cavalry Club welcomes you to experience golf at its finest.

Lakeshore Yacht & Country Club

Nestled on 150-picturesque acres on the south shore of Oneida Lake, Lakeshore Yacht & Country Club is about much more than just great golf. It’s about belonging to a place where families come together and memories are made, where members are called by name, and where members and guest revel in the most extensive country club benefits anywhere in Upstate New York.

In 1860, the Crownhart brothers, Henry and George, embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on history. Their vision led to the acquisition of Norcross Point, where the first Lakeshore Yacht & Country Club took shape, marking the dawn of a new era of lakeside elegance. By 1954, the legacy continued with the birth of Lakeshore Yacht & Country Club. Today, it stands as the epitome of excellence, the premier destination for golf and country club experiences in Central New York.

The first hole eases you into your round with a birdie opportunity, where players can drive the green on the 270-yard par four, while the 18th hole is one of the best risk, reward finishing holes in the area.

Lakeshore’s private 18-hole championship golf course is meticulously nurtured by the scenic beauty of Oneida Lake. This natural bounty enriches their lush greens, serene ponds, and meandering streams. The breathtaking beauty of the course landscape elevates the human spirit and offers its members the priceless value and enlightening experience of nature’s grandeur.

Onondaga Golf & Country Club

Onondaga Golf & Country Club has a long tradition in the game, as members assembled the first golf course at the property in 1898. The current showcase for modern members, however, is a design created by Walter Travis during 1917.

If the membership has ever had ideas regarding extension of the course, the restrictions imposed by housing over the years stymied them. Therefore the course, at 6,500 yards, plays very much as Travis left it. The greens are well bunkered for the most part, and the longer holes almost all feature a trap bunker that will make big hitters think twice before beginning a run-up shot well short of the green.

The toughest hole comes early, as no. 2 is a 420-yard par four that will challenge even the best to score. A dogleg right, players will need to challenge two trench-like bunkers within the corner in order to get the best angle at the green and a scoring opportunity.

The Onondaga Golf and Country Club is rich in history. In late 1899 the local paper noted “there are at least 137 men and 58 women in Syracuse who play golf and there is scarcely a city in the country of the same size that can boast a better record than this”

Skaneateles Country Club

Founded in 1915, Skaneateles Country Club is nested on the shores of beautiful Skaneateles Lake, in the heart of Central New York’s renowned Finger Lakes. With its crystal clear water, striking views and wonderful small town charm, Skaneateles has long been a favorite vacation and getaway spot for everyone from US Presidents to your own family. Many positive changes have taken place since the day when eight men of foresight came together to create Skaneateles Country Club. Today it is a thriving, vibrant club with a diverse membership. Its lakeside setting, beautiful facilities and friendly members and employees create a truly winning combination.

Over the years, the club has conducted several US Open and New York State qualifiers, hosted two New York State Junior Championships, as well as hosting the first American-European PGA Junior Ryder Cup matches.

Designed by Hal Purdy, the Skaneateles golf course opened in 1915 and features 6,376 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. A classic golf course layout in excellent condition with no two holes being alike. Several holes have elevated tees and elevated greens. The real test is on the greens with subtle breaks and turns, making putting a real challenge.  Jump at any chance you get to play this gorgeous, private club.

Honorable Mention: Tuscarora Country Club, Beaver Meadows Golf Club

Don Brown

Don has been playing this great game for nearly 50 years…loves the challenge that a new round brings, the grind of holding together a quality round, the lifetime of friendships forged, the beautiful scenery to enjoy and of course a cold beer or two on the 19th hole. He's the proud host of the Penn Masters Golf Championship for 28 years, the country’s largest amatuer golf getaway…also known as the ‘Greatest Event in All of Golf.’ He resides in Liverpool with his wife Lauren and has two daughters in college curently at The University of Tampa and Fransican University of Steubenville.