During my recent golf trip, I was reminded of the scenic beauty of the New York Finger Lakes region. The long, narrow, and classic deep blue lakes, sloping hillsides, and lush green woodlands are a combination of unique natural beauty. Golf courses can also be beautiful, with vast green fairways lined with tall majestic hardwoods and pines. Lakeside Country Club blends all that beauty of golf and the lake into a terrific golf course in Penn Yan, New York, overlooking Keuka Lake.
I played the course on September 15, 2023, as part of my NY county quest. While every NY county has golf, a few counties only have one, Yates county is one of those singular counties. Lakeside is clearly the best course in the county as the only course, but it would also be the best in many other counties.
The semi-private club is celebrating 100 years started in 1923. Lakeside Country Club is an 18-hole 6631-yard golf course overlooking the lake. The course is challenging yet playable for all golfers with five different tee locations. Several holes even boast spectacular panoramic views of beautiful Keuka Lake. Greens and fairways are kept in pristine condition. The greens are “country club” fast and take some getting used to, but once you have the speed down, the roll is very true. Many holes are protected with well-maintained sand bunkers. There are significant elevation changes up and down the sloping hillside. The mixed variety of mature trees adds to its beauty as well as obstacles along the fairways. You will use every club in your bag in the blend of challenging and easy holes. Playing at Lakeside is a memorable golf experience for its natural beauty, challenging layout, and meticulous maintenance.
