On July 23, I made the trip to Chautauqua County to continue my NY golf county quest. Chautauqua Golf Club offers a historically rich and beautifully maintained golf experience, distinguished by its origins dating back to the early 20th century. Founded officially in 1914. There are two 18-hole courses, the Lake Course, designed by renowned architect Donald Ross in the 1920s, and the Hill Course, added in 1994 by Xen Hassenplug.
The course is next to the historic Chautauqua Institution on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. The Hill course does provide scenic views of Chautauqua Lake, overlooking the mature trees. I played the Lake course. The course was in great condition showing a committed to superior turf health, regularly updating maintenance practices to ensure the fairways and greens are in prime condition. Wide fairways bordered by mature trees provide accessible shot-making while remaining visually striking, especially on the Hill Course, which features tree-lined corridors and frequent doglegs. Both courses offer bent grass greens noted for their quality, providing a fair challenge for all players and upholding the Ross and Hassenplug design philosophies. The course is framed by established trees that not only enhance the beauty but also shape the playing experience across nearly every. In addition to these playing qualities, the club holds a substantial place in local golf history.
Early development was driven by a desire to serve summer visitors from Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and the site soon became a gathering spot for both vacationers and golf enthusiasts. Leaders like Stan Marshaus were instrumental in shaping the course’s modern appearance and facilities, including extensive tree planting and practice area upgrades. Golfers can expect a blend of tradition, natural beauty, and contemporary course care at Chautauqua Golf Club—making it a highlight of western New York’s golf scene.Reflections on Golf Travels
