Saratoga County boasts more than a dozen excellent golf courses, but one that truly surprised me was Brookhaven Golf Club—a hidden gem tucked near the foothills of the Adirondacks. I recently played it for the first time and was struck by its blend of challenge, character, and natural beauty.
From many holes, you can enjoy sweeping views of the tree-covered mountains, a reminder that you’re playing on the edge of Adirondack country. Brookhaven also carries a bit of history: the course was originally built in 1960 as a recreational retreat for employees of the International Paper Company, once one of the region’s largest logging employers.
The 18-hole layout stretches from about 6,500 yards to 4,800 yards, offering four sets of tees for players of all levels. The design makes full use of the hilly terrain, with doglegs, elevation changes, and well-placed water hazards—ponds and creeks that add both strategy and scenery. Nearly every hole is framed by dense hardwoods and evergreens, giving the sense of playing through a private forest.
The fairways are lush and meticulously maintained, forming a rich green carpet beneath the surrounding trees. The greens are equally impressive—smooth but full of subtle slopes and tricky undulations. For first-time visitors, reading those greens can be a real test; local knowledge here is definitely an advantage.
Brookhaven offers the perfect mix of challenge and serenity, with reasonable green fees and a welcoming clubhouse complete with a well-stocked pro shop, bar, and restaurant. It turned out to be one of the most delightful surprises I’ve found in upstate golf—scenic, affordable, and worth every swing. An interesting historical feature of the course is that it was created in 1960 as a recreational area for the international paper company, which many years ago was the very large employer of logging in the Adirondacks.
Just be warned: if you play it for the first time, expect a few three-putts… and the desire to come back soon to figure those greens out.
