Saranac Inn Golf & Country Club
Located amid the Adirondacks, Saranac Inn Golf & Country Club presents an engaging 18-hole layout defined by pristine bentgrass greens, gentle elevation changes, and natural scenic beauty. The course offers a balanced test suitable for a range of golfers, enhanced by its serene, walking-friendly environment.
Course Overview
Saranac Inn Golf & Country Club offers an 18-hole championship experience shaped by the Adirondack’s distinctive character. Located in Saranac Lake, New York, this private course extends over rolling, forested terrain that invites both contemplation and challenge. The layout blends the charm of a traditional parkland course with uniquely rugged northern wilderness, framed by mature trees and shimmering pockets of native vegetation that create natural corridors between fairways.
Greens at Saranac Inn are superbly maintained bentgrass surfaces, praised for their firmness and subtle breaks that compel strategic putting. Fairways roll gently, providing generous landing areas, yet a series of thoughtfully placed bunkers and slopes keep precision at a premium. The course’s undulating topography encourages variety in shot-making without overwhelming higher handicaps, making it a rewarding test that welcomes players of many skill levels.
Although the course stretches to approximately 6,200 yards with a par of 72, it doesn't rely on sheer length to challenge. Instead, it harnesses elevation changes and natural terrain to create memorable risk-reward moments, where club selection and course management truly come to the fore. Play here requires awareness of subtle wind shifts that can influence trajectory amidst the valley surroundings.
Saranac Inn’s clubhouse offers a relaxed atmosphere reflecting the rustic charm of the Adirondacks. Its accommodations, while straightforward, provide essential comfort for those combining a stay with their round. The course is known for being walking-friendly, allowing players to immerse themselves in the crisp mountain air and peaceful setting without distraction.
Wildlife sightings are a frequent highlight, with deer and a variety of birds commonly sighted on and near the course, adding an extra layer of connection to the landscape. Seasonal conditions may influence playability, especially as the region transitions from summer warmth to cooler, brisk days. Groundskeepers maintain consistent high standards to preserve the course’s character through these changes.
Saranac Inn Golf & Country Club stands as a quietly impressive destination for golfers seeking a refined, nature-embedded round that balances accessible playability with subtle demands. It offers a welcome haven for those wanting a measured but memorable challenge beneath the shadow of the Adirondacks’ scenic peaks.
Course Highlights
The course features smooth bentgrass greens notable for their subtle breaks and firmness, well-placed bunkers offering fair yet strategic challenges, and an emphasis on shot variety amid gentle elevation shifts. The setting provides frequent wildlife encounters and a peaceful atmosphere uncommon in busier golfing regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Jeremy Kraus
Stayed at the Inn and Jim has been a fantastic host. It is beautiful up there this time of year. The Inn is simple and comfortable with independent heat/ac in each room. The course is in incredible shape right now! Greens are fast and many have tough breaks but still read pretty true. The fairways are some of the nicest I've played this year and the tee boxes are in incredible shape. The bunkers were firm but forgiving - lots of give under foot - not hard pack. Played in sub 40 degree weather on the 8th and even with the chill the course was 100% worth playing. Talked with some of the grounds crew, and I complimented them on the course condition. Mike and Jason were super nice. Everyone was on the course this morning getting it ready for the end of season tournament and the work they all put in really shows. The wildlife on the course is diverse - deer, geese, porcupines and I'm sure other birds and animals I overlooked. Thanks for such a great stay!
David Hands
I am somewhat biased as we have spent many a happy time at Saranac Inn GC over the last 15 years or so. This year we had 12 guys from NJ come up for a few days of golf and hanging out. NY had just started to reopen from Covid19 but we stayed on site for 3 nights. Usually we would go into Saranac Lake for dinner but we had no real need to leave the site as we could BBQ. We bring up a fire pit for an evening of relaxing around a fire. The course is always in tremendous shape with some interesting holes, nice fairways and great greens. Jim and the team always make us feel welcome which makes the trip up from NJ all the more worthwhile. As others have noted the motels rooms are comfortable but dated which for us is not problem as only really need a good bed with most of our time spent outside in the beautiful Adirondaks. If you are in the area be sure to check it out.
Mark Leyendecker
Start with the good stuff: excellent bent grass greens, 5 stars for those. Unfortunately, It’s all downhill from there. Rental clubs were an embarrassment. Bunkers were poorly trimmed and maintained. Kudos to the man behind the counter who was doing triple duty for his hard work. Could be an excellent course with some TLC. Three stars is generous.
Michel Rainville
Truly a pleasure and can't recall ever having had a better golfing experience. So well manicured and demanding at any level. Definitely will be in the list of annual must plays. Hospitality that's hard to beat as well. Still smiling!
Mike O'Grady
SEPT 2022 : FORGET 5 STARS ... A SOLID T E N SCORE !!!! WOW , Lake Saranac was just brought back TO MY MEMORY by summer family lake home . WESTCHESTER CO. : John Tamerin and his Family have long visited the northern zone for its serenity AND beauty . In 2006 , i decided for the long trip to do a GOLF DIGEST GC REVIEW + SARATOGA TRACK IN 3 DAYS . Where i meet and played w hospitality classy gent / owner , Jim O'Connor . YES , not a long GC ...but ..truly a scenic gem {w/o any waters seen , like most others world gems ). However , the 1980 world Olympics was on my mind ( and USA hockey top win ) . In my eyesight was the magnificent mountains range ( LAKE PLACID and WHITEFACE MT ) . My highlight was The Bear Cub watching my green putt on our green . AS i was focused on make my birdie putt, Jim + John Tam quietly announce to all about the bear . What was our 1st thoughts awareness , SO WHERE IS MOMMY BEAR ? ( no where to be seen ) ! =========================== LS team have kept this northern NYS gem up w top maintenance . CHEERS TO JIM AND TEAM , EVEN through harsh deep snow winters . I MUST MAKE PLANS AGAIN FOR MY RETURN , THEN I will also revisit to Join Up w owner JOC . *** NOTE : BE PROUD !!! >> ALL YOU LOCALS + MEMBER GOLFERS *** LS IS MY # 1 IN YOUR ZONE . YES , OVER WHITEFACE ...AND.. 2ND ONLY TO MY # 1 UPPER NYS ( THE SAGAMORE RESORT ). LS , YOU MAY BE OUT OF MY SIGHT ... BUT NOT ... 100 % OUT OF MY MIND IN GOLFING EXCELLENCE . FORE TO YOU/JOC , AND MY BEAR CUB , WHO HAS HIS OWN FAMILY NOW ! MIKE O'GRADY GOLF DIGEST TOP 100 REVIEW COMMITTEE. NYS , BETHPAGE BLACK SEASONED LOW GOLFER
JoAnn Bomeisl
The staff are so helpful and friendly.... our group stays 3 nights each year and we have a fantastic time. The course is always in great shape and the staff make sure we have everything we need as we bring food for our evening meals. Rooms are sufficient, but we are there to golf, not hang out indoors. You are also a short walk for a dip in the lake!!
Zach Davis
This place is terrible, awful conditions, 80$ for one of the worst rounds you will ever experience. Please don’t come here
Tim O'Sullivan
Jeremy Kraus
Stayed at the Inn and Jim has been a fantastic host. It is beautiful up there this time of year. The Inn is simple and comfortable with independent heat/ac in each room. The course is in incredible shape right now! Greens are fast and many have tough breaks but still read pretty true. The fairways are some of the nicest I've played this year and the tee boxes are in incredible shape. The bunkers were firm but forgiving - lots of give under foot - not hard pack. Played in sub 40 degree weather on the 8th and even with the chill the course was 100% worth playing. Talked with some of the grounds crew, and I complimented them on the course condition. Mike and Jason were super nice. Everyone was on the course this morning getting it ready for the end of season tournament and the work they all put in really shows. The wildlife on the course is diverse - deer, geese, porcupines and I'm sure other birds and animals I overlooked. Thanks for such a great stay!
Mike O'Grady
SEPT 2022 : FORGET 5 STARS ... A SOLID T E N SCORE !!!! WOW , Lake Saranac was just brought back TO MY MEMORY by summer family lake home . WESTCHESTER CO. : John Tamerin and his Family have long visited the northern zone for its serenity AND beauty . In 2006 , i decided for the long trip to do a GOLF DIGEST GC REVIEW + SARATOGA TRACK IN 3 DAYS . Where i meet and played w hospitality classy gent / owner , Jim O'Connor . YES , not a long GC ...but ..truly a scenic gem {w/o any waters seen , like most others world gems ). However , the 1980 world Olympics was on my mind ( and USA hockey top win ) . In my eyesight was the magnificent mountains range ( LAKE PLACID and WHITEFACE MT ) . My highlight was The Bear Cub watching my green putt on our green . AS i was focused on make my birdie putt, Jim + John Tam quietly announce to all about the bear . What was our 1st thoughts awareness , SO WHERE IS MOMMY BEAR ? ( no where to be seen ) ! =========================== LS team have kept this northern NYS gem up w top maintenance . CHEERS TO JIM AND TEAM , EVEN through harsh deep snow winters . I MUST MAKE PLANS AGAIN FOR MY RETURN , THEN I will also revisit to Join Up w owner JOC . *** NOTE : BE PROUD !!! >> ALL YOU LOCALS + MEMBER GOLFERS *** LS IS MY # 1 IN YOUR ZONE . YES , OVER WHITEFACE ...AND.. 2ND ONLY TO MY # 1 UPPER NYS ( THE SAGAMORE RESORT ). LS , YOU MAY BE OUT OF MY SIGHT ... BUT NOT ... 100 % OUT OF MY MIND IN GOLFING EXCELLENCE . FORE TO YOU/JOC , AND MY BEAR CUB , WHO HAS HIS OWN FAMILY NOW ! MIKE O'GRADY GOLF DIGEST TOP 100 REVIEW COMMITTEE. NYS , BETHPAGE BLACK SEASONED LOW GOLFER
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Course Details
Access & Location
125 County Rte 46, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA
Saranac Inn Clubhouse - offering basic amenities and a casual Adirondack atmosphere
Walking is encouraged; the terrain offers gentle hills—proper golf shoes with good traction are recommended.
Membership or invitation required for tee time booking; guest play permitted through member sponsorship
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