Watkins Glen Golf Course
Watkins Glen Golf Course presents an approachable 18-hole public layout with expansive views of Seneca Lake. Its rolling fairways and receptive greens offer a balanced challenge suited to casual players and families eager to enjoy Finger Lakes scenery.
Course Overview
Set along the western shore of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen Golf Course offers an 18-hole layout that challenges golfers while showcasing sweeping views of one of New York’s Finger Lakes. This public course is open to players of all levels and provides a balanced blend of natural beauty and straightforward playability. The course undulates through a gently rolling landscape where every hole presents a new vantage point of the lake or the surrounding wooded hills, grounding the round in a serene yet subtly demanding environment.
Watkins Glen’s fairways are generous, making it an inviting venue for beginners and casual golfers, while well-placed bunkers and subtle elevation changes require strategic shot-making for more experienced players. The greens are generally receptive, though their contours can test precision around the pins. During peak season, the course’s conditioning is uneven in places, reflecting the challenges of maintenance typical to many public facilities, but the overall experience remains rewarding.
The course operates on a first-come, first-served basis without tee time reservations, encouraging an unhurried pace and spontaneous rounds. This approach suits those who appreciate flexibility but may require some patience during busy periods. Walking is common, though the hills can add a workout element, and push carts or light walking shoes are advised.
Beyond the 18 holes, the clubhouse staff are noted for their welcoming approach, providing clear directions on course navigation and sharing insights that enhance the playing experience. Occasional closures mean visitors should call ahead whenever possible to confirm availability.
With its elevated greens and open fairways, Watkins Glen Golf Course captures the essence of Finger Lakes golf — approachable, scenic, and grounded in natural charm. It is particularly suited to families and casual players looking for a laid-back round with memorable lake views. Whether making your first visit or returning to reconnect with the landscape, the course offers a walking-friendly challenge that rewards attention to shot placement and patience.
Course Highlights
The course’s defining characteristic is its integration with the natural landscape of the Finger Lakes region, offering broad lake views from nearly every hole. Rolling fairways with subtle elevation create a rhythm that rewards shot placement and thoughtful course management. The absence of rigid tee times invites a relaxed pace of play, making it a popular spot for families and casual golfers. While some maintenance challenges appear late in the season, the friendly staff and clear wayfinding support a positive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Jack Reerink
Beautiful, expansive views of Lake Seneca. The first-come, first-serve model of no tee times works - as long as the course is open. We found it closed one day. staff could reduce customer frustration and increase review ratings if it were to leave a clear voice message every day of what people can expect. At the end of the season, the greens were slow. Lots of ups and downs, and the push carts are heavy. So a good workout.
Watterson Outdoors
4.5 stars. Yeah there were grass clippings sometimes. But for 25 bucks I got a nice challenging 9 holes of golf with beautiful views. I will return next year.
Judi Simoneau
Tim Sullivan
Fun nine hole course
Tim Kerrick
Not well taken care of anymore. Fairways had piles of dead grass clippings, bunkers are no longer bunkers, just tall grass. Greens are extremely patchy. Far more expensive than its worth. Nice clubhouse staff though!
Tim Kerrick
Not well taken care of anymore. Fairways had piles of dead grass clippings, bunkers are no longer bunkers, just tall grass. Greens are extremely patchy. Far more expensive than its worth. Nice clubhouse staff though!
Jodi LaPierre
Great family golf course with excellent views of Seneca Lake. We've played here a few times with our now 6 year old. The course hasn't been super busy which makes it fun to let him hit a few drives and putts. Course was in better shape than our previous visits and the staff were friendly.
Tony Grego
A very enjoyable, well-kept course that my wife and I had a great time playing while visiting the area. You get awesome views of the lake on almost every hole!
Carol Czimback
The people in the shop and all that work there were very friendly. They had notes on the direction to the next tee. Great Views. I have not Golfed since 2017 due to broken arm and rotator cuff surgery. I SHOT GREAT TODAY. WELL FOR ME. GREATVTO BE BSCK OUT ON THE FAIRWAYS.
Jack Reerink
Beautiful, expansive views of Lake Seneca. The first-come, first-serve model of no tee times works - as long as the course is open. We found it closed one day. staff could reduce customer frustration and increase review ratings if it were to leave a clear voice message every day of what people can expect. At the end of the season, the greens were slow. Lots of ups and downs, and the push carts are heavy. So a good workout.
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Course Details
Access & Location
3401 NY-14, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Modest clubhouse with pro shop and snack bar
Walking encouraged; course terrain includes hills—appropriate footwear recommended
First-come, first-served play; no tee time reservations required
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