I have been fortunate to play this 9 hole course for over 20 years as my wife's family has a place at Point Chautauqua. I have attempted to figure out the history, I have even contacted the Olmsted Archives as the Point was created by FLO but have failed to figure out who created the course. What really matters to me is that it always stays a golf course as it is a great spot to settle who will make drinks before dinner. It is also the first 9 holes my twin daughters ever played.
In an ideal world I would own this course someday and make changes to make it even more enjoyable/playable. I will post the entire routing below and encourage your input to how to make this small, severely sloped piece of property an even better course. I will post some ground views as well to show some of the unique features/holes. Feel free to submit possible routings, ideas to improve a couple holes or whatever you want to do to make this piece of property more special.
My two favorite holes are 6 and 8. Hole 6 has O.B. on the left side but the greatest feature of this hole is the green complex. It is tucked into a slope that runs away from the fairway. Below are photos from the approach and from behind the green.
I love how this green sits on the land.
Hole 8 is the signature hole and in my opinion could stand for some tree clearance. However, it is still exciting to hit right at the lake with a major elevation change.
If you want to see other holes, I have photos of all the holes.
Here is the routing with holes and then one with only the elevations. Have fun.
My 8 year old daughters both made par on hole 8 from the women’s tee a week ago, tying me. I hope it sticks around!!
Going to take a lot of sold paintings for that price tag. 😁
Agree. I have found no evidence however, that Donald Ross designed it. In years past I had written the owners to see what documentation they had to prove this statement, and never heard from them. My own investigation does not show Ross did this course, though he did do the Chautauqua Institutes course, which is slated for renovation possibly this year.
Does anyone have $2.6 Million they don't need? Apparently my ability to purchase and save this course are less likely now. There is no way to make enough to pay for that course through greens fees, so I can only assume it will be turned into condos or something that makes me sad.
https://www.era.com/property/5621-E-Lake-Road-Chautauqua-NY-14728/M-R1260721-NY_GENRIS/detail?src=map&hdMlsNumber=R1260721&hdMlsSource=NY_GENRIS
Not sure how I missed this when posted. Something that simple makes sense, adding character without spending a bunch of money. Thanks for the effort on creating this.
Took a quick stab at some new features and grass lines within the existing routing. Green shape variety would be important to begin to differentiate the holes, plus maybe carve some big lows and swales through the holes to break up the consistent side slope. I really like the quirk of ending with back to back short par 3s - a final, knee knocker skills test.
I’ve played this course! It is a really neat spot and would be amazing to add some much needed details to enhance the experience.