You’re driving through the rural stretch of Seneca Falls, New York, and if you aren't paying attention, you might miss it. Most people do. It isn't one of those high-end, gate-guarded country clubs where the valet knows your name and the greens fees cost more than a car payment. Honestly, Kis n Greens Golf Course is the exact opposite of that. It’s a family-owned, nine-hole executive course that feels less like a "facility" and more like someone’s very well-manicured backyard.
It's quirky. It's affordable. It's surprisingly challenging.
For a lot of golfers in the Finger Lakes region, this is the spot where they actually learned the game. There’s a specific kind of vibe here—casual, low-pressure, and genuinely welcoming—that you just don't find at the bigger 18-hole championship tracks in Syracuse or Rochester. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in a t-shirt and nobody is going to give you a side-eye.
What Actually Is an Executive Course?
Some people hear "executive course" and they think it’s just for kids or seniors. That’s a mistake. While Kis n Greens Golf Course is shorter than your average par-72, the layout forces you to actually think about your short game. You aren't just bombing drives into a massive fairway.
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The par is 30. That means you've got six par-threes and three par-fours.
If you’re someone who struggles with their irons, this place will expose you. It’s a literal testing ground. You'll hit a lot of 7-irons and wedges. You’ll have to account for the wind coming off the surrounding farmland. Since the course is relatively open, that breeze is a real factor that a lot of beginners forget to calculate until their ball is thirty yards off-line in the tall grass.
The Layout and Maintenance
The course was built on former farmland, and the Kisner family has kept that rustic feel alive. It’s basically a labor of love. One thing that usually shocks first-timers is the condition of the greens. Usually, at a small, budget-friendly nine-hole course, the greens are like putting on a shag carpet or a parking lot. Not here. They take a lot of pride in the turf quality. They’re usually rolling pretty true and stay surprisingly green even when the New York summer heat starts baking the rest of the county.
You won't find massive elevation changes. It’s mostly flat. This makes it an incredibly easy walk. If you’re trying to get your steps in without destroying your knees, walking nine at Kis n Greens is probably the best $15 to $20 you’ll spend all week.
Why the Local Crowd Swears by It
Golf is getting expensive. Like, really expensive. If you want to play a round at a top-tier public course in 2026, you're looking at $80 minimum, plus the cart, plus the overpriced sandwich at the turn. Kis n Greens Golf Course keeps things realistic.
It serves a very specific purpose in the community:
- The After-Work Crowd: You can zip through nine holes in about 90 minutes. It’s the perfect "I need to get out of the house" escape.
- The Family Unit: It is arguably the most kid-friendly course in the Seneca Falls/Waterloo area. You don't have a group of angry low-handicappers breathing down your neck while your ten-year-old tries to figure out how to hold a putter.
- The "Rust Remover" Round: Local sticks use it in April to get their swing back before heading to the tougher courses.
There’s a small clubhouse. Don't expect a five-star steakhouse. It’s basic, it’s functional, and it’s got exactly what you need—usually some cold drinks and snacks. The hospitality is what stands out. It’s often a member of the family behind the counter, and they actually want to talk to you.
Dealing With the "Short Course" Stigma
There is this weird ego in golf where people think if a course doesn't have a 500-yard par five, it isn't "real" golf. That’s nonsense.
Look at the stats. Most amateur golfers lose their strokes within 100 yards of the pin. They three-putt. They blade their chips. They chunk their wedges. Kis n Greens forces you to play that "inner game." You are constantly in "scoring mode." Because the holes are shorter, your expectations go up, which actually adds a different kind of mental pressure. Missing a green on a 125-yard par three feels a lot worse than missing one on a 440-yard par four.
It builds a certain kind of toughness.
Logistics: Getting There and Playing
The course is located on Marshall Road in Seneca Falls. It’s easy to find, but again, keep your eyes peeled.
- Tee Times: You generally don't need to book weeks in advance like you’re trying to get into Bethpage Black. However, on weekend mornings, it’s always smart to call ahead.
- Rental Gear: They have basic sets if you’re just passing through and didn't bring your bag.
- Pricing: It stays consistently among the lowest in the region. They offer seasonal passes that are an absolute steal if you live within a 15-mile radius.
One thing to note—because it’s built on old farmland, drainage can occasionally be an issue after a heavy Finger Lakes downpour. If it’s been raining for three days straight, give them a call to make sure it isn't too soggy for carts. But honestly, even when it's wet, it's a fun walk.
The Community Element
Seneca Falls is a town built on history and tight-knit connections. Kis n Greens fits right into that fabric. It isn't trying to be a "destination" for tourists visiting the wineries (though it’s a great detour). It’s a local asset. You’ll see the same retirees there every Tuesday morning. You’ll see the high school kids practicing after school.
There’s a lack of pretension that is refreshing. In a world where golf is trying to "rebrand" itself to be cool, Kis n Greens stayed cool by just staying itself.
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Practical Advice for Your First Round
If you’re heading out to Kis n Greens Golf Course, leave the "pro tour" attitude at the gate. Bring a half-set of clubs—you really only need a woods/hybrid, a few irons, and your putter. It’s a great place to practice "shot-shaping" because the stakes are low.
Try playing a "one-club" challenge on the par threes. It’s a blast.
Also, pay attention to the wind. Because the trees are mostly on the perimeter, the wind can swirl across the middle of the course and knock your ball down mid-flight. It’s a lot more exposed than it looks from the parking lot.
Improving Your Short Game Here
Since you’ll be hitting so many approach shots, use your round as a focused practice session. Instead of just trying to card a low score, pick a specific target on the green. The greens aren't massive, so accuracy is rewarded. If you can consistently hit the greens at Kis n Greens, you’ll find that the "big" courses feel a lot easier when you return to them.
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Next Steps for Visiting
If you're ready to actually play, here is how you should handle it. Don't just show up at noon on a Saturday and expect a wide-open track.
- Call the clubhouse: Check for any small local tournaments or league play that might be taking place.
- Check the weather: Seneca Falls weather can turn on a dime.
- Pack light: Since it’s a 9-hole executive, a small "Sunday bag" is plenty.
- Bring a beginner: Seriously. This is the best place in the region to introduce someone to the game without the intimidation factor of a massive course.
Whether you're a seasoned player looking to sharpen your irons or a total newbie who just wants to see if they can hit the ball straight, this course offers exactly what golf should be: an affordable, outdoor escape that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a reminder that you don't need a $500 driver and a $100 greens fee to have a great day on the grass.