Golf in the Catskills used to be about one thing: the massive resorts. You had the Grossinger’s of the world, these sprawling estates where golf was just a side dish to the brisket and the comedy sets. But those days are long gone. Most of those places are ruins now, overgrown and eerie. Sullivan County Golf Club isn't one of those ghosts. In fact, it's very much alive, tucked away in Liberty, New York, and it’s honestly one of the most interesting stories in New York golf right now.
People call it a "hidden gem" so often the phrase has lost all meaning. Let's be real. It’s a nine-hole course. For some golfers, that’s a dealbreaker. They want the full 18, the five-hour slog, the whole bit. But if you skip this place because of the scorecard length, you’re missing out on some of the best architectural bones in the Northeast.
The Weird, Brilliant History of Sullivan County Golf Club
The course dates back to 1925. That’s the Golden Age of golf architecture. We’re talking about the same era when legends like A.W. Tillinghast and Donald Ross were moving dirt across the country. This specific track was designed by Tom Bendelow. If that name doesn't ring a bell, he’s the guy responsible for Medinah Country Club’s famous No. 3 course and East Lake in Atlanta. He was nicknamed the "Johnny Appleseed of Golf" because he designed hundreds of courses, but his work here in Liberty is special because of how he used the land.
He didn't have bulldozers that could level a mountain. He had to work with what the Catskills gave him. What he found was a high point of land—basically a massive ridge—that offers views for miles. On a clear day, you can see deep into the valleys, and it feels way more isolated than it actually is.
For decades, the club was a quiet, local spot. It wasn't trying to be Winged Foot. It was just a place for Sullivan County locals to hit a few balls and grab a beer. But then, things started to change. A few years ago, a group of enthusiasts took notice. They saw the potential in these old, crumpled fairways and decided to bring back the "fire."
The Rebirth and the "King" Connection
You can’t talk about this place without mentioning King Collins. For the uninitiated, King Collins Golf Course Design is the firm behind Sweetens Cove in Tennessee. If you follow golf media, you know Sweetens Cove is basically a cult favorite. It turned a flat nine-hole course into a world-class destination.
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The team at Sullivan County Golf Club brought in the King Collins crew to help modernize the vibe while respecting the old-school Bendelow bones. They didn't just mow the grass shorter. They looked at the bunkering, the green complexes, and the overall strategy.
The result? It feels like a playground.
The greens are big. They’re wavy. They’re kind of terrifying if you’re above the hole. But they are fun. That's the word that keeps coming up: fun. So many modern courses are designed to be "championship" tests, which is basically code for "we want to make you miserable." Sullivan County isn't like that. It wants you to try weird shots. It wants you to use the slopes.
What the Course Actually Plays Like
Let’s talk about the layout. It’s a par-35. It plays around 3,100 yards from the back tees. That sounds short, right? Don't let the yardage fool you. The elevation changes are brutal if you aren't prepared.
The first hole is a tester. You’re hitting off a high tee box, looking down into a valley. It's beautiful, but if you've got a slice, those trees on the right are hungry. Then you have to climb back up. By the time you get to the par-3s, you realize that Bendelow was a bit of a mad scientist. The greens are often "pushed up," meaning if you miss, your ball is rolling thirty yards down a hill.
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One of the most talked-about spots is the par-5 fourth. It’s a monster. You’re navigating a fairway that tilts and turns, eventually leading to a green that feels like it’s perched on the edge of the world.
- The Greens: They are much larger than what you’d expect for a local municipal-style course.
- The Turf: Since the recent renovations, the conditioning has spiked. They are aiming for firm and fast.
- The Bunkers: They’ve moved away from the "perfect white sand circle" look and toward something more rugged and natural.
Why Nine Holes is the New Eighteen
There’s a shift happening in golf. People are busy. Not everyone has six hours on a Saturday to devote to a round of golf, especially when you factor in the drive time from the city or North Jersey.
Sullivan County Golf Club leans into this. You can play nine holes in two hours. You can play it twice and see different angles the second time around. The "loop" culture is big here. It’s common to see people walking with a half-set of clubs in a Sunday bag, just enjoying the walk.
And honestly? It’s cheaper. You’re getting architecture that rivals private clubs for a fraction of the price. The greens fees are notoriously reasonable. It makes the game accessible again.
The Vibe Check
If you’re looking for a marble-floored locker room and a guy to clean your spikes with a toothbrush, keep driving. This isn't that kind of place. The clubhouse is functional. The staff is friendly in that "neighborly" way, not the "stiff corporate" way.
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It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a scratch golfer from Brooklyn in the latest Malbon gear playing alongside a local farmer who’s been hitting the same 7-iron since 1992. Nobody cares what you're wearing as long as you keep up the pace and fix your ball marks.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip
If you're planning a trek up to Liberty, you need to do it right. Don't just show up, play, and leave. Sullivan County is undergoing a bit of a renaissance.
- Check the Weather: The Catskills are moody. It can be sunny in Monticello and pouring in Liberty. Call the pro shop if the clouds look sketchy.
- Bring Your Walking Shoes: You can take a cart, sure. But the land is so dramatic that walking it gives you a much better sense of the design. Just be ready for some hills.
- The "After-Golf" Plan: Liberty has some great spots nearby. Check out New Hope Distillery or grab a bite at one of the local diners. The food scene in Sullivan County has improved massively as people have moved up from the city.
- Book Ahead: Since the King Collins involvement became public knowledge, tee times aren't as wide open as they used to be. Don't assume you can just roll up at 10:00 AM on a Saturday.
The Reality of Mountain Golf
Look, let's be honest for a second. Mountain golf has its quirks. You’re going to get some "mountain bounces." You might hit a perfect drive that hits a rock or a hard patch and kicks 40 yards into the woods. That’s part of the charm.
The drainage in the Catskills can also be a challenge. If it rained three inches the night before, the lower parts of the course are going to be soft. That’s just nature. But the way the course is perched on the ridge means it generally stays drier than the valley courses.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you want to experience Sullivan County Golf Club before it becomes so popular you can't get a tee time, here is exactly what you should do:
- Call the Shop Directly: Online booking is great, but the folks in the shop usually know the "real" schedule. They can tell you if there’s a small local tournament or if the greens were recently aerated.
- Study the Green Complexes: Before you play, look at some photos of the course online. The scale of the greens is the most surprising part. If you miss on the wrong side, a three-putt is almost guaranteed.
- Plan a "Double Loop": Book eighteen holes. Play the first nine to figure out the lines, then use the second nine to actually score. The course plays completely differently once you know where the "dead" spots are.
- Explore the Surroundings: Make it a weekend. Stay in Livingston Manor or Narrowsburg. There are plenty of Airbnbs that put you within 20 minutes of the course.
The Sullivan County Golf Club isn't just a place to play golf. It's a testament to the idea that great design doesn't require a billion-dollar budget or 7,500 yards of grass. It just requires a piece of land with some soul and people who give a damn about the game. Whether you’re a die-hard architecture nerd or just someone looking for a scenic walk with a few clubs, this place delivers. It’s rugged, it’s beautiful, and it’s unapologetically itself.