You don't usually think of Upstate New York as a rival to Bandon Dunes or Pinehurst. Honestly, most people just think of snow and Syracuse basketball. But if you’re a golfer and you haven't been to turning stone resort golf, you’re missing out on a massive, award-winning complex that rivals anything in Vegas or Florida. It’s tucked away in Verona, about 30 miles east of Syracuse. It’s owned by the Oneida Indian Nation. They didn't just build a casino; they built a destination that hosts PGA Tour events and consistently lands on the "Best You Can Play" lists from Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.
It’s big.
Most resorts brag about having one great course. Turning Stone has three championship-level 18-hole courses, plus two shorter courses for when you just want to knock it around. We are talking about 72 holes of golf across drastically different landscapes. You’ve got the parkland beauty of Shenendoah, the rugged, walking-only challenge of Kaluhyat, and the pristine, big-budget feel of Atunyote. Each one feels like it belongs in a different state. It’s a lot to take in if you’re just pulling into the parking lot for a weekend trip.
The Big Three: Which Course Actually Matters?
If you only have one day, you have to choose. It’s a tough call.
Atunyote is the crown jewel. It’s located a few miles off-site from the main hotel towers, which gives it this exclusive, "hallowed ground" vibe. Tom Fazio designed it. If you know Fazio, you know what to expect: perfectly manicured fairways, massive white sand bunkers, and a sense of scale that feels expensive. It hosted the PGA Tour’s Turning Stone Resort Championship for years. Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods have walked these fairways. It’s a par-72 that stretches over 7,300 yards from the tips. The conditioning is ridiculous. You won’t find a blade of grass out of place, but you’ll pay for the privilege. It’s the most expensive tee time at the resort, often hovering around $200-$300 depending on the season.
Then there’s Kaluhyat. It’s pronounced ga-LU-yut.
This is the course that breaks people. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it is widely considered one of the hardest courses in the state. It’s a beast. Seriously. If you’re a 15-handicap, bring two dozen balls. It’s built on high plateau land with six lakes and massive elevation changes. The forced carries are intimidating. It’s a walking-only experience if you want the full effect, though carts are standard. The name means "the other side of the sky," which is fitting because you’ll be looking at the sky a lot wondering why your ball just disappeared into a wetland. It’s rugged. It’s beautiful. It’s also incredibly punishing if you can't hit a straight long iron.
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Shenendoah is the "friendly" championship course, though "friendly" is a relative term. Rick Smith designed it to be a classic parkland-style track. It underwent a massive redesign in 2016 to make room for the Yellow Brick Road Casino and some other developments, but the result was actually an improvement. It uses the natural coastal Northwoods landscape. You’ll find open pastures, wooded areas, and some fescue that makes it feel slightly linksy in spots. It’s the kind of course you can play three days in a row and never get bored.
Don't Sleep on the Short Stuff
A lot of guys skip Sandstone Hollow or Pleasant Knolls. That's a mistake.
Sandstone Hollow is a par-3 course, but it’s not some backyard pitch-and-putt. Rick Smith built it to be a legitimate challenge. It’s carved out of the same woods and wetlands as the big courses. If you’re at the resort for a bachelor party or a quick business trip, this is where you go to settle bets. It’s fast. It’s fun.
Pleasant Knolls is a player-friendly nine-hole course. It’s basically a wide-open par-36. If you’re traveling with someone who is just learning the game, or if you’ve already played 36 holes and your back is screaming, this is the spot. It’s affordable and low-pressure.
Why the Soil Here Changes Everything
The geography of Central New York is weird. You have this mix of glacial till, heavy clay, and limestone.
When they built turning stone resort golf, they had to move a staggering amount of earth to ensure the courses didn't just turn into a swamp every time it rained. The Oneida Nation invested millions into drainage systems. This is why, even in a rainy New York June, the greens stay fast.
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Rick Smith once noted that the land for Shenendoah was a gift because of the variety of vegetation. You move from wetlands to hardwood forests in the span of three holes. That variety is what keeps the resort from feeling repetitive. In places like Myrtle Beach, courses can start to blend together. Here, you always know exactly which course you’re on.
The Logistics of a Turning Stone Trip
Let’s talk about the actual experience of being there. It’s not just about the grass.
- The Accommodations: You have choices. The Lodge is the high-end, all-suite hotel. It’s quiet and upscale. The Tower is the tall building you see from the highway; it’s more "Vegas style." Then you have the Hotel (the original wing) and the Sandstone Hollow Inn, which is more budget-friendly.
- The Food: TS Steakhouse at the top of the Tower is the move. The views of the countryside are insane. For something quicker, the food hall is actually decent.
- The Casino: It’s a full-scale gaming floor. Smoking is prohibited in most areas now, which is a huge plus for people who hate smelling like an ashtray after ten minutes of blackjack.
One thing people get wrong is the timing. New York golf season is short.
You want to go between late May and early October. Peak foliage in October is stunning, but it gets chilly fast. If you book in late September, you might get a 70-degree day followed by a 45-degree morning. Layering is your friend. Also, the gnats. In the early summer, the bugs near the wetlands on Kaluhyat can be aggressive. Bring spray.
The E-E-A-T Factor: Real Talk on the Difficulty
I've talked to pros who have played Atunyote, and they all say the same thing: it’s the most "fair" test of golf. There are no "mickey mouse" holes. What you see is what you get.
Kaluhyat, on the other hand, is polarizing. Some golfers hate it because it feels "unfair" with the tight corridors. But if you talk to a low-handicapper who loves a challenge, they’ll tell you it’s the best course on the property. It forces you to think. You can’t just bomb a driver on every hole. You have to play for position.
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If you're planning a trip, here is how you should sequence it:
- Start with Shenendoah to get your rhythm.
- Tackle Atunyote for the "bucket list" experience.
- Finish with Kaluhyat only if your ego is feeling strong.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
To get the most out of a trip to this part of New York, you need to be smart about how you book.
Watch the "Champion’s Package" Deals.
The resort almost always offers stay-and-play packages. If you try to book the room and the golf separately, you’re going to overpay by 30%. Call the resort directly and ask for the golf coordinator. They can often bundle in replays for a fraction of the cost.
Use the Practice Facilities.
The Golf Dome is a lifesaver. It’s an indoor short-game area and hitting facility. If the weather turns—which it does in New York—you can still work on your game. It’s one of the best indoor facilities in the Northeast.
Don't Forget the Spa.
Ska:ná: is the spa at the Lodge. Even if you aren't a "spa person," after walking 18 holes at Kaluhyat, your legs will thank you. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top spas in the country, not just the state.
Plan for Travel Time.
Atunyote is not at the main resort. It’s about a 10-15 minute shuttle ride. Don't show up at the main clubhouse 5 minutes before your tee time thinking you’re in the right spot. Give yourself a 45-minute buffer to get to the Atunyote clubhouse, hit some balls, and settle in.
Turning Stone has successfully turned a patch of Central New York into a legitimate rival for the big-name resorts. It’s high-end, it’s challenging, and it’s run with a level of precision that you usually only see at private clubs. Just remember: bring extra balls for Kaluhyat. You’re gonna need 'em.
Your Next Steps:
Check the seasonal maintenance schedule on the Turning Stone website before you book. They aerate the greens usually in late spring and late fall; you don't want to pay $200 to putt on sand. Once you've cleared the dates, call the reservation line to lock in a "Champion's Package" to save on the combined cost of the Lodge and Atunyote greens fees. If you're flying, Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) is your best bet, just a 35-minute drive from the resort gates.