If you drive up Route 9 toward the Adirondacks, you’ll pass plenty of strip malls and typical upstate diners. But tucked away in Queensbury, there is a stretch of land that feels like a time capsule. I’m talking about Glens Falls Country Club, a place that consistently humbles low handicappers while making architectural nerds geek out over sightlines and false fronts. Honestly, it’s one of those spots where if you know, you know. If you don't? Well, you're missing out on a masterclass in Golden Age design.
Most people associate Donald Ross with Pinehurst No. 2 or Seminole. Big names. Big price tags. But Glens Falls Country Club in Queensbury, NY, represents something purer. It’s a 1921 masterpiece that hasn’t been "renovated" into oblivion by modern bulldozers. It’s rugged.
The Ross DNA in Queensbury
What makes this place tick? It’s the topography. Donald Ross was a genius at using what the glacier left behind, and Queensbury provided him with some serious elevation changes. You aren't just playing golf here; you're navigating a landscape.
The greens are the star of the show. Seriously. They are treacherous. If you find yourself above the hole on the 5th, you might as well just start walking to the next tee because that ball isn't stopping until it hits the fringe. Or the bunker. Or your pride. These aren't the manufactured "pillows" you see on modern resort courses. They are bold, sweeping surfaces that require you to think three shots ahead.
A Stretch of Holes Like No Other
Let's talk about the "mound" holes. It sounds weird, right? But the stretch from holes 3 through 5 is legendary in the Northeast. You’re playing over and around these massive natural landforms.
The 3rd hole is a par 3 that plays uphill to a green you basically can't see fully. It’s intimidating. You hit a mid-iron into the sky and pray. Then you get to the 4th, a par 5 that forces you to navigate a fairway that feels like a crumpled-up piece of paper. It’s chaotic but intentional. Ross didn't want you to have a flat lie. Why would he? That would be too easy.
- The 5th hole is often cited by experts like Tom Doak or the folks at the Fried Egg as one of the best par 4s in the country. It’s a downhill tee shot, but the approach is what kills you.
- The 9th hole brings you back toward the clubhouse with a view that reminds you exactly why people live in the North Country.
More Than Just a Golf Course
While the golf is the main draw, the club functions as a social anchor for the Glens Falls and Queensbury community. It’s not stuffy in the way some Westchester clubs are. It’s Adirondack casual.
✨ Don't miss: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
The clubhouse sits high on a ridge, overlooking Round Pond. It’s a view that doesn't get old. You see the water, the pines, and the distant mountains. It feels like a retreat. The membership is a mix of old local families, professionals from Saratoga, and seasonal residents who realize that the drive up the Northway is worth it for these conditions.
The club has invested heavily in restoration over the last decade. They brought in architect Ron Forse, who is basically the "Ross Whisperer." He didn't come in to change the course; he came in to find it again. They cleared out thousands of trees. This wasn't just for the views—though those improved—it was for the turf. Ross courses need wind and sun. By opening up the corridors, the course now plays firm and fast, exactly how it was intended in the 1920s.
The Round Pond Factor
You can't mention Glens Falls Country Club without talking about the water. Round Pond isn't just a hazard on a few holes; it’s the lifeblood of the property. In the summer, the beach area is packed. Kids are swimming, people are lounging—it’s a true family club. This duality is rare. Usually, you get a "golf club" where the non-golfers are bored, or a "social club" where the course is an afterthought. Here, both sides are elite.
Why the National Ranking Matters
For years, Glens Falls was a "hidden gem." That term is overused, but here it actually fit. Then, Golf Magazine and Golf Digest started sending raters up to the 518 area code. Suddenly, Glens Falls started climbing the "Top 100 Value" and "Top 100 Classic" lists.
It’s currently ranked among the best in New York State, which is saying something when you’re competing against Shinnecock and Winged Foot. But Glens Falls feels attainable. It’s private, yes, but it doesn't have that "keep out" energy that defines the ultra-elite spots. They host the Glens Falls Invitational, which brings in the best amateurs from across the region. If you want to see how the course should be played, go watch those guys try to chip from the tight lies around the 13th green. It’s a comedy of errors for most, but poetry for them.
Realities of Playing in the North Country
Is it perfect? Nothing is.
🔗 Read more: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
The season is short. Upstate New York winters are brutal, and the course usually doesn't fully "wake up" until late May. If you play in April, you're dealing with the leftovers of mud season. But once June hits? There isn't a better place to be. The air is thinner, the grass is lush, and the shadows long in the late afternoon make the green contours pop like a 3D movie.
Also, it’s a hilly walk. If you’re a purist who insists on walking, your calves are going to feel it. The transition from the 10th green to the 11th tee is a hike. Most members use carts, but if you have the stamina, walking allows you to see the small details Ross left behind—the way a bunker is angled to catch a specific slice, or the way the land drains toward the pond.
The Secret Sauce: Maintenance and Pride
The superintendent at Glens Falls deserves a raise every single year. Maintaining a 100-year-old course with modern green speeds is a tightrope walk. If the greens get too fast, they become unplayable because of the severe slopes. If they’re too slow, the "Ross" challenge disappears. They hit the sweet spot.
There is a palpable sense of pride among the staff. From the bag drop to the pro shop, people know they are stewards of something historic. They aren't just running a business; they’re presiding over a landmark.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit or Membership Inquiry
If you’re thinking about trying to get a tee time or joining, here is the ground truth.
1. Secure a Guest Spot
Since it’s a private club, you need an "in." If you belong to another private club, have your Head Pro call their Pro Shop. Reciprocity is a real thing in the golf world, and Glens Falls is generally welcoming to serious players who appreciate architecture.
💡 You might also like: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
2. Practice Your Lag Putting
I'm not kidding. Spend 30 minutes on the practice green. If you can't control your speed from 40 feet, you will 4-putt at least twice. The greens at Glens Falls Country Club in Queensbury, NY, are faster than they look.
3. Study the Map
Look at satellite imagery before you go. Understanding the "mounds" and the layout of the back nine will save you a lot of confusion on the tee. There are several blind shots where you just have to trust the aiming pole.
4. Check the Dress Code
It’s classic. Tucked-in shirts, no cargo shorts, the usual. Don't be that person who shows up looking like they're headed to a backyard BBQ.
5. Stay for the Sunset
If you get a late afternoon tee time, make sure you're on the clubhouse deck for the "golden hour." The way the light hits Round Pond and the 18th fairway is worth the price of admission alone.
Glens Falls Country Club isn't trying to be the next flashy PGA Tour stop. It doesn't need 7,500 yards of length to be difficult. It relies on angles, gravity, and the genius of a Scotsman from a century ago. It’s a reminder that golf is a game of skill and imagination, not just raw power. Whether you’re a local in Queensbury or a traveler searching for the soul of the game, this place is the real deal. No fluff. Just pure, unadulterated golf.
Next Steps for Your Adirondack Golf Experience
If you're serious about seeing the course, reach out to the membership director or check their official calendar for "Open" events or regional qualifiers. Local amateur tournaments are often hosted here, providing a rare chance for non-members to test their mettle on the Ross greens. For those looking to move to the area, the residential pockets surrounding the club in Queensbury offer some of the most stable property values in Warren County, largely due to the club's enduring reputation.