By Dustin Jones
I started my Golf Professional journey in the Mohawk Valley right out of high school as an Assistant Professional at Turning Stone Resort Casino Golf Courses, where I remained for 10 years. I then had the opportunity to become the PGA Professional at Yahnundasis Golf Club in 2009. After six great years at the club, I decided to open my own facility and offer the “Private Club” experience to all golfers in the region through state-of-the-art club fitting and golf instruction. I have dedicated my life to the golfers of this region and beyond, and it has been the greatest gift given to me.
The Mohawk Valley is a unique place for golf because of the incredible variety of courses throughout the region. We have a large number of public courses along with some outstanding private clubs, giving every type of golfer a place to play. One of the best parts about golf here is the value. The dollar goes much further in the Mohawk Valley than it does in many larger or more populated golf markets, and that allows players to experience great golf at every level.
“The dollar goes much further in the Mohawk Valley than it does in many larger golf markets.”
Over the past several years, the local golf scene has evolved tremendously. Since COVID, golf has exploded across the region, bringing many new players into the game while also bringing back golfers who may have stepped away from it for years. That growth has had a positive impact far beyond the golf courses themselves. Indoor golf facilities, driving ranges, retail stores, instructors, and golf-related businesses throughout the Mohawk Valley have all continued to grow alongside the game.
The social side of golf has changed immensely over the last decade as well. Golf has become much more of a family activity, and I’m seeing more spouses, children, women, and younger players getting involved than ever before. The game feels more welcoming and more social today, which has helped introduce a whole new generation to the sport.
At the same time, golfers are looking for different things depending on where they are in their game. Many newer players are searching for value and accessibility, while more experienced golfers are looking for exceptional course conditions and elevated playing experiences like those found at Turning Stone Resort Casino Golf Courses or Yahnundasis Golf Club. The Mohawk Valley does a great job of offering both.
“Golf has become much more of a family activity.”
What makes this area special is that every course brings something different to the game. Courses like Valley View Golf Course offer classic Robert Trent Jones design at an affordable price, while courses like Crystal Springs provide a challenging and fun quick nine-hole experience for golfers of all skill levels. That variety is what keeps the game interesting here.
There are also so many underrated courses throughout the Mohawk Valley that deserve attention. For nine-hole courses, places like Westmoreland Golf Club, Heron Creek, Camroden, and Oriskany Hills all offer unique layouts and challenging designs that are absolutely worth playing. On the 18-hole side, Barker Brook, Seven Oaks, Valley View, Newport Golf Club, and Crestwood are just a few of the many courses that continue to make golf in this region special.
Personally, I’ve always appreciated golf course architecture and the history behind great courses. I love seeing how architects take the natural landscape and turn it into memorable golf holes that challenge players in different ways. Those are the kinds of courses that stay with you long after the round is over.
Looking ahead, I think the game of golf is in a very strong place locally and will continue to grow for years to come. One of the biggest shifts happening right now is the growth of indoor golf. Facilities like The Bunker and Hole In One Golf Center are helping players stay connected to the game year-round, and the technology available today allows golfers to improve their games even during the offseason. Indoor golf has become much more mainstream, and with the influence of things like the TGL Golf League, the future of the game is continuing to evolve in exciting ways.
I am excited to see the future of golf in the Mohawk Valley. I believe it will be many years of growth due to all the new and returning golfers in our area. Golfers will continue to flock to the Mohawk Valley because our region has so many great golfing destinations to satisfy even the hungriest golf enthusiast.
“Hit ’em straight and keep your golf ball where they mow!”
