Copake Country Club

I have been playing Copake off and on since 2008, and even though I have seen hundreds of other golf courses in the years since, it remains one of the places I think about most often. It sits closer to my personal golf architecture wavelength than most, with a fun and occasionally quirky lay-of-the-land routing that results in several holes that teach golfers to use the natural topography to get around, rather than fight it. The unirrigated fairways were almost silvery-tan in places but were wonderful to hit off of and watch balls bounce down. The squared-off greens fit marvelously into their original pads and roll at the perfect speed for their considerable pitch and contour.

Located as it is in a quiet but active summer vacation community, Copake has everything one could want out of a home-away-from-home golf place. And the fact that green fees top out at $65 to walk makes it one of America’s best-value golf experiences. Well worth the journey into upstate New York to get there.

The course has a lot of potential but is not in great shape. The first and tenth hole provide beautiful views but once you leave the field of view from the club house there is a lot of disappointment. Course charged $25 dollars per person for cart rentals and 65 for 18 holes. Sand traps are more like rock pits and greens were hit or miss. Club house was beautiful with a great bar and restaurant but the course is not worth $90 a round. Overall rate of play was a horror show. There are no rules with players wearing gym shorts and t shirts and kids just hopping around between open holes.

Fast greens w/a, lot of movement, but 5 or 6 of them have so much slope that the ball won't stop when putting. I've been a member at 2 Devereux Emmet courses and this surely wasn't designed by him. It's got beautiful scenery and it's really stunning in the fall. Plus, they finally put someone with a good personality in the pro shop. The restaurant is top notch.

Greens were a bit inconsistent but still faster than most courses in the Hudson valley. Still not disappointed. Course was in pretty good condition considering how dry it’s been the last few weeks. Restaurant service and food was great. Will be back .

One of my all time favorite Devereux Emmet golf courses. The course has great land and even better greens that do not appear to have been altered.

The rolling terrain make for memorable golf holes throughout the round. Conditions were superb. I still remember darn near every hole. A must play.

I have played golf for 60 years, and have never played greens like Copake Lake CC. Located adjacent to Copake Lake in Columbia County, NY, the topography of a 100 year old course is unique in these days of hit it long. It is not long, but the greens, which are meticulously maintained, and can take away the strokes that advantage the big hitters. False fronts, sloped pin locations that require you to be below the pin, and several old style turtle back greens challenge even the best putters. For someone like me, who has no length anymore but can still putt, it's one of life's small pleasures. Nice bar and restaurant, and great views of the mountains in the fall decked out in autumn colors. It's my favorite course in the area, where there are a lot of good courses.

With the exception of the obviously unscheduled twosome that was put out in front of our foursome that clogged up the whole pace of play; everything else was perfect. Course is in impeccable condition. Greens are lightning fast.... fairways superb. First time eating at the restaurant. I was very impressed with the selection and quality of both the food and service. Thank you Gabby for your awesome service

Played there on Monday for the first time and believe me it won’t be the last time, great views fast greens and very friendly staff. Already planning on playing there sometime in October and looking forward to having dinner there..CANT WAIT.

Played here while on vacation in upstate New York, and I'm so glad I did some research to find this place. It's very quirky and old school, but it's undergone some restoration, so the fairways aren't overgrown with trees and the course is in perfect condition. Firm and fast, just as golf was meant to be played. Be warned, your short game will get a workout.

Little off the beaten path but worth the trip. Outstanding course with beautiful views. Lots of up and downs with tee boxes hitting down hills. Requires alot of thought when selecting clubs. Nice touch with the firepits on several holes to warm you up on a chilly day.

This course is a nice change of pace from the norm. A very interesting layout, good mix of long holes vs. short and the fastest greens I've seen this year; in October! Maybe too fast for the undulating character of the greens.

Best views around, beautiful mowing patterns and outstanding service at the bar. Well worth the drive.

love this course. got first ever hole-in-one on 188yd 17th. played it three times this year. love golfnow.com discounts. have 16 yr old playing too, so discounts really appreciated

In a year where many courses are in dire need of water, Copake was a jewel amongst them. Fast greens, lush tee boxes and some of the best views from the fairway I have seen yet. Great course.