Normanside Country Club

Great course, played it several times and always in top notch condition. Greens rolling out and true. Level tee boxes. A little construction going on but really didn't come into play except third hole. Management friendly and courteous, Country Club conditions where general public is actually welcomed.

Played in under 4 hours....staff was very courteous and the facility was well prepared for the current conditions. Was brought a freshly sanitized cart. Lots if improvements made since I last played. Great new practice facilty for short game and numerous renovations/improvement to the conditions. Would join if I lived close

It was like there wasn’t a pandemic happening. You pull up to loud rock music blaring and large groups of men drinking together, no mask no distancing. Once in the course and away from that it’s great. There was one bathroom shared by men and women. People were drinking together inside and out. It’s an outbreak waiting to happen.

This once private course doesn’t get as much play as it deserves. Because of that the pace is almost always excellent. If you’re not a long hitter (like me) it offers apply challenge on long par 4s. Lots of elevation change and blind shots that will make you have to be very careful with club selection.
After your round, enjoy an incredible meal in the restaurant, lots of outstanding selections by a talented chef. The club recently changed its head pro, the new pro is very personable and works to make sure you have a great experience. The only negative I can say is that the bunkers are not traditional “fluffy” sand, which makes them play differ from most, especially after rain.

Normanside was built in 1927 and designed by William Harries, whose work was limited apparently to upstate New York. The course covers very hilly ground alongside Normans Kill and Harries made the most of the opportunity, constructing a number of dramatic holes with substantial elevation changes and featuring greens with severe drop-offs. Conditioning and maintenance are excellent. I played on a Monday morning and pretty much had the place to myself. Usually there are outings on Mondays and it is a very good idea to call ahead. The clubhouse seemed dated. Other reviewers have noted excellent food; I didn't try the restaurant, but did stop at the snack shack next to the pro shop where I had the best hot dog since I came to Albany. All in all a very good value at $45 for a round with a cart.