Black Birch Golf Club

About
Editor's Note: Course closed for business in 2024.
Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
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Men | 72 | 6158 yards | 68.9 | 118 |
Senior | 72 | 5488 yards | ||
Ladies | 74 | 4924 yards | 70.8 | 121 |
Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue M: 69.4/119 | 332 | 321 | 410 | 319 | 117 | 480 | 482 | 151 | 382 | 2994 | 480 | 351 | 377 | 393 | 420 | 172 | 498 | 153 | 344 | 3188 | 6182 |
White M: 66.3/115 W: 73.6/129 | 324 | 314 | 402 | 302 | 111 | 468 | 354 | 145 | 308 | 2728 | 356 | 322 | 370 | 295 | 408 | 147 | 384 | 144 | 334 | 2760 | 5488 |
Red W: 71.8/118 | 286 | 284 | 355 | 224 | 107 | 393 | 346 | 138 | 300 | 2433 | 350 | 315 | 354 | 284 | 308 | 140 | 376 | 137 | 227 | 2491 | 4924 |
Handicap | 16 | 10 | 4 | 12 | 18 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 2 | 9 | 15 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 5 | 11 | 13 | |||
Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
Course Details
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Reviewer Photos
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this is the condition of the 12th green. This is standard condition on all greens Photo submitted by hendu11 on 08/03/2023
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while the greens and tee boxes continue to go downhill, the greenskeeper has the time and money to put these pointless bushes and rocks behind the 11th green. No priorities. Photo submitted by hendu11 on 08/03/2023
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The tenth fairway is broad enough, but going too far left or right means tree troubles. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/20/2023
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The fifteenth, tucked in the northwest corner of the course, is a solid par-3 playing to a terrace-style green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/20/2023
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Another view of green fifteen from its right flank. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/20/2023
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From the white tees at the sixteenth, your drive must cross this large pond to reach the fairway beyond. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/20/2023
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At the other end of hole sixteen lies its undulating green, which slopes front-to-back and left-to-right. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/20/2023
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The first green in the late afternoon shadows (green three sits in the background). Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/02/2022
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View from the fifth tee down to its green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/02/2022
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The sixth fairway, with a view to the landing zone at the base of the hill. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/02/2022
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From behind green seven at this par-5. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/02/2022
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8th hole: near dusk: Two deer (both behind green–to left and right of white pavilion) are about to hightail it over to the ninth tee. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/02/2022
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8th, picture two: The first is now out of the picture; the second is now hightailing it out to the left. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/02/2022
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The par-3 seventh (seen from its left flank), plays from a high tee down to this green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/26/2022
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From the right rough, a view of the eleventh green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/26/2022
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Twelve is a par-four dogleg-right that leads to this double-tiered green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/26/2022
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Your tee shot at the par-3 fifteenth must traverse a mashy pond. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/26/2022
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Seventeen is a stern par-three and runs uphill to its green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/26/2022
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The finisher’s fairway angles slightly leftward off the tee, then runs straight for the green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/26/2022
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Hole four plays uphill to a two-tiered putting surface. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/02/2022
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The fifth drops down to a postage-stamp green. It's also well-protected. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/02/2022
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Eight is a classic downhill par-3 requiring accuracy with your mid or short iron. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/02/2022
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The eighteenth. I reflected on my rounds here this week walking up eighteen. The pond was equally reflective. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/03/2021
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The seventh is a terrific par-five which culminates on this green, set on a tall plateau. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/03/2021
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A view of hole eight’s green. This par-three plays downhill. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/03/2021
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Fourteen, maybe the best four-par on the course, will make you work hard for a par. Seen from behind the green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/03/2021
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Fifteen, a downhill par-three, is set in the most secluded part of the golf course. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/03/2021
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The par-5 sixteenth’s green, seen from the rough in the late afternoon shadows. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/03/2021
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3rd: par-4, 410: Fine tee-to-green test ending on this green, defended by two sizable bunkers. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/04/2021
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5th: Postage-stamp par three. Nice scenery as backdrop in the Moodus countryside. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/04/2021
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10th: Tight par five, 480, over tree-line fairway. This is its green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/04/2021
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11th, par4, 351. Great, wavy Zikorus-designed hole, canting downhill--as well--from the right side. Should be drive-and-pitch. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/04/2021
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15th, par-3 of 147. Downhill from a high tee, over the marsh, onto this raised green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/04/2021
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16th: Superb hole: par-5 of 498. Plays over the marsh, then uphill to a well-contoured green. Hard to hit in two. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/04/2021
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Ten. Par 5 of 480. The wraparound bunker poses problems on any approach shot. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/09/2021
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Twelve. A 377-yard four-par that plays longer, moving uphill on the approach, seen here. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/09/2021
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Thirteen: A demanding par-4, 420. At its small green, made smaller recently. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/09/2021
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Fifteen. A tough target. This classic par-three maxes out at 172 from a high tee. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/09/2021
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Fifteen. Closer view of the marsh and green complex. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/09/2021
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Eighteen: The closer, a 344-yard par-4, features a pond within the holes last 100 yards. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/09/2021
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The third hole. Downhill, short, tricky three-par. But the setting should calm your nerves. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 04/28/2021
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Eight. Conclusion to another good par-three on the front side. Seen from its left flank. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 04/28/2021
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View from 10th green back to fairway Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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Green 14 from a shady left side. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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The fifteenth: par 3, over the marshland. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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The 16th fairway: view of approach for 2nd shot. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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Pond on the sixteenth. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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Green at the finishing hole. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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1st fairway and green Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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3rd green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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Looking back over fairway 7. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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The 7th green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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View down to green 8. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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Part of u-shaped bunker preceding 10. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
Update
Was told next week course receiving much needed repairs. Played here many times. Worse conditions with TLC needed. This course has struggled over passed years. Will play again under better conditions when they get it together again.

Thank you for taking the time to review the course. We take single star feedback very seriously at our course. You are welcome to comment further or reach out to our team in the golf shop. We always appreciate the feedback. Thank you for playing Black Birch Golf Club.
Poor course condition
Course is in rough shape from not being taken care of last year( Closed due to covid) pro shop has little to no merchandise.
Just ok
Unfortunately the course right now is in rough condition. Attendant said being closed last season due to covid really took a toll on the course. Layout is great, staff is awesome and hopefully will play here again once it is fixed.

Thank you for reviewing the course. Let us first start by apologizing for the poor experience you had during your visit. Your feedback about the course is important to us. We are working to get everything up to par. The current condition is by no means the standard we strive to achieve. We are going to escalate your feedback to our team so we can make improvements before your next game, and we will continue to work towards an excellent experience by using your comment for guidance. Thank you for playing Black Birch Golf Club. We hope to see you again soon.
Rough shape
I'm sure by summer it will be in much better condition. Will I play here again? Yeah probably. But much work needs to be done to the course

Thank you for taking the time to review us, and for the 3 stars. We're sorry to hear the course may not have been in the best shape on the day of your round, and we appreciate your feedback. Thank you for choosing to golf with us, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Staff is awesome, course...not so much
I/we have played at BB over a dozen times over the past few years. We have come to realize that later in the summer is a challenge for them to keep the fairways watered.
We have always had good luck in the spring and early summer.
Not the case this time. I understand they didn't open the course last year and did very little maintenance to keep it up.
I think that even $20 w/cart might be to much for the current conditions.
We'll hold off coming back this year and try our luck again next season!
They seem to be committed to get the course back into shape.
Staff as always was awesome, very nice group of people.
We stayed and had lunch, that was very good!!
Best of luck to BB, I hope they bounce back strong

We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. We are going to pass on your feedback to the teams in charge so they can work to make changes. Thanks for visiting Black Birch Golf Club. We hope you'll give us another try in the future.
Hope the course conditions come back
I have played here quite a few times over the past several years. In 2019, the course was looking quite good. Not sure what happened in 2020, but they lost a lot of their grass. Repairs are in progress but the course is in rough shape. The gentleman in the pro shop, who I remember from other visits is always polite and friendly. He was very honest and up front about the course conditions. It was $25.00 for 18 holes and a cart. The bar/restaurant which is under new ownership since 2020, was very good, and the staff very accommodating and friendly. I hope they can get the course in better shape, it seems they are trying. I would come back, especially at that price.

We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. We understand your frustration. Please bear with us as we work diligently to make improvements. We hope you'll give us another try in the future. Thanks for choosing Black Birch Golf Club.
Needs work
The layout of the course is great. Some fun holes and good amount of obstacles. The issue I have is when you walk up to pay they warn you that the course is in rough shape. That is a understatement. The staff was very nice but rough shape is a complete understatement. One of the holes my ball was in the middle of the fairway and found a 10ft by 10ft patch of gravel. I think I hit on one patch of grass in all of the fairways. It didn’t seem like they were working on the holes at all either.

We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. We are going to pass on your feedback to the teams in charge so they can work to make changes. Thanks for visiting Black Birch Golf Club. We hope you'll give us another try in the future.
In Need of a Comeback
Today the same black birches lined the sides of this course, but most of its fairways have become brown. The course suffered the same fate of about four or five venues I played last year in Connecticut after a long dry spell in July/August. But in the case of Black Birch, this occurred not just because the golf operations stayed closed during the pandemic, but more importantly because no one was tending to it (apparently).
The fairways especially are unplayable now, and they will recover only after quite some time. Greens didn’t roll smoothly, as they were pockmarked in too many places. Traps, rough, greenside fringes, and tees were all in substandard condition. It’s a major falloff from the very good condition this course enjoyed in the early summer of 2019. The good news is that work seems to be underway to restore the blighted conditions.
For now, I won’t ‘rate’ the layout itself, simply because that is so dependent on the foundation of a conditioned course. Black Birch remains a relaxing place to play golf, set in a handsome countryside parcel.
I’m glad to hear that other reviewers hope Black Birch will return to form, as I do. When open in 2019, Black Birch delivered enjoyable golf. The staff is invariably pleasant and friendly here and the clubhouse good for a drink or after-round meal. At present, the standard greens fees have been cut in half. There were still quite a few foursomes out on the course today.

Thank you for reviewing the course. Let us first start by apologizing for your experience during your round. This is by no means the standard we strive to achieve. Please reach out to our management team. We hope to hear from you soon.
Black birch Golf course
Was very optimistic too have Black birch opening again because it’s close by and for less then 40 bucks to play 18 I thought I was getting a great deal. I will say the staff was super friendly as well as the few groups we saw on the course. As far as the golf course goes it looks and plays absolutely horrible. Long unmowed fringes, bumpy patchy greens, dirt for Sand bunkers, and fairways that look like they haven’t seen water or a mower in 3 years. I will say I hope too see changes get made because the layout of the course and how it was made years ago it could be such a nice course if it just shuts down for 2 months and gets a complete course maintenance done. Overall in all seriousness if they keep the course in this condition it should cost no more than 20 dollars to play 18. I

Thank you for reviewing the course. Let us first start by apologizing for the poor experience you had during your visit. The current condition is by no means the standard we strive to achieve, and we are working towards getting things up to par. Thank you for playing Black Birch Golf Club. We hope to see you again soon.
The condition of the course was plain awful. The staff was very friendly and the course seemed nice in a great area. However upon reaching the second hole I was in complete disbelief of the condition of the course, what I believe was design to be the fairway was a complete mud pit. It Looked like a construction site the greens need some work as well. Was very disappointed with the playing experience especially since a buddy recommended the course to me. Ultimately walked of the course after two holes and went else where to play. Not a good experience

Thank you for reviewing the course. Let us first start by apologizing for the poor experience you had during your visit. The current condition is by no means the standard we strive to achieve, and we are working towards getting things up to par. Thank you for playing Black Birch Golf Club. We hope to see you again soon.
Needs lots of work
It is hard for me to be this negative but there are many holes that have no fairways. The tee boxes are not cut at all. Greens are a mess. Really hope they turn it around.

Thanks for the review. We take single-star feedback very seriously at our course. Please reach out to our management team at (860) 891-8066. Thank you for playing Black Birch Golf Club.

Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We see you rated the course 2-stars and are interested in learning what we can do to improve for your next visit. We take customer feedback very seriously at our course. Please reach out to our team in the golf shop and tell us what's on your mind. Thank you for playing Black Birch Golf Club.
Worst condition course I ever played
The only thing good about the round today was the pace of play, which was good because there was almost nobody on the course. This course was virtually unplayable and should not have been open. Where there was grass in the fairways, it was long and needed mowing badly , where there was no grass there were dead weeds and bare dirt. The greens were absolutely horrible with many bare spots and in just overall poor condition. The traps were pretty much void of sand and were just dirt and debris.
I will absolutely never play this course again and TeeOff should not be involved with a facility of this poor caliber.

Thanks for the review. We take single-star feedback very seriously at our course. Please reach out to our management team at (860) 891-8066. Thank you for playing Black Birch Golf Club.
Plenty of Challenges on the Inward Half
I played the back nine only today under excellent conditions: it was a nice autumn afternoon, as the accompanying photos show. The course conditions here are respectable, and the greens are quite smooth and putt well, without many blemishes. Green complexes, too, are mostly good. Some of them are still rough some five yards (or so) away from the short grass. Most of the fairways are playable, although 11, 13 and 14, all still patchy in places, have never quite ‘turned the corner’ this year. Augusta National this is not, but I like it just the same and again enjoyed the challenge on 10-18 this afternoon.
Given the many good holes at Black Birch (I have amply reviewed this in late June), this course is a solid value. The Al Zikorus-designed inward half—shown in these pics—features rolling fairways, tilting greens with amply used bunkers nearby, multiple elevation changes, a pair of ponds, pervasive woodlands, and clever strategic design elements. This should be more than enough to satisfy most avid golfers.
Plenty of golfers were out on the front today, playing a shotgun; the parking lot was mostly full.
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View from 10th green back to fairway Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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Green 14 from a shady left side. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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The fifteenth: par 3, over the marshland. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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The 16th fairway: view of approach for 2nd shot. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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Pond on the sixteenth. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
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Green at the finishing hole. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/14/2019
Rough around the edges
Been dry here and this course gets no water except for the greens. If there was no crabgrass there would be no fairways. Not a lot of sand in the bunkers. Pace of play was awful when we started so we scooted around a bit and found a good pace away from the crowds.

Hello, thank you for taking the time to review the course and rate us. We are going to pass along your feedback to the staff in regards to conditions and pace so they can work to make changes. Thanks for visiting us!
Improving Again on Conditions: Course is a Great Value
Give credit to the management here for taking the bull by the horns: the course is in better condition, considerably, since I last played here six weeks ago. Above all, it is pretty clear that the grounds crew has cleared up the crabgrass infestation. Many of the fairways had been party consumed by crabgrass in August; now it appears that the front nine—which my son and I played today—was in far better shape down the fairways and, even more importantly, around the greens. Without the crabgrass, drives certainly roll out longer upon landing. Kudos for this change!
The fairways were a bit patchy in places, but this was mainly from a very dry September, which is understandable. Tees were still a bit rough, but better, and the 7th tee is finally coming back and should be acceptable again in the spring. The greens were a bit slow, but this may be from catching it on the day before they will be cut. They still putted relatively smoothly.
All in all, this is a big step forward from the low point this year in August. Let’s hope the progress continues.
For now, with the course in reasonable condition and offering low greens fees, Black Birch is a bargain. And juniors are can play at only $10 for nine holes, making this course even more attractive as a family value.
This could be one of the top value courses in the state with more attention to conditioning. I plan to return here this fall for more 9-hole (and possibly full) rounds.
Both nines have their challenges, but the inward half will test an array of clubs throughout the bag. It’s a very sporty and likeable—as well as scenic—county track.
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1st fairway and green Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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3rd green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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Looking back over fairway 7. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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The 7th green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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View down to green 8. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
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Part of u-shaped bunker preceding 10. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/29/2019
Resorts World Catskills Stay & Play Package
Seaview Stay & Play Golf Package

Hello, thank you for leaving us a review. We are sorry to hear your experience was anything short of 5 stars, but we hope you will give us another try in the future. Thank you for choosing Black Birch Golf Club.