N.Y. GOLF
Jan Deahl marched off the 18th green last week at Hudson Hills and gave a ringing endorsement to Westchester County’s sixth public golf course.
“It’s definitely the best of the county courses,” Deahl proclaimed after carding a 91 on the spanking-new, par-71 layout located about 10 minutes north of White Plains off the Taconic Parkway. “It’s gorgeous. Super hilly. Nice views.”
In fact, Deahl and his buddy, Scott Alessi, liked it so much, they each forked up another $65 to play it again later that afternoon.
“Pace of play was pretty good,” said Alessi, who shot an 86. “We teed off at 9:10 and finished at 1:25.”
Alessi, however, did have a few gripes. “The greens are slow,” he said, “and the yardage [markers] is off.”
Chris Martin, the course general manager, said because the bent grass is new, the greens really haven’t been cut and the carts, which are mandatory, must stay on the paths. In another week or so, Martin said the course will have food service and the GPS on carts will be activated.
“I haven’t heard anything negative,” Martin said on Thursday, two days after the grand opening. “We’ve been packed. We’ve been doing about 100 rounds a day. The phones haven’t stopped ringing.”
Thankfully, Hudson Hills will relieve the congestion at the other five county courses. It is estimated it will host about 40,000 rounds this year, considerably less than the 60,000 rounds at some of the other county courses, where fees range from $23 to $27 for those with county permits.
If you play Hudson Hills, bring money or your credit card. Weekend fees are $75, including cart, with a county permit, $100 without. Weekdays it’s $85 for non-permit holders. And you’ll be expected to tip the bag guys when they clean your clubs at the turn.
Tees times at Hudson Hills are available only by calling the pro shop (914) 864-3000 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Times are available a week in advance, but walk-ons are welcomed and seniors get discounts.
Is Hudson Hills worth it? Some seniors don’t think so. Cary Smith, a 62-year-old golfer from New Rochelle, said he’ll stay away.
“I hear it’s nice, but it’s not worth the money,” Smith said just before he teed off last week at Saxon Woods for $16. “I can play the same golf down here and there’s no wait.”
Al Mehler, 74, had a better idea. “If I had the $75,” he said, “I’d rather play Winged Foot.”