Sagamore Golf Course — Local services in Town of Bolton

Honestly, if the tee time cost $80-$100, I’d say “great course, would recommend”, but we paid $195, so I’m holding this review to a high standard.

The course was fun, but IMO, the club rides the reputation of being a “Donald Ross” course, as opposed to providing elite amenities & pristine conditions that warrant the price tag.

Amenities were lacking, carts cost extra - which is fine for normal course, but not included at $195/per (c’mon)? Carts were also dated, ran slow, no electronic gps/scorecard, no towels, no water. Club didn’t have a drink cart, the club house leaves much to be desired - FWIW, I’m a no frills kind of guy that doesn’t need much, but also for the cost, didn’t expect a no frills experience.

As for conditions, greens were choppy & beat up, bugs were a big issue, got eaten alive & often had to putt in a swarm of gnats (pay a mosquito guy, it’s worth it). Back 9 had a string of blind holes that weren’t my favorite.

Lastly, we were a group of 5 - splitting up into a 3-some & a 2-some. I’m fine with them letting us know not to group up as a 5-some (we weren’t going to, but I’m sure it happens often enough), but tell us once. We were told 3 times before we got up to the 1st hole in a lecturing manner, to the point of insulting, like we were 16 again & doing something we weren’t supposed to in the mall (we’re all closer to 40 now).

Despite commentary focusing on the negative, we had a good time, just didn’t think it was worth the price - the issues I highlighted, I wouldn’t have had a material issue with if cost wasn’t such a premium…but got to cross off “playing a Donald Ross course” off the...

Donald Ross is spinning in his grave...

First the positives:

1. Stunning views
2. A classically interesting and challenging Donald Ross design built into one of the beautiful Adirondack mountains
3. Getting to play a round with my sons while away for a few days.

Now, the negatives:

1. Not near enough staff. The kids are very friendly and courteous, but there are only 3 of them! One to work the pro shop, one to collect clubs and set up the carts, and one to give out range balls. No starter, no ranger, no beverage person, and the half way house looks like it was abandoned years ago.
2. Tight space, tight range. Moreover, the range is so small that they have to give you 'dead' balls to hit so that they don't lose them.
3. Course conditions. For over $200/round, we should be playing on or near close to the conditions on some of the best courses in the country. Not here.
4. Maintenance. Other than the greens and fairways being mowed, it does not appear that a lot of maintenance takes place there.
5. Cart paths. They are rapidly deteriorating and on the occasional hole where they give you yardage indicators, they are at least 20-40 yards off on the true measurement. This we verified with three range finders.

Some will say a round of golf is a round of golf. And the opportunity to play a Donald Ross design in one of the most picturesque environments is always a treat. However, when one considers true value for a round of golf (price paid vs. amenties, and course conditions), the Sagamore Resort course falls well short of...

We drove 3 hours to this historic course and could not be more disappointed. The course has so much potential. Unfortunately, the possibility of a “great course” is overshadowed by a lack of maintenance and grounds keeping, lack luster facilities, and poor staffing. There was no starter or ranger on a Sunday morning when we played-this was quite problematic. This was a five-some that formed in front of us which slowed down the pace of play. Multiple parties ended up being so frustrated that they ended their round after playing less than 9 holes. Additionally, the greens fees (155 for resort guests) are outrageous for the quality of the grounds. There were many bare spots on the greens, debris in the bunkers, and shabby tee boxes. The warm up area was dismal with cups missing on the practice greens and deteriorating turf on the practice range. They are clearly catering to wealthy resort guests who are willing to pay for the convenience of the course, and not the quality. I would not recommend this course for the price. It is of the quality of an average municipal...