Golf Holiday Valley
July 16, 2018
Golf season is officially underway at Holiday Valley Resort. The one-of-a-kind “Double Black Diamond” course is an exceptional, scenic blend of mountain and flat terrain. As the name implies, the 18-hole course can prove to be quite challenging, extending 6,500 yards with par at 70. The entire course is maintained daily and open for play 7 days a week. The front nine is relatively flat with a series of ponds and bunkers present throughout. The back nine is a unique combination of rolling hills and sloped fairways, winding about the base of the ski slopes for some interesting and tricky play. Each hole features multiple tees, allowing golfers to play to their ability and maintain a steady pace of play. The greens have been rated 9.5-10 when measured by a Stimpmeter for speed, which is relatively fast but not overly difficult.
The Double Black Diamond is a Resort course, offering play to both lodging guests and the public. The daily rate for 18 holes with a cart on weekdays is $54 (Monday through Thursday), the weekend rate is $68 (Friday through Sunday) and club rentals are always available. Holiday Valley offers a 20% exchange rate for Canadian visitors, when paid in cash or cheque. A round trip from Southern Ontario is less than one tank of gas away. Memberships are also available which include benefits such as preferred weekend tee times, no greens fees, entry into 7 Member Events, invitations to local events throughout the season, registry in the NYS Golf Association and Buffalo District Golf Association. Obtaining a membership is also a great way to meet new friends and golfing partners.
The resort is home to several golf leagues, allowing players to socialize with like-minded individuals who share the love for the game. Holiday Valley’s Men’s League plays on Tuesday afternoons, Ladies League on Monday afternoons and Couples League on Thursday afternoons. The Wednesday Beginner Ladies Group is a gentle and fun way for women to learn all aspects of the game and to improve with 15 minutes lessons and on-course play. Each Ladies’ session is only $14 with carts available for an additional $9.
Learn to play the game and improve upon your skills through lessons offered by Holiday Valley’s Master PGA Professional, Steven Carney, PGA Professional, Kyle Benish and USGTF Instructor, Tom Dirito. Lessons take place at the 300 yard Practice Facility which includes 10 covered tees, up to 50 grass tees along with two practice greens for chipping and putting lessons. Boys and girls ages 7-18 are invited to participate in this year’s Junior Clinics’, lead and supervised by the resort’s PGA professionals. One fee of $35 covers everything and each session includes 4 days of instruction, rule and etiquette familiarity as well as a picnic day. While there, visit the full service Golf Shop at the resort for a wide selection of clubs, bags, balls, clothing, shoes and accessories. Holiday Valley Pros have the experience and knowledge to recommend and match products to each player’s specific ability and preference.
After a round of golf, guests can enjoy an extensive array of amenities offered by Holiday Valley Resort. Ellicottville Oasis Spa, located at the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley, offers massage treatments specifically tailored to golfers. Food and beverages are available at McCarty’s Café, John Harvard’s Brew House and the poolside Cabana Bar. The elegant and refreshing pool complex is available for golfers to cool off, or for the family to enjoy while others are out on the course. Also located at Holiday Valley is Sky High Adventure Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can test their endurance and climbing skills in the Aerial Park and Climbing Forest or take an exhilarating ride down the winding Mountain Coaster.
A wide variety of very affordable golf and lodging packages are offered at course-side Inn at Holiday Valley, the Tamarack Club and Holiday Valley Rental Properties.
Holiday Valley’s Double Black Diamond Course is located at 6557 Holiday Valley Road in Ellicottville. The number to call for tee times is 716.699.3939. More information, including a flyover of the entire course, is available on the website at www.holidayvalley.com/golf.