The Lakes course at Centennial Golf Club in Carmel, New York, was designed by Larry Nelson, the three-time major champion who transitioned to golf course architecture after his competitive career. Nelson's design work emphasizes strategic shot-making and reflects his understanding of tournament golf, typically favoring players who can shape shots and manage risk intelligently. The course opened in the 1990s as part of a semi-private facility in northern Westchester County, situated in the rolling terrain characteristic of the Hudson Valley region. The routing takes advantage of natural elevation changes and wooded areas common to this part of New York, with water features playing a role in the course's name and strategic design. The layout requires thoughtful club selection and course management, as Nelson's architectural philosophy tends toward rewarding precision over pure distance. The property sits in a transitional zone between suburban development and more rural landscapes, offering a relatively peaceful setting despite its proximity to the New York metropolitan area. Centennial operates as a semi-private club, making the course accessible to both members and daily-fee players depending on the season and tee time availability. The facility serves the northern Westchester and Putnam County golf market, an area with a strong tradition of public and semi-private golf. The course provides a solid test for regional players familiar with northeastern conditions, including firm turf in summer and the challenge of playing through the area's distinct seasonal changes.