The Mohonk Golf Course

The Mohonk Golf Course sits on the grounds of Mohonk Mountain House, a National Historic Landmark resort in the Shawangunk Mountains near New Paltz, New York. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1897, though Jones redesigned and expanded it in the 1960s. The property occupies a dramatic setting at elevation, with views across the Hudson Valley and surrounding ridgelines. The Smiley family, who established Mohonk Mountain House in 1869, has maintained the resort and course for generations, preserving its Victorian-era character and commitment to natural landscape stewardship. The routing makes use of the property's rolling terrain and mature hardwood forests. Holes play through corridors of oak and maple, with several offering open views toward the Catskills to the west. The course measures relatively short by modern standards, reflecting both its origins in the hickory era and the constraints of the mountainous site. Elevation changes factor into club selection on most holes, and the layout rewards accuracy over distance. The greens are modest in size, and the design emphasizes strategic placement rather than forced carries or severe hazards. Mohonk functions as a resort amenity rather than a standalone daily-fee or private club. Access is limited to overnight guests of Mohonk Mountain House and their accompanied guests. The course integrates with the resort's broader emphasis on outdoor recreation, including extensive hiking trails and rock climbing on the nearby Shawangunk Ridge. The setting and historical continuity give the golf experience a distinct sense of place within the Hudson Valley's resort tradition.