Crafting a golf course from scratch on empty, wooded land, is a long, intricate process that involves a myriad steps.
But the steps toward the finish line are dwindling at Tsuga Links golf course in Garrattsville, 20 miles from West Winfield, which overlooks the Butternut Valley.
The first nine holes of the planned 18-hole course are complete and owner Gary Elliott is looking to open the course around the third week of May.
The course was built by Elliott, who grew up on the property but has lived in Richfield Springs for the past 30 years.
“It’s been my dream to do something like this for a long time,” said Elliott.
He said the par 36 front nine has three tee boxes on each hole and large greens to accommodate golfers.. The back nine is expected to be complete by next summer.
“The golf course is pretty specific to the piece of property, its not like building a house. You have to take the property and find the golf holes,” said Elliott.
“This property is very diverse with trees, water and rolling hills. The routing is pretty challenging from a design standpoint,” said Elliott.
Elliott’s great-grandfather originally purchased the land, which has been passed down through four generations of the family. Through the years, the land has been used for dairy and crop farming.
“I think people will enjoy the setting here. It’s a pretty unique golf course and pretty enjoyable for people,” said Elliott.
Besides the course, there will be a clubhouse with men’s and women’s locker rooms, a pavilion, a grill and sandwich shop and a pro shop as well as driving range and practice facilities. There are also plans to develop walking trails and to have the course Audobon-approved as a bird sanctuary.
Golf course owner is one of several careers Elliott has had. He was formerly a farmer on the land and was then in the insurance business before being in sales since 1986. Beginning in 2003, he started developing the course, finding investors and getting the site permitted by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Elliott plans to run the course with his wife Janet and daughter Katie, who will serve as event coordinator. He has also hired Ryan Wing as course superintendent and Loren Smith as assistant superintendent, who will both care for the grass and course’s general maintenance.
Katie Elliott, who has a degree in recreation and leisure, will be focusing on using the course as a recreational facility by bringing schools and groups to the course.
“We offer diversity for what people want,” said Katie Elliott. “Events, outings, tournaments, conferences, birthday parties, it’s not limited to golf.”
The cost to play 18 holes on the semi-private course will be $28, which includes a cart. Other options will be available also. Limited memberships will be available.
The course is 20 miles south of West Winfield in Garrattsville and is just off Route 51. Signs will be up soon.