Planning a Golf Trip to Lake George & Saratoga: Group Guide
A Donald Ross course above Lake George anchors the north end of the trip, and Saratoga Springs adds a Roger Rulewich design, a 27-hole state park facility and one of the country's oldest racetracks.
The courses to play
- The Sagamore Golf Course: Par-70 course in Bolton Landing designed and built under Donald Ross's personal supervision in 1928 and restored in the 1980s.
- Saratoga National Golf Club: Roger Rulewich design that opened on June 2, 2001, playing to a 146 slope from the back tees.
- Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course: 27 holes inside the state park; the original holes opened in 1936 and William Mitchell redesigned the Championship Course in the late 1950s.
- Top of the World Golf Resort: 18-hole course carved from the side of French Mountain overlooking Lake George, with on-site lodging.
Getting there
| Airport | Code | Drive to the golf |
|---|---|---|
| Albany International | ALB | about 55 min to Lake George |
Check live flights to ALB on Google Flights →
When to go
Courses in the Adirondack foothills run from spring into late fall. Summer brings the Saratoga racing meet, and September and early October bring cooler days and fall color.
Group tip
Before you book
- Lock the headcount in a multiple of four.
- Set the per-person budget with the cost calculator.
- Call the resort or golf desk directly and ask for group tee-time blocks, stay-and-play packages and the cancellation and rain policy.
- Collect deposits the week you book. Use the deposit tracker.
- Pick your format and build pairings.
Official resources
Fun facts about Lake George & Saratoga
- Lake George is 32 miles long and reaches a maximum depth of 196 feet. It is known as the Queen of American Lakes. source
- John Morrissey organized Saratoga's first thoroughbred meet on August 3, 1863, a month after the Battle of Gettysburg. source
- The Sagamore hotel occupies Green Island on Lake George and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983. source
- After William Mitchell's redesign, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player played a commemorative round to celebrate the reopening of the Saratoga Spa course. source
- Saratoga National's developers interviewed Nicklaus, Palmer and Rees Jones before choosing Roger Rulewich, a 34-year associate of Robert Trent Jones Sr., in 1996. source
Facts last checked November 7, 2026. How we check facts. Resort or tourism board? Send us updates for this guide.
Course details and access rules change. Confirm current tee-time policies and rates directly with each course before you book.
FAQ
When is the best time for a Lake George & Saratoga golf trip?
Courses in the Adirondack foothills run from spring into late fall. Summer brings the Saratoga racing meet, and September and early October bring cooler days and fall color. Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
What airport do you fly into for Lake George & Saratoga?
Albany International (ALB), about 55 min to Lake George.
What are the best courses at Lake George & Saratoga?
The Sagamore Golf Course, Saratoga National Golf Club, Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course, Top of the World Golf Resort.
Is Lake George & Saratoga good for a group golf trip?
Best for: Northeast groups who want classic golf, a lake setting and a summer racing day in one drive-in trip.. It works for groups of 4–12, 12–24 golfers.
How far ahead should we book Lake George & Saratoga?
For 8 or more golfers in peak season, plan 6–12 months out. Call the golf desk and ask about group tee-time blocks and package rates before you book rooms.
Similar trips
Turning Stone
Three championship courses, including a former PGA Tour venue, plus a casino and resort under one roof.
Bethpage State Park
Five public courses on Long Island, led by the Black, a U.S. Open, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup venue.
Cape Cod
Dozens of public courses, seaside towns and seafood. The New England summer golf trip, best in the shoulder season before and after the beach crowds.