The Southern Dutchess Country Club, Beacon, NY

My wife and I had the opportunity today to play Southern Dutchess. The course is in nice shape, especially since a foot of snow fell on it a week ago. The greens especially were in great shape and ran smooth.

Southern Dutchess is a private 9 hole, par 35 (for men) parkland style course in Beacon very close to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, bordered roughly by woods near the Hudson River to the west, a row of houses to the south, Route 9D to the east and Interstate 84 to the north. The course has 18 tees, so you get a different look the second time around. The 8th hole was my favorite hole -- it is a par 4 that starts out flat, then your second shot ascends to an elevated green. All in all, a very nice course that played private course-like quick.

Southern Dutchess has reciprocal arrangements with at least two other local courses (Storm King in Cornwall and Sedgewood in Carmel) - we got on the course through this arrangement. The club has a pool, a banquet room and a small bar/restaurant. The pro was very friendly and accomodating, as was the young lady bartender and some of the other members we met in the bar. A nice overall experience.

In short, a nice, challenging course, friendly staff. If you live in the area, give this course a try. This month, they are running an open house special where non-members can try the course out.