En-Joie GC
Endicott, NY (on the NY/PA border near Binghamton)
'10 Rates: $49 weekday ride, $59 weekend ride, $42 after 3PM
Fat Guy Research: En-Joie hosted the PGA Tour's B.C. Open (I always thought it was in British Columbia?!) from 1971-2005, and now hosts an annual Champions Tour event. Built in 1927 by the owner of the Endicott-Johnson shoe factory, and designed by Ernie Smith. Renovated in '98-'99 by Michael Hurzdan, who converted the former flat, round greens into more modern, larger, undulating surfaces. The course is traditional parkland with tree-lined fairways and rolling elevation changes. Golf Digest 4 stars. A top-shelf muni, particularly this far out in the sticks.
Where To Booze & Grub Nearby: Endicott is a classic Americana big town/small city. Some of the nicer restaurants per a web search include Consol Family Kitchen (Italian, www.consols.net), Nirchi's (Italian, www.nirchisrestaurant.com), and Lampy's (Meditteranean/Seafood, 105 W Main). For an upscale steak, drive over to Binghamton's Number 5. A southern-tier landmark housed in an old fire station, Number 5 excels when it comes to preparing steaks and chops (33 South Washington Street, Binghamton; 607-723-0555, www.number5restaurant.com. $$$).
Also Play: The Links at Hiawatha Landing (Apalachian NY, about 15 minutes away).
See Also: T&L Golf's Finger Lakes Golf Weekend