Saratoga National Golf Club

About the club

Roger Rulewich created the design for Saratoga National in Saratoga Springs, which is located not far from the state capital, and which opened its doors in 2001. It is not only a fine public course but a fine course period, and, thanks to steep green fees, the service, maintenance and facilities rival those at members-only facilities. Situated on sprawling grounds where horses were once bred and raised, the layout is probably best experienced from a cart. Expect to find more than one forced carry, abundant bunkers, some quaint spans over water—which is very much a factor on the 13th and 15th holes—and quite large greens. Indeed, the test here was considered so severe that Rulewich came back some time later to tone down some of the more difficult aspects of his design. Yearly admission can be purchased en bloc, but most players here visit only occasionally.