Baseball and Cooperstown. The perfect match.com pairing. But search longer and you’ll soon discover that Cooperstown is also a golf lover’s match made in heaven. This classic Americana village is home to one of the most elite—and oldest—golf courses in the East, the breathtaking 72 par Leatherstocking Golf Course at the elegant Otesaga Resort Hotel.
The course, which dates to 1909, is a stunner, especially the view from the 11th tee box looking across the course and the Otsego Lake, says Otesaga General Manager, John Irvin. In fact, playing a round of golf at Leatherstocking is also a way to connect with nature—the Audubon International Society has designated Leatherstocking a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” Birdies are important to the game of golf, and just as important to the Otesaga; the resort takes great care of its Audubon bird houses that are scattered throughout the picturesque golf course as part of its commitment to preserving the wildlife in this neck of the woods. Leatherstocking’s greens are also green friendly—eco-friendly fertilization and weed kill are exclusively used.
Got kids? Leatherstocking is offering a $50 junior greens fee for the youngest of golfers (17 and under) all summer and fall, when playing with an adult. And, while you will want to, you won’t have to stay at the Otesaga to play at Leatherstocking. Many of Cooperstown’s best bed and breakfast inns, including the Otesaga’s sister property, the pretty Cooper Inn located just a golf swing away, offer packages that link you with the links (pay one price, get unlimited golf.)
Upcoming Father’s Day weekend is huge in Cooperstown and, like baseball, a golf outing is ideal for bonding and creating father-son-and-daughter memories. Of course mom, too. Although, if she isn’t game, she doesn’t have to putter around. The four-diamond Otesaga is a girl’s best friend and she can trade tee for tea, as well as indulge in other activities at the pampering resort.
That same weekend, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is hosting the third annual Hall of Fame Classic, a baseball game played by Hall of Famers (Phil Niekro, Ozzie Smith, Goose Gossage, to name a few) and about 20 retired players. Part of the weekend festivities is the Hall of Fame Classic Weekend Golf Tournament at Leatherstocking where golfers get the chance to golf with a Hall of Famer.
For more information about the Otesaga or Leatherstocking, call 800-348-6222 or visit otesaga.com.
