Turning Stone, NY

The 3rd year of the East Islip crew's annual Ryder Cup trip brought us to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY—about an hour outside Syracuse and just far enough to feel like a getaway without requiring another year of flights. The Long Island crew logged roughly four hours on the road, not exactly quick but absolutely worth it once we arrived.

Turning Stone checked every box we look for in a Ryder Cup venue: great golf, legit practice facilities, a mix of restaurants, free shuttle service to Atunyote, and—most importantly for our group—an on‑site casino that kept the competition going long after the final putt dropped.

We kicked off the trip at Atunyote, Turning Stone’s crown jewel and former PGA Tour host, and the experience started before we even stepped out of the car. Pulling up to the property, we were met by massive bronze gates that opened slowly as if welcoming us into something special. It immediately set the tone: this wasn’t just another resort course—this was a place built for championship golf. The practice facilities backed that up with a dedicated short‑game area for every shot inside 60 yards (bunkers included), a huge grass range, and a pristine practice green anchored by a Rolex clock, the universal sign you’re about to play a class course.

Once we got out on the course, the details kept stacking up. Atunyote is framed by wide fairways, perfectly manicured rough, and bunkers that look like they were carved with a ruler. Streams weave through the property, flowers line the edges of holes, and there’s even a functioning old‑school phone booth tucked along the way. The best surprise might’ve been the classic beverage cart—no frills, just pure nostalgia and good vibes. Everything about Atunyote pushes you into “lock‑in” mode. As an opener for the Boys Ryder Cup, it couldn’t have set the stage any better: big course, big atmosphere, big expectations.

Day 2 was a doubleheader, and Turning Stone delivered two completely different flavors of golf. Both courses sit right on the resort property, which meant everyone could roll in on their own schedule—some showing up minutes before tee time, others grinding through a full warm‑up routine on the range.

Shenendoah was up first—a player‑friendly layout with wide landing areas, clean visuals, and a rhythm that eases you into the round. It was exactly what the group needed after a night in the casino and the lingering haze of secondhand (or self‑inflicted) cigarette smoke. Shenendoah gives you chances to score if you’re swinging it well, but there’s enough movement, water, and subtle trouble to keep you honest. It’s fun, it’s fair, and it’s the perfect morning track for Ryder Cup matches.

Then came Kaluhyat, which is a completely different beast. Tight corridors, forced carries, wetlands everywhere, and a design that demands precision on every swing. It’s the kind of course that makes you think, makes you grind, and punishes anything even slightly offline. You want to make sure you’re playing a format that guarantees you reach the finishing stretch, because those closing holes are ones you absolutely don’t want to miss. If Shenendoah is the handshake, Kaluhyat is the test. Playing both in the same day gave the Ryder Cup the perfect balance—one round to score, one round to survive.

Singles Sunday brought us back to Shenendoah, and it was the right call. After the brutality of Kaluhyat, returning to a course with more scoring opportunities made the final day feel competitive rather than punishing. Shenendoah’s mix of reachable par 5s, strategic par 4s, and a few holes where nerves can absolutely get you made it an ideal stage for settling the Ryder Cup. The course gives you chances, but it doesn’t give you anything for free—exactly what you want during singles matches and when everything is on the line.

Turning Stone ended up being one of the best value trips we’ve taken for the Boys Ryder Cup. All three courses—Atunyote, Shenendoah, and Kaluhyat—rank inside the Top 100 Courses in New York, including private clubs. That alone tells you the kind of golf you’re getting for the price. Add in the fact that everything is on property and within walking distance, and the convenience factor starts stacking up fast.

The resort itself checked every box. The hotel rooms were clean, modern, and came with a small living space that made hanging out easy. The steakhouse and Italian restaurant gave us legit dinner options without ever leaving the property. The casino and sportsbook were spotless, lively, and had a wide range of table games and minimums—perfect for both the degenerates and the budget‑conscious grinders. And the free shuttle to Atunyote made getting to the crown jewel of the trip completely seamless.

Practice facilities were another win: grass driving ranges at every course, plus Atunyote’s full short‑game setup that lets you hit every shot from 60 yards and in. For a Ryder Cup weekend, having that kind of prep space matters.

If there’s one con, it’s the weather. Early fall in Verona can get cold, and frost delays are a real possibility. (Not that I was complaining on singles day when a frost delay bought me an extra hour of sleep after a late‑night heater at the blackjack table.) But honestly, that’s nitpicking. The golf, the convenience, the food, the casino—it all added up to a trip that delivered way more than it cost.

Price for Golf & Lodging: $$