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Leatherstocking
Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake Street • Cooperstown, NY 13326
(800) 348-6222 • www.otesaga.com
18 Holes • Open April-October
Overview
Golf and baseball – the perfect double play. If you need additional incentive to visit The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and some of the most thrilling sports exhibits in the world in Cooperstown, N.Y., consider that you can also reminisce about your favorite teams and players over a challenging game of golf on one of the East’s oldest and most elite courses. Just a half-mile down the road from the shrine to baseball’s greats is The Otesaga Resort Hotel and its classic Leatherstocking Golf Course. The course, which dates to 1909, is a stunner, especially the view from the 11th tee box looking across the course and Lake Otsego, says Otesaga General Manager John Irvin. The Leatherstocking finishes with a flourish along the Lake, too. You’ll need to carry the Lake on the par-3 17th and follow up with a drive off the par-5 18th island tee. The finishing hole takes a long dogleg left around the Lake, and ends right in front of The Otesaga Resort Hotel’s spacious veranda.
Architect & History
A challenging, 18-hole course designed by Devereux Emmet in 1909 populated with many small greens protected by bunkers overlooking pastoral Lake Otsego in historic Cooperstown.
Lodging
The Otesaga Resort Hotel, a 135-room Grand Dame resort, has appealed to golfers playing the Leatherstocking Golf Course as well as Cooperstown’s historic attractions for more than a century. A member of the Historic Hotels of America and a AAA Four-Diamond hotel, it is open from mid-April through Thanksgiving weekend. The Hotel also affords guests relaxing overnight accommodations for exploring Cooperstown’s cultural institutions — the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, The Farmers’ Museum, and the Glimmerglass Festival (Opera). A convenient getaway distance from New York, Boston, Philadelphia and other Northeastern and mid-Atlantic cities, The Otesaga and Leatherstocking Golf Course are is easily accessible by car, rail and air.
Food & Beverage
At the Leatherstocking Golf Grill & Patio (seasonal) you can compare golf scores over a cold beverage while you enjoy our light, grilled menu either indoors or outdoors on the patio overlooking the golf course and Lake Otsego. The adjacent Otesaga Resort Hotel includes a formal Main Dining Room and more casual Hawkeye Bar & Grill with patio overlooking Lake Otsego and the Golf Course, as well as a Lobby Bar in the Main Lobby.
Awards & Honors
The Otesaga was voted one of the “Top 50 U.S. Golf Resorts” by Condé Nast Traveler readers because it combines gracious hospitality, first-rate accommodations and fine dining. Leatherstocking was recently named one of Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play," awarded 4½ stars by Golf Digest (2012), received the second highest overall rating for public courses in New York state, New Jersey and Connecticut by Zagat (2010), and ranked “one of the ten best public courses in the state” by Golfweek (2009).
Instruction
Director of Golf Dan Spooner and his staff of professional instructors conduct the teaching program and are available on a daily basis to either individuals or groups. Scheduled reservations are required. The Leatherstocking Driving Range consists of natural grass teeing areas, target greens and a practice bunker. The practice facility is located three-quarters of a mile north on Lake Street from The Hotel. Range tokens may be purchased either at the driving range or in the Golf Shop. Golf cart and equipment rentals are also available.
Weddings & Marquee Events
The Otesaga wedding specialists guide couples through the planning of their day. They assist with the myriad of details from flowers, linens, and entertainment to custom-designed wedding menus, all reflecting the party's unique tastes and preferences. The East Lawn of The Hotel is a wonderful location for a summer wedding ceremony, accommodating up to 200 guests. The ceremony includes the location fee, chair rental, and setup, as well as an alternative indoor location. The Hotel also offers numerous intimate and unique locations for smaller, private ceremonies. As The Otesaga’s experienced wait staff circulates with delicious passed hors d’oeuvres and specialty beverages, guests indulge in the spectacular view from the colonnaded Veranda that runs 180 feet along the north façade of The Hotel. Partially covered, it is a practical location through most weather conditions. The Grand Ballroom will comfortably hold up to 180 guests for a sit-down dinner, allowing ample room for the head table, entertainment, and dance floor.
Non-Golf Activities
Just across from The Leatherstcoking Golf Course, a wonderful morning or afternoon awaits you at The Farmers’ Museum, located just a short distance from The Otesaga. The Museum provides an opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of New York State’s rural past. Stroll exhibits and over a dozen historic buildings where skilled artisans still practice their historic crafts. Take a ride on The Empire State Carousel, a beautiful hand-carved example of a traditional country fair ride. It's open April 1-Oct. 31. The Fenimore Art Museum, located just north of Leatherstocking, contains the premier collection of American folk and decorative art. It also includes the acclaimed Thaw Collection of over 500 Native American works of art. It's open April 1-Dec. 31. And of course, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located on Main Street in the Village, is only a brief walk or trolley ride from the course and hotel. The Museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the off-season. Finally, the Glimmerglass Festival is a professional, non-profit organization that offers approximately 40 performances of four musical productions that run in rotation during July and August on Lake Otsego's northwest short. Since its opening in 1987, the company’s Alice Busch Opera Theater has been home to more than 85 different productions.
Frequent Player Discounts
Annual subscriptions are available. And guests of The Otesaga Resort Hotel and Cooper Inn can receive discounts.
Map & Directions to Leatherstocking
From the west (Buffalo/Syracuse): Take Exit 30 off the New York State Thruway (I-90) at Herkimer and take Route 28 South to Cooperstown. After entering the village, turn left onto Chestnut Street. Follow Chestnut Street through the stoplight to Lake Street. Turn left onto Lake Street. The Hotel is located on the right.
From the east (Albany): Take the New York State Thruway (I-90) to Exit 25A and I-88 to Duanesburg (5 miles), Exit 24 then Route 20 West to Route 80 South to Cooperstown. After entering the village, The Otesaga is on the left, just past The Golf Course on Lake Street.
From the south (Binghamton/Oneonta): Take I-88 to Oneonta, Exit 17 to Route 28 North to Cooperstown. After entering the village follow Chestnut Street through the stoplight to Lake Street. Turn left onto Lake Street. The Hotel is on the right.
From the south (NYC): Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) north. At Albany, continue on New York State Thruway (I-90 West) to Exit 25A (I-88 Binghamton) to Exit 24 (Duanesburg). Follow Route 20 West to Route 80 South to Cooperstown. After entering the village, The Otesaga is on the left.
To Albany International Airport (70 miles): 75 minutes
To Syracuse Hancock International Airport (80) miles: 80 minutes