Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Turning Stone Resort Atunyote

82

Verona, New York

Established
2004
Architect
Tom Fazio (with Beau Welling, 2004 build team)
Access
Resort
Par
Par 72
Length
5,120 – 7,315 yds
Green Fees
$$$
The verdict

Polished, Playable Championship Test

Atunyote balances elite tournament pedigree and player-friendly design, serving up Fazio sophistication with every hole. Expect a scenic, meticulously conditioned round that challenges power and precision alike. This is New York resort golf for travelers seeking more than just another casino course.

Course DNA
Difficulty
80
Scenery
82
Conditioning
92
Shot Variety
79
Walkability
72
Green Complexity
78
Wow Factor
76
Design Quality
85
Don't miss

After your round, relax at the Adirondack-style clubhouse patio overlooking the 18th green—a favorite spot for post-round stories, drinks, and casino buzz.

At a glance

Quick facts

PGA Tour Host
Turning Stone Resort Championship (2007–2010)
Augusta Inspiration
Design inspired by Augusta National
Best Rank
#55 on Golf Digest 100 Greatest Public (2013–14)
Water Features
Multiple lakes, streams, and bold bunkering
Longest Par 3
No. 11, 210 yards
Notable Champions
Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar
Pro Practice Center
Adjacent to new, extensive practice facility
Casino Resort
Located at acclaimed Turning Stone Resort
The design

The architecture

Atunyote is pure Fazio championship parkland: sweeping fairways bordered by native grasses, bold water hazards, and sculpted bunker complexes, all set on gently rolling upstate landscape. Inspired by Augusta National, the design favors visual drama and strategic shot values rather than penal trickery, giving room off the tee but demanding sharp position and disciplined play into contoured greens. The routing flows gracefully across broad terrain with numerous risk-reward par fives, artful par threes, and a masterful closing sequence—all meticulously maintained to PGA Tour standards. Every tee shot and approach is a test of both nerve and skill, rewarding boldness only when paired with intelligent course management.

Fazio’s parkland template, tweaked for championship theater and everyday playability.

Defining features
  • Expansive Fazio-style fairways with visual framing
  • Augusta-inspired green complexes and surrounds
  • Multiple water hazards and streams in play
  • Large, undulating putting surfaces with sectional quadrants
  • Strategically-placed bunkers forcing shot-planning
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 8

Risk-Reward Creek Par Five

PAR
5
YARDAGE
527

This standout par 5 tempts longer hitters to aim for the green in two but demands steely precision to avoid the creek and notorious trouble lurking down the right. The layup presents choices—hug the edge for an aggressive angle or play safely left and accept a longer approach into a big, undulating green.

Play it smart

Strategic layup is often rewarded, but bold play brings eagle into the conversation if you’re precise off the tee and on the second.

Where it bites

Water right and deep bunkers create double-bogey risks for anyone forcing the issue.

Course management

Shots to think about

Tee shot on 1
Prioritize fairway—resist temptation to cut too much, a center-left play leaves an open approach and calms first-tee nerves.
Second shot on 5
Don’t force the green in two—set up your favorite wedge distance for a real birdie opportunity.
Approach on 9
Commit to your line; hitting the correct green quadrant is crucial to avoid a three-putt or tough up-and-down.
Par 3 tee shot on 11
Take the full club and trust your yardage—coming up short brings bunkers and bogey into play fast.
Layup on 12
Advance far enough to clear fairway hazards but avoid flirting with the water; a smooth wedge setup beats wild aggression every time.
Drive on 14
It’s tempting to overpower this short par 4, but centering your tee ball gives the best look at a deceptively tricky green.
Second shot on 18
If in doubt, lay up left for a simple pitch—missing right brings water and round-busting numbers into play.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Immaculate fairways and greens, top-tier Fazio polish, and fast, true surfaces every day.

Pace

Resort-quick but deliberate: expect 4.5 hours on weekends, faster midweek.

Vibe

Upscale, high-energy golf trip atmosphere—think destination with a tournament buzz more than quiet club.

Dress code

Collared shirts and proper golf slacks or shorts required; soft-spike shoes recommended.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Book Early for Tee Time

Peak season tee sheets fill fast, especially on weekends—secure your slot well ahead of arrival.

02

Bring Rain Gear

Upstate New York weather can shift quickly; pack a quality rain jacket and extra towels, just in case.

03

Stretch for Long Walks

Though walkable, the course’s length means a full 18 can be a real trek on foot; consider warming up properly.

04

Tune Up Putting

Fast, tiered greens are Atunyote’s hallmark—sharpen your lag putting before your round for stress-free two-putts.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 2004

    Atunyote opens, designed by Tom Fazio.

  2. 2006

    Host of BC Open (PGA Tour), stepping in after En-Joie floods.

  3. 2016

    Hosts PGA Professional Championship.

Stories & legends

What makes it special

tournament-history

From Flood Rescue to PGA Tour Regular

Atunyote’s championship cred was forged when it hosted the BC Open on just weeks’ notice after torrential rain swamped En-Joie. The course’s effortless handling of world-class pros led directly to its four-year PGA Tour run, cementing its status as the region’s elite tournament venue.

architecture

Fazio’s Augusta-Inspired Vision

When Tom Fazio designed Atunyote, he leaned heavily on Augusta National’s playbook: generous fairways, bold bunkers, and impeccably conditioned, undulating greens. The result is a layout that rewards thoughtful play and feels grand from the first tee to the final putt.

notable-champions

Tour Winners’ Row

Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar both claimed their first PGA Tour victories at Atunyote, adding big-league validation to its polished test. Their wins are a badge of honor for the course and a talking point in the casino bar after your round.

course-conditioning

Elite Conditioning, Legendary Comparisons

During the Tour years, Chris DiMarco famously likened Atunyote’s conditioning to Augusta National. That standard continues, as GolfPass and reviewers routinely rave about the pristine fairways and velvet greens.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Hosted the PGA Tour despite opening only two years before its first major championship.

2

The course name 'Atunyote' (uh-DUNE-yo) means 'eagle' in the Oneida language.

3

Chris DiMarco said the conditioning rivaled Augusta National during the Tour years.

4

Dustin Johnson’s first career PGA Tour win came here.

5

Atunyote’s Adirondack clubhouse was used as the winner’s interview spot for PGA events.

Build the trip

If you're planning a Upstate resort golf trip

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Turning Stone Shenendoah
Resort

Scenic, modern and perfectly complements Atunyote’s test.

Turning Stone Kaluhyat
Resort

Dramatic elevation changes and bold greens for shotmakers.

Leatherstocking Golf Course
Resort

Classic lakeside course with historic charm in Cooperstown.

The Links at Erie Village
Public

Fun alternative near Syracuse if you want pure playability.

The Traditions at the Glen
Public

Distinct Upstate setting and a solid-value second round.

Turning Stone Resort for on-property golf, dining, and entertainment—no driving required.

Course DNA

If You Like Turning Stone Resort Atunyote

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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