In 1963 the Catskill Mountains was THE place to be for families of influence in New York City. Grand resorts like the Concord, Kutsher’s, Nevele and Grossinger’s covered the mountain landscape as an escape from the sweltering summer heat of the city. The golf and social scene was robust and even the inspiration for the fictional Kellerman’s in the movie Dirty Dancing. Most importantly, Joe Finger along with pros Jimmy Demaret and Jackie Burke Jr had just created The Monster. This beast of a course stretched 7,650 yards and was heralded as one of the greatest in the country.
Sadly, the good times would not last and the area rapidly fell out of favor in the 1970’s. In an era of air conditioning and affordable airfares, other destinations rose to prominence and decades of steady decline would see many of the area golf courses shut their doors. The Monster did not survive.
It would not be until the year 2018 that the tides would turn once again. Resorts World Catskills opened for business and a buzz returned to the area. The resort, with two hotels, spa, casino, pool and even a TopGolf was a driving force for the local economy. To enhance the destination even further, they looked to golf course architect Rees Jones and Bryce Swanson to bring back The Monster. The new creation is a mixture of the former Monster and the Concord’s International course, which had also closed its doors back in 2009. The result is a championship golf course, but one that can be enjoyed by every type of golfer. Here is every hole on the revived Monster.
Hole #1 - Par 4 - 452 Yards
The golf course opens up with a player friendly dogleg left that allows the golfer to enjoy a short approach if they decide to challenge the bunker down the left side. The morning sun on the 1st hole is particularly spectacular.
Hole #2 - Par 3 - 200 yards
The par 3’s on The Monster are all relatively stout and the 2nd hole is no exception. The dry creek fronting this redan style golf hole provides a nice visual treat. The first few holes on The Monster provide a good opportunity for the player to get rolling with some easy pars and maybe even an early birdie.
Hole #3 - Par 4 - 378 Yards
The second shortest par 4 on the golf course requires some accuracy from the tee. A well placed tee ball should set up an opportunity for birdie on this undulating green. Pro tip: chip in for birdie to get the vibes rocking.
“We designed them (the greens) with more contour and movement, and changed them from simple ovals to a real mix of shapes. Every day will provide a different experience for the player.”
Hole #4 - Par 3 - 245 yards
The longest par 3 on the golf course plays downhill and inside of a cozy forest grove. A well struck long iron is required to find the putting surface. There is little protecting the green besides a bunker on the right hand side.
Hole #5 - Par 4 - 415 yards
One of my favorite golf holes on The Monster is a relatively short par 4 that gives the golfer the option to challenge the bunkers on the right hand side of the fairway. A big and accurate drive sets up a scoring opportunity.
Hole #6 - Par 5 - 552 Yards
The most undulating golf hole on the property starts off with a blind tee shot. Hit one big and you will be rewarded with an excellent chance to find the green in 2 shots.
“There’s no repetitive hole. Every hole has its own distinct characteristics. We were given a wonderful piece of property to create the new course.”
Hole #7 - Par 4 - 403 yards
An opportunity to strike awaits the thoughtful golfer on the 7th hole. A well placed tee shot should stay short of the pond and will only require a short iron into this receptive green.
Hole #8 - Par 4 - 450 yards
Playing out from a chute of trees, the 8th hole provides the first real big test of length on The Monster. I found myself in the trees off of the tee and above the hole on the green and carded a smooth 6.
Hole #9 - Par 5 - 574 yards
This dogleg right par 5 only provides the most lengthy and accurate tee shots an opportunity to find the green in two. Most golfers would be wise to avoid the strategically placed bunkers and approach the green with a wedge.
Hole #10 - Par 4 - 419 yards
This straightaway par 4 plays down one of The Monsters original forest corridors. Like many of the golf holes on The Monster, there are very little surprises on the modest 10th.
Hole #11 - Par 4 - 453 yards
As evidenced by the extra set of photographs, the 11th hole on The Monster is undoubtedly my favorite hole to photograph. The light spills through the trees majestically in the evenings and I was there to capture the magic with my camera. With the course gazebo overseeing the green, the golf hole is beautifully bunkered and one of the best 2 shot holes on the property.
WARNING: You need a special permit to stand on top of the golf cart and this move is reserved for professionals only.
Hole #12 - Par 5 - 575 yards
The Monster finds its first real interaction with water on the winding 12th hole. The previous version of this hole played over the hazard but the green has been relocated in a much more accessible and player friendly location. Finding the green in two shots is still reserved for only the boldest of golfers.
“The era of the very difficult golf course with only forced carries, whether it be over sand, fescue or water, has passed. Architects are still building championship-worthy golf courses, but by the same token we give the average golfer an alternate shot.”
Hole #13 - Par 4 - 365 yards
The shortest par 4 on The Monster will tempt most players to reach for the driver and go for the green. With the water hazard fronting the entire right hand side of the golf hole, the layup also requires precision. The prudent move is to go big with the driver and aim slightly left of the green. A plateau on the back left portion of the green adds some interest.
Hole #14 - Par 3 - 190 yards
The shortest par 4 on The Monster is followed by the shortest par 3. Most golfers will have a mid to short iron into this island-ish green. Time to dial in your game and go flag hunting.
Hole #15 - Par 5 - 541 yards
The shortest par 3 on The Monster is followed by the shortest par 5. The 15th is a real opportunity to hit two good shots and putt for eagle. Several fairway bunkers complicate the layup shot but the 15th is a juicy opportunity for birdie.
Hole #16 - Par 4 - 410 yards
The wildlife and the tee markers distracted me from capturing the 16th hole with the proper attention that it deserves. The majority of the challenge on the 16th is finding the fairway from the tee box. A diagonal water hazard gives an advantage to those clearing the hazard and playing down the left hand side.
Hole #17 - Par 3 - 220 yards
The Monster’s final par 3 is another mid to long iron shot into a receptive green. Two bunkers protect the putting surface to the left and right and are sure to swallow up any wayward tee shots.
Hole #18 - Par 4 - 485 yards
The finishing hole on The Monster is exactly that, a freaking monster. While it is not untamable, it does require a monster tee ball if you want a short iron and an opportunity at a closing birdie. The green is also one of the most creative on the course. Once you reach the putting surface several dramatic sloping tiers will challenge the golfer. Those that miss the green left are treated to a dramatic and penalizing slope. A par here can feel like a birdie.
“Golfers are going to be treated to a beautiful but challenging hole which could be considered one of the strongest holes you’ll see in the state of New York”
