Atunyote Golf Club at Turning Stone Resort

Atunyote—the Oneida word for eagle—soars above the inland Northeast as Turning Stone Resort's crown jewel championship layout. Designed by the legendary Tom Fazio in 2004, this course hosted the PGA Tour's Turning Stone Resort Championship from 2007–2010, where champions like Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar carved their names into its pristine scorecard. The course unfolds across rolling hills dotted with man-made lakes, tranquil waterfalls, and streams, all anchored by elegant stonework, over a thousand planted trees, and meticulous landscaping that evokes the grandeur of Augusta National.

What makes Atunyote exceptional for groups is the sheer ambition of its setting and conditioning. The dramatic two-mile entrance drive through ornate gates builds anticipation for the lavish clubhouse with a country-club-style restaurant and pro shop. The practice facilities rival anything you'll find at a private club—a sprawling grass range, enormous short-game area with three bunkers, and the ability to work on shots up to 50 yards on real greens. The course plays to 7,315 yards from the back tees but offers five sets of tees, ranging from 5,120 to 7,315 yards, making it playable for varying skill levels.

The challenge comes not from excessive length but from Fazio's brilliant bunkering strategy and oversized, undulating greens. Large, gorgeous bunkers frame fairways generously, and the subtle movements in the putting surfaces befuddle many a player. Water runs along the back nine on select holes, but overall, the course rewards smart positioning and solid execution over raw power.