Like to golf but don't know where to play in central New York? Or just want to try some place new? Check out my Top 6 picks to hit the links.

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    Atunyote at Turning Stone

    Atunyote at Turning Stone is not only one of the nicest courses I've ever had the privilege to play on, but it's also the place Tadpole & I were crowned Media day champs years ago. The fairways are plusher than most carpets and the greens are pristine. Plus I can now say I've played on the same course as Tiger Woods. I even managed to par a hole or two, and that only happens if you hit it in the fairway because the rough is ROUGH! You'll pay for perfection though. A round of golf at Atunyote runs you about $200 for 18 holes and a cart.

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    Heron Creek Golf Club

    Tadpole & I are members at Heron Creek Golf Club in Clinton. For years we thought it was just a short par 3 course until one day it was the only place we could get on to play. To our surprise, we discovered it was a regulation 9 hole course. The course changed owners and names and the most impressive thing is the unbelievable transformation the course has undergone in such a short time. Owners Scott and Carrie Cook have worked overtime on all the upgrades, including landscaping, green work, digging several new ponds(thanks Scott!) and even making a miraculous recovery after a devastating flood. Greens fees are very affordable too.

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    Barker Brook Golf Club

    Barker Brook Golf Club in Oriskany Falls in one tough course. Its 18 holes of hills, sand traps and water. One par 3 green on the back nine is almost completely surrounded by water, so you'd better hit a good tee shot or you'll be swimming. If you're a walker, you may want to consider a cart for this course. The hills and valleys will give your legs a workout. Greens fees were only $30 for 18 holes with a cart when we teed off.

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    Pleasant Knolls at Turning Stone

    Pleasant Knolls at Turning Stone is just a 9 hole course with beautiful fairways and fast greens. It's very challenging and I'm usually happy to end the round shooting in the mid to upper 40's. Hole 9 is a par 5 around a pond. If you hit a great drive and have the nerve, you can go for the green in two shots and try your luck at putting in an eagle or a birdie. I've been on in two before but have never managed to sink the putt for anything more than a par. A round of golf at Pleasant Knolls with a cart will run you $20, which is a great price considering the other regulation courses at Turning Stone are $100 or more.

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    Valley View Golf Course

    Valley View Golf Course is owned by the City of Utica and is a challenging 18 hole course with hills, hills and more hills. Locals refer to it as "the view" because that's what you'll get when you play, a beautiful view of the hills and valleys of our area. The course was first built in the mid-1920's and redesigned in 1939 by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Greens fees will run you $10 for 9 holes and $20 for 18

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    Twin Ponds Golf Course

    Twin Ponds Golf Club is an 18 hole course in New York Mills. The beauty of Twin Ponds is you never have to make a tee time. It's first come, first serve on the first tee box. Prices range from $19 to $22 for 9 holes depending on the day of the week. If you want to play 18, it'll run you anywhere from $32 to $35 and prices include a cart. Twin Ponds also offers a beautiful backdrop for weddings and showers. Plus there is enough room for banquets and meetings.

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