The journey to one of the country’s most exclusive public golf experiences begins with a deliberate sense of arrival. As you pass through the magnificent, towering wrought-iron gates of Atunyote Golf Club and meander along a two-mile ribbon of road through dense, rolling woodlands, the noise of the modern world fades entirely. When the expansive, stately wood-sided clubhouse finally emerges from the trees, you quickly realize this is not just another round of golf—it is a masterclass in luxury. Nestled in Verona, New York, and meticulously operated by the Oneida Indian Nation, Turning Stone Resort Casino has quietly established itself as the ultimate premier vacation destination in the Northeast. While the resort features a world-class casino, twenty exceptional dining venues, and serene luxury spas, it is the caliber of the golf that commands national attention. Turning Stone holds the rare distinction of being the only resort in the Northeast to boast two courses in Golf Digest’s coveted “Top 100 Greatest Public Courses” rankings.
For the discerning player, the resort’s crown jewel is undeniably Atunyote. Named after the Oneida word for eagle—whose real-life counterparts can regularly be seen soaring above the fairways—this magnificent track was built to the uncompromising standards of the PGA Tour, famously hosting elite professionals from 2007 to 2010.
A Fazio Masterpiece Sculpted from Nature Ranked as the #3 public course in New York State, Atunyote is a visual triumph designed by the legendary Tom Fazio. Fazio is renowned for his ability to dramatically reshape the earth while making the result look completely organic, and Atunyote is perhaps his finest canvas.
Fazio moved massive volumes of soil to sculpt a terrain defined by pristine, manicured fairways framed by native fescue grasses, vibrant wetlands, and over a thousand beautifully mature trees. Cascading waterfalls and tranquil lakes guard the greens, demanding precise shotmaking while offering breathtaking views from every tee box. The course is long, challenging, and immaculate, yet it remains incredibly fair and playable for golfers of all skill levels. World-Class Preparation, Year-Round The commitment to excellence extends far beyond the 18th green. Turning Stone caters to the dedicated golfer with an extraordinary seven-story indoor Golf Dome. Stretching over a football field in length, this massive facility houses 40 hitting stations, cutting-edge simulators, a sprawling 17,000-square- foot short-game practice area, and a premium 5,000-square-foot Superstore equipped with the latest tour-level fitting technology. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself on the penal, shotmaker’s layout of sister course Kaluhyat (ranked #7 in the state), enjoy the classic parkland beauty of Shenendoah, or spend a quiet afternoon soaking in the panoramic vistas from Atunyote’s clubhouse patio, Turning Stone delivers an elite golf getaway. It stands proudly as one of the most elegant, plush, and unforgettable golf experiences in the country.
By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012