Highland Greens Golf Course
Highland Greens golf course first opened for play in 1967. The course was designed by Al Zikorus.
The 9-hole Highland Greens Golf Course is a short but demanding par-3, 1,398 yard layout. Par for the course is 27, the course rating is 36.0 and the slope rating is90.
Highland Greens Golf Course was planned from the beginning, and is as planned, a lighted Par-3 facility. Locally renowned Golf Course architect Al Zikoris was hired for the project. His goal was to design a Par-3 golf course that would test every iron in your bag, and maybe a fairway wood or two. Using mostly native materials, he crafted his signature green complexes with their subtle reverse slopes and yawing bunkers. A classic example of this is the 3rd hole, the shortest hole on the course, which demands that you challenge two deep greenside bunkers. However, you will be just as severely punished if you miss the green long.
Another highlight of the design is the manmade pond on the 7th hole. Its distinctive black color is due to the rich peat soil below the surface. Dredged to a depth of nearly 30 feet along the left side, it is used as a water source for irrigation. To golfers, however, it represents a test of one’s nerves. The shot requires up to a 145-yard carry over the water. Many a golf ball, as well as a few golf clubs, has found a watery grave.
Highland Greens Golf Course sits on a piece of property that has some significant local history. The property was once owned and farmed by Revolutionary War Captain Ambrose Hine Jr. Captain Hine served with General Washington’s Continental Army in the Battle of Long Island. Later, he served defending the Hudson River.
His handiwork can be seen in many stonewalls located on the property. His home, where he raised his 9 children, is the red house located across the driveway from the 3rd tee. Horseshoes adorning the maintenance building are a reminder of nearly 200 years of farming. An interesting tidbit for you night golfers, it is rumored that there was an apple-jack still located, fittingly, just behind the 8th tee.