VERONA – At the close of the 2021 golf season, Turning Stone set a new record for the number of guests who travel to upstate New York to experience its golf courses.
The destination resort saw the number of golfers increase by almost 50% this year, with 45% more golfers booking overnight stays and arriving from 41 different countries. This record year for golf tourism coincides with historic levels of investment by the Oneida Indian Nation in the area, including The Cove in Sylvan Beach, a new $ 25 million vacation destination opening next summer, and major upgrades at Turning Stone such as a completely new showroom.
Turning Stone golf season 2021 in numbers:
• Golfers from 41 states visited Turning Stone this year;
• Almost 50% more rounds of golf played;
• 45% more overnight stays by golfers;
• Visits by Mid-Atlantic (PA, MD, VA) golfers tripled;
• Visits from tri-state golfers (NY, NJ, CT) doubled;
• Visits from southeast golfers doubled.
Turning Stone opened its first 18-hole course – Shenendoah – more than two decades ago.
Now with 70+ golf staff including many PGA pros, five golf courses, a state-of-the-art golf dome with one of the few indoor short-game practice facilities in the country, and a sprawling golf superstore that becomes the latest in clothing and bespoke golf equipment, the Turning Stone golf experience touted as one of the best in the country.
“The massive increase in guests coming to our area to play golf from across the county is more than just a year-long anomaly,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and CEO of Oneida Nation Enterprises. “We have learned from decades of experience that guests return year after year after visiting Upstate New York and seeing everything our region has to offer. Golf was a catalyst in transforming Turning Stone into the world-class travel destination it is today and has played an essential role in bringing visitors to the region from around the world. “
Golf at Turning Stone has drawn new visitors to the area for decades, from the days of the Turning Stone Championship, a four-year PGA Tour event where Dustin Johnson celebrated his first PGA victory, to several years of the Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge that brought thousands of golf fans to upstate New York to see golf legends like Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler, Annika Sorenstam and Natalie Gulbis.
“Our record-breaking golf season is an outstanding achievement for our employees and regional partners, who are all committed to making our region a top golf and tourist destination,” said Miles Blundell, Director of Golf and Recreation. “Many of our new guests have already rebooked golf trips for next year. When they visited Turning Stone and saw all the remarkable recreational activities in our region, guests knew they no longer had to travel west or overseas to have an exceptional golfing experience. ”
Turning Stone was recognized for its golf experience by several industry leaders this year, including Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice Award for the Northeast’s Best Golf Resorts; The Golf Channel Golf Advisor rates Turning Stone’s three 18-hole golf courses as the top three courses in New York; Casino Player Magazine named Turning Stone the best golf course in New York; and Northeast Golf Magazine, which recognizes Turning Stone with three of its Best in Golf Awards for the best travel destinations and destinations, the best public golf courses and the best teachers in New York.