VERONA, N.Y. – Matt Falvo possesses an effortless grace as he strolls through the verdant landscape of a golf course, his impressive driver slung over his shoulder, a confident stride accompanying his charming, coy smile. His comfort reaches new heights when he treads upon one of the three championship courses nestled within the picturesque Turning Stone resort, a prominent casino destination located in the serene heart of Central New York, just east of Syracuse. Now serving as the esteemed director of golf courses and grounds, Falvo boasts nearly 25 years of experience at this enchanting property, making him intimately familiar with every nuanced detail of its sprawling, pastoral beauty.
As he navigates the scenic fairways of the captivating Shenendoah course, often heralded by resort staff as the ideal starting point for newcomers, Falvo fondly gestures towards his home nearby. The proud father also beams as he shares that his son, towering at 6-foot-4, is a formidable defensive end on a local high school football team whose games are hosted at a campus that is clearly visible from the beautifully manicured Turning Stone grounds.
Falvo has an arsenal of amusing anecdotes from the days when the resort hosted the PGA Tour’s Turning Stone Resort Championship from 2007 to 2010. He skillfully sidesteps specific details about John Daly’s brief and infamous appearance in the 2008 event; however, when questioned whether the two-time major champion perhaps spent a tad too much time in the lively casino before his first round, Falvo pauses, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
“All I’ll say is this,” Falvo replies, concealing a mischievous smirk. “He only played seven holes. And it took a while to figure out that he was gone when he left.”
Despite his deep-rooted knowledge of the expansive and ever-evolving casino property, Falvo remains modest about the daunting challenges posed by the resort’s most formidable course. In his signature laid-back manner, he highlights that many returning players often draw comparisons between the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Kaluhyat course and another iconic golfing destination nearly 400 miles away.
“It’s not my job to say so, but people love to tell me that this course is harder than Bethpage Black,” Falvo remarked, leaning into the casual banter. “That’s them. Not me. But I hear it all the time.”
Kaluhyat boasts a slope rating of 145, undeniably positioning it among the state’s toughest golfing challenges; although it still falls short of Bethpage Black’s intimidating slope rating of 155, the debate endures regarding its placement alongside the municipal course set to host the 2025 Ryder Cup.
While there are no signs alerting players to the course’s formidable challenges ahead—perhaps there should be—both starters and pro shop attendants are keen to ensure that players are adequately prepared before teeing off on what lies ahead. During my visit, I encountered three different staff members who humorously probed whether I was ready to face the course’s potential brutality.
Although it may threaten to wreak havoc on your handicap, Kaluhyat generously rewards players with breathtaking vistas and astonishing holes. The elevated tee box on the second hole offers a stunning panoramic view, while its fairway, lined intricately with trees, resembles a tight corridor that demands absolute precision from golfers. Successfully finding the short grass will be the key to scoring.
The enthralling par-4 fourth hole entices players to unleash their drives down the left side of the fairway, daring them to carry a small bunker while leaving a straightforward wedge approach. However, just the slightest misjudgment in direction could lead to entanglement in dense grass and a daunting line of trees. Navigating a bad bounce off the fairway could also lead to a similarly challenging shot. A safer approach would be to play a mid-iron toward the right side of the fairway, creating a better angle for another mid-iron shot to the green.
Easy in theory, yet mentally challenging to execute when faced with the course’s relentless demands.
As fatigue sets in from battling Kaluhyat’s challenges, the perilous par-5 No. 13 presents a tantalizing Bay Hill-like risk-reward opportunity, enticing ambitious players to engage with a lake that looms on the right, beckoning those with the courage and skill to take a calculated risk.
Turning Stone
During my round, I played alongside my father, whose spirits and demeanor had clearly suffered after the relentless challenge presented by the course. His normally composed personality unraveled dramatically in a bunker on the stunning 16th hole, a par-4 that features a blind tee shot demanding both power and precision. Hitting your tee shot deep and straight is crucial for setting up a second shot over a deep ravine; the fairway narrows considerably as it approaches the drop-off. A slight pull with the driver could lead to disastrous consequences and the likelihood of scoring a high number.
This frightful scenario played out for my father, whose inexplicable pull led him into thick underbrush, forcing a layup to the edge of the ravine. After missing his approach to the green left, he found himself in a massive bunker and, after struggling with his wedge shot, the nearby maintenance crew certainly heard some words I would have never expected from him.
Kaluhyat possesses this enigmatic ability to challenge even the best, yanking at the strings of patience and composure.
For those unacquainted with the resort’s golfing history, it’s rather surprising to discover that Kaluhyat did not host the Tour events during its heyday; that prestigious honor belongs to Atunyote, an exquisite Tom Fazio-designed parkland course characterized by its wide, captivating fairways. Upon entry, it feels as though you’ve been granted access to a private enclave, marked by an enigmatic entryway with minimal signage and an imposing gate. To enter, one must approach a call box, reminiscent of something from an ’80s CIA thriller, activating a buzzer to gain entry to the pro shop.
Once inside Atunyote, which beautifully translates to “eagle” in Oneida, the allure of this course as a premier venue for the Tour becomes readily apparent. Initially stepping in as the host site for the 2006 B.C. Open after flooding forced a venue change 90 minutes away, the successful execution of that event led to a multi-year contract, ultimately resulting in Atunyote witnessing Dustin Johnson’s first PGA Tour victory in 2008, etching it into the annals of golfing lore.
While Turning Stone lost the tournament after a few years, it’s important to recognize that the remote rural setting poses challenges in attracting both massive crowds and significant corporate partnerships that the Tour now seeks. The withdrawal of the tournament was no reflection of the course’s quality, as Atunyote consistently ranks among the top 10 on Golfweek’s Best top casino tracks.
Turning Stone Resort Casino in Oneida County, New York.
The open and welcoming nature of Atunyote belies its complexity, a sentiment perfectly encapsulated by the treacherous par-5 12th hole, which tempts ambitious golfers to flirt dangerously with a pond that encircles the green’s right side. Subsequent to this challenge, the enchanting 14th hole winds alongside a crooked creek, intricately designed by Fazio’s team, complemented by the aesthetic impact of a stunning waterfall behind the green.
Atunyote offers an exhilarating experience that echoes its significant place in Tour history, with masterful design elements that underscore the world-class golfing ambiance it provides. Enthusiasts will appreciate Fazio’s elaborate design flourishes throughout this remarkable course.
Turning Stone, a comprehensive resort experience, features a wealth of amenities including luxurious accommodations, vibrant gaming options, and the upscale TS Steakhouse situated atop a 21-story tower, offering sweeping vistas that extend across the serene expanse of Oneida Lake. Plans are currently in motion for ambitious expansions, including a dazzling $400-million project that will enhance the resort’s skyline with a new hotel and extravagant seafood restaurant rivaling the beloved steakhouse.
For those who desire even more golfing options beyond the three championship courses, the Rick Smith-designed Sandstone Hollow short course promises plenty of fun and excitement. Additionally, a pro tip worth noting: the nine-hole Pleasant Knolls course, initially intended for integration into a larger course, has instead been nurtured and enhanced, making it a fantastic play that boasts the most affordable beer prices on the entire complex.
As for pricing, how does the Turning Stone experience stack up against other esteemed golfing destinations? As of the publication of this article, one can play rounds on all three championship courses as well as both shorter options for approximately the same price as one round at the famed TPC Sawgrass.
Of course, this pricing is contingent on whether guests choose to heed the lurking temptation of the resort’s many blackjack tables, a temptation that may have ensnared John Daly during his memorable visit.
How does the design of the Kaluhyat course enhance the overall golfing experience for players?
**Interview with Matt Falvo, Director of Golf Courses and Grounds at Turning Stone Resort**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Matt. It’s great to have you here. You’ve spent nearly 25 years at Turning Stone Resort. What keeps you passionate about golf and your role here?
**Matt Falvo:** Thanks for having me! I’ve genuinely loved every minute of my time at Turning Stone. Being surrounded by such beautiful landscapes, and having the opportunity to work on championship courses, keeps me motivated. Every day presents unique challenges—whether it’s maintaining the courses or engaging with the golfers. That variety is what makes my role exciting.
**Editor:** You have a wealth of experience and stories to tell. Can you share a memorable moment from the PGA Tour events held here?
**Matt Falvo:** Absolutely! There are so many moments, but one that stands out is when John Daly made his appearance during the 2008 Turning Stone Resort Championship. I won’t go into too many details, but let’s just say it was a bit of a surprise when we realized he had only played seven holes. He definitely left an impression!
**Editor:** (chuckling) That’s a classic golf story! Now, the Kaluhyat course has quite the reputation for being challenging. What do you think makes it stand out among other courses in the area?
**Matt Falvo:** The Kaluhyat course is unique because of its design by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Many golfers who have played both Kaluhyat and Bethpage Black have drawn comparisons, often saying ours is even tougher. I’m not one to endorse that, but I certainly hear it a lot! It’s designed to test your skills while rewarding those who play strategically.
**Editor:** Speaking of strategies, what advice do you offer to newcomers who may be intimidated by Kaluhyat’s challenges?
**Matt Falvo:** I always tell players to stay patient and play to their strengths. It’s important to keep your ball in play, especially in the tree-lined fairways. And, of course, don’t forget to enjoy the breathtaking views! The thrill of the course is that you can feel accomplished even if you don’t break par.
**Editor:** That’s great advice! Speaking of views, can you describe one of your favorite holes on the Kaluhyat course?
**Matt Falvo:** I’d have to highlight the par-4 fourth hole. It’s a great risk-reward hole where the line off the tee can set you up for an easier approach shot—there’s a small bunker that puts pressure on your drive. Playing a safer shot right can provide a better angle, which always keeps you thinking!
**Editor:** Lastly, with your experience at Turning Stone, what do you envision for the future of golf at the resort?
**Matt Falvo:** I see a bright future! We’ve established a strong foundation with our courses, and as we continue to evolve and attract new golfers, I believe we’ll become a premier golf destination. It’s about enhancing the experience at every level—from our facilities to the staff who engage with our guests.
**Editor:** Thank you, Matt. Your passion for golf and dedication to the Turning Stone Resort is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing how the resort continues to grow!
**Matt Falvo:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts. Hope to see everyone on the greens!