by LEWIS MARKHAM
FORESTVILLE, New York – Hidden among the rolling hills of Western New York, a true “diamond in the rough” can be found in hibernation, awaiting warmer weather and the first tee shots of spring.
Tri-County Country Club, located at house number 540 off Route 39 in Forestville, New York, is an 18 hole, par-72 semi-private golf course that is one of the few, and arguably the best, course in Chautauqua County. Celebrating its 100th year anniversary, TCCC was originally a 9-hole layout designed by Charles G. Niemann, and was expanded to 18 holes in the late 1960s. With almost zero on-course homes, this old school golf course is both scenic and challenging to even the best players.
Pulling into the parking lot, a small pro shop and putting green are visible on the hill to the left, while the 9th green and 1st tee box await in front of you. The driving range at Tri-County can be a bit time consuming, as there is a 3-5 minute cart ride from the first tee to the range, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to warm up! Daily green fees change depending on the time of day and season, and member play is reserved until 9 a.m. on the weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
The course features only one par 5 and one par 3 on each nine with four sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels. Blue Tees – 6,829 yards 73.3/125, White Tees – 6,571 yards 72.3/124, Gold Tees – 5,675 yards 67.8/116, Red Tees – 5,510 yards 72.1/121. Hybrid scorecards are another option as the back nine is considerably longer than the front.
The front is much tighter and shorter, with a creek that flows in and out of ponds throughout almost every hole, making placement your ideal goal. TCCC’s marquee hole #4 is a driveable par 4 in which long hitters can reach the green with a wood or driver if they dare. A large pond runs up the left side of the fairway with another guarding the entire front of the green. A wide creek also cuts across the center of the fairway, waiting to swallow up any errant layup shots. Precision is key, and a good score on this hole can set you up for a favorable front nine.
As you reach the back, the course is susceptible to higher winds, longer rough, and smaller greens to counter the more open terrain. After playing this course multiple times, I can say with assurance that there are not many scoring holes on the back 9, so hold on tight and aim for the center of the green!
TCCC has two vastly different 9 holes, but the one constant is the play of the greens. Measuring over a 10 on the Stimpmeter, the greens run fast and true without a flat putt on the course. Additionally, you will notice the size of the greens to be smaller than most traditional courses, making scoring a rare occasion. Tri-County Country Club is a beautiful but challenging walk as the course slope is constantly changing altitudes. I recommend taking a golf cart or push cart to avoid unwanted physical exertion, but if you decide to walk, come prepared with lots of food and water!
At the end of the 2023 season, Tri-County Country Club suffered an unfortunate loss. The clubhouse, which included the restaurant, burned down in an electrical fire, leaving a crumbled building and yellow tape as landmarks of the property. Plans to rebuild are underway, but the golf staff will be modifying one of the cart barns to accommodate play for the entire 2024 season. If you are famished after your round and are looking for a place to eat, The Tavern on the Mall has some of the best burgers and wings around and it is just 5 minutes down the road on Route 39!
If you have a free day in the Western New York area, give Tri-County Country Club a call. A well-seasoned short game is required and one of the best tips I have received out here is to “Not go long!” If you find yourself over any (or all) of the 18 greens, I wish you the best of luck!
https://tricountycountryclub.com/
(Lewis Markham works in the golf industry and is also a freelance golf writer based out of New York. His email is lewis.markham88@gmail.com)
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