Trump National - Hudson Valley

The Trump Golf Empire features two locations just north of New York City. The Tom Fazio design at Trump National Westchester gets a significant chunk of attention, but Trump Hudson Valley also packs some eye-catching golf. The course was originally laid out upon a former buffalo farm by Eric Bergstol under the guise of “Branton Woods.” When that club fell on tough times, it was purchased by Trump Golf and rebranded accordingly.

The course very much follows in the traditionally hilly footsteps of the region, rising and falling dramatically and offering scenic views throughout, albeit not of the namesake river.

The case-in-point comes early at No. 2, which is also the longest hole on the course. The movement of the land is such that the fairway is broken up into three distinct sections. The big decision comes upon the second shot, where players must consider the safer carry to the second fairway (on the same level), or head straight for the third stretch, which is elevated above the other two and offset to the left. If you take the safe route upon the second shot, you’ll need to carry some stiff bunkering to find the green in three.