Inside the course: Atunyote Golf Club at Turning Stone

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Turning Stone Resort's Atunyote Golf Club is one of the most beautiful stops on the PGA TOUR.

Aug. 2, 2010
By PGATOUR.COM

Turning Stone Resort's Atunyote Golf Club in Verona, N.Y., hosts the Turning Stone Resort Championship. Here is all you need to know about the course.

Fast facts

Course superintendent	Matt J. Falvo
Original architect	Tom Fazio (2004)
Number of TOUR events as host venue	4 (including 2010)
Course ranking	Ranked 38 (out of 51) in difficulty on the PGA TOUR in 2009
Yardage history	7,482 yards (2007-present)
Par value:	72
Grass	Bentgrass (tees, fairways, greens:; Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fescue (rough)
Tournament Stimpmeter	12 ft
Sand bunkers	63
Water hazards	8
Course tour	Click here

Course record

Player
Peter Lonard

Year
2009

Round
4th

Finish
T12

Holes-in-one

There have been three aces recorded during the Turning Stone Resort Championship

Player	Hole	Year
Scott Gutschewski	6	2009
Shaun Micheel	16	2007
Jason Day	6	2008

2009 Rankings

Toughest Hole

	The longest part 3 on the course is protected on the right by a stream and a greenside bunker. Favor the left side of this large green as it slopes from left to right toward the water. 2009: 0 eagles, 35 birdies, 271 pars, 93 bogeys, 10 double bogeys, 0 others.
Easiest Hole
	This scenic yet demanding par 5 sweeps from left to right. Avoid the large fairway bunkers off the tee. Lay up your second shot to the left side to avoid the lake. Long hitters can be aggressive off the tee and with a solid drive, can get home in two. 2009: 12 eagles, 161 birdies, 214 pars, 18 bogey, 4 others.

Atunyote Golf Club			2009 rankings		Last three years
Hole	Par	Yards	Avg. Score	Rank	Avg. Score	Rank
1	4	398	3.89	14	3.909	14
2	4	447	4.044	4	4.096	4
3	3	198	3.015	6	3.016	9
4	4	414	4.01	7	3.955	12
5	5	550	4.672	17	4.588	18
6	3	185	3.002	8	3.033	7
7	4	433	3.98	10	4.069	6
8	5	576	4.721	16	4.675	17
9	4	479	4.181	2	4.147	3
10	4	422	3.892	13	3.937	13
11	3	230	3.191	1	3.251	1
12	5	580	4.614	18	4.685	16
13	4	439	4.073	3	4.174	2
14	4	410	3.932	11	3.961	11
15	4	442	3.99	9	4.019	8
16	3	177	2.927	12	2.993	10
17	4	478	4.027	5	4.073	5
18	5	624	4.756	15	4.790	15

Course origins

Atunyote is an Oneida word that means "eagle." The parkland course is highlighted by spacious fairways, large undulating greens and steep-faced bunkers that are hallmarks of a Fazio design. Other notable features include a preserved deadwood marsh, a rock formation and several lakes, streams and small waterfalls.

The largest body of water, measuring 13 acres, runs along three fairways, including the dramatic finishing hole. The property is located in a secluded setting several miles from the resort, creating the ambiance of an upscale country club. Guests enter the property through a custom-designed and crafted iron gate and then traverse a winding two-mile entryway passing along portions of the course, wetlands and forested areas.

The memorable golfing experience begins and ends at the New England-style clubhouse, which is meticulously appointed to provide both luxury and comfort. It houses the players' lounge, locker facilities, pro shop, restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the course, and a private dining/meeting area. The site also includes a practice area with driving range and short game area. -- Source: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

Tournament course history

Course	Location	Years
Atunyote GC	Verona, N.Y.	2007-present

This week's Kodak Challenge hole

HOLE: The par-3, 177-yard 16th at Atunyote GC
LAST YEAR: The 16th played to a stroke average of 2.927, with players recording no aces, 82 birdies, 275 pars, 52 bogeys and 0 double bogeys.
DESCRIPTION: This picturesque par 3 can be deceiving. Precise distance control to this deep green is required. The bunkers fronting the green will catch any shots that come up short. A front pin location makes this hole very difficult. (Click here for Atunyote tour)