This past weekend I hosted a group of five ladies in Windham, New York for a weekend of golf and fun and what a weekend it was!
THE LOCATION
Conveniently located just a three hour drive from Monmouth County, the Catskills provided the perfect location for a weekend getaway. The actual town of Windham is so quaint and charming and there was even a nearby vineyard we visited on our first night which was followed by a lovely dinner in town. In addition, the time of year could not have been any better as we said goodbye to summer and hello to fall. The leaves were just starting to turn and the leaves seemed to pop even more overnight, providing the most picturesque setting for golf.
THE WEATHER
The weather gods were on our side and gifted us with the most perfect weather for golf and for enjoying the beauty that is the Catskills. The temperature both days was mid-60s, but an even warmer real feel thanks to the abundant sunshine that was bestowed on us.
THE GOLF
Our hotel was strategically located a short drive from the 27-hole course at Christman's Windham House and directly next to the 18-hole course at Windham Golf Club. This provided two opportunities to play two different courses over the weekend.
On Saturday, we headed to Christman's Windham house where we played the 18-hole Mountain Course, which is the longest and largest golf course in the Catskills region. With its rolling hills and elevation changes, the course kept us on our toes and provided a bit of a challenge. The greens and fairways were in great shape, although we all agreed that the greens were rather fast! However, what really made this a truly magical experience was the scenic views and mountain backdrop. With each hole, there was so much beautiful scenery to soak in and we were constantly wowed!
On Sunday, we drove just around the corner to Windham Golf Club. With similar scenery from the previous day, it was another stunning course. This was the less challenging of the two courses (although these greens were just as fast, if not faster!), but still offered strategic challenges with its water hazards and tree-lined fairways. Also worth mentioning is the truly memorable par 3 at Hole 14 which is considered one of the standout holes on the course. It has a dramatic elevation change, where you tee off from a high point and hit down to a green far below, with the green being well-guarded by water which adds to the challenge. (Sidenote: I am proud to say I made it on the green and parred that hole which made my whole weekend!)
THE VENUE
The Wylder Windham was the perfect venue to host the ladies' golf trip. Our rooms were located in the Evergreen Building which overlooked the Windham Golf Club and from our balconies we could watch as people teed off from the 8th Hole. The rooms were spacious and updated, with the hotel having gone through a full renovation two years ago.
Across the street was the main building which housed Babbler's Bakery where we grabbed our delicious coffee in the morning as well as Babbler's Restaurant where we enjoyed an awesome dinner on our second night.
We also had fun taking advantage all of the amenities that the Wylder had to offer including the heated pool, the game room and the s’mores bar. We didn't even have time to try out the free electric bikes on property or the wood-fired saunas. Goals for next year!
THE EXTRAS
This trip was the perfect balance of activities, but also some time to relax and enjoy. With our tee time not being until 11:00 am on Saturday, we had a relaxed morning to enjoy. With one of the participants being a yoga teacher, we were spoiled with a yoga class outside on the pickleball courts located on Wylder's property. All of the ladies joined in and it was the perfect stretch before our round of golf!
To make the trip extra special, I gifted each of the ladies an embroidered bag to commemorate the weekend. The bag was filled with two golf balls and a ball marker all customized with the logo for the trip. Oh, and of course some birdie juice because how could we not include that!
THE COMPANY
I could not have asked for a better group of women to join me on my first Alliventures ladies' golf trip. Three of the women I already knew as they are ladies I golf with through the Coastal Chapter of the LPGA Amateurs Association and then one of the women invited her two friends along to join us on the trip. It was easy for all of us to bond because we already had one major thing in common...our LOVE of GOLF! In addition, one thing that I'm learning about golf is that it seems to attract some truly amazing ladies who are strong, adventurous, and dynamic, and this group absolutely embodied that testament.
CLOSING THOUGHTS ON A WONDERFUL WEEKEND
The mantra of Alliventures is "Pack Your Passion" and us ladies did just that, taking our passion for the silly game we call golf on the road and experiencing it together in a new destination.
However, the weekend was about more than just golf — it was about connecting, laughing, and making memories with an incredible group of women. From the scenic beauty of the Catskills to the perfect balance of activity and downtime, it was a trip that reminded us all how important it is to carve out time for the things we love. Sharing these moments, whether it was conquering the courses or simply unwinding over dinner, made the experience unforgettable.
As I reflect on this weekend, my heart is full, and I can’t wait to continue building more adventures like this. Here's to the first of many Alliventures trips—and to the friendships, fun, and passion that will always be at the heart of every journey.
If you are interested in getting updates on future trips, please email me at hello@alliventures.com to be added to my email list. Be sure to follow me on Instagram @alliventures_travel and Facebook @alliventures.
If this is a type of trip you would like to organize with your own group of friends, contact me as I can plan your trip so it is exactly what you are looking for.
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