Arrowhead Golf Club, a three-decade fixture three miles west of the Village of Spencerport, has entered its second season under new management. Brian “Smitty” Smith took over as part owner and General Manager of the golf course in January 2014, and Arrowhead is poised to unveil more beginning with the 2015 season, and not just for golfers.
The 18-hole course provides 4,172 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 66, and is considered a mid-sized, or ‘executive,’ course. “This is an established course,” says Smitty, a course care professional who has worked at golf courses since he was a teenager. “We did a lot of work last year to improve conditions overall by removing trees, enhancing the turf, and bringing the greens and tee areas up to top condition.”
Many mature trees remain to make Arrowhead a great place to learn, says Smitty, while still being challenging for longtime golfers. “Play time is shorter, and you don’t have to hit the ball too far, but your short game will be challenged on our greens,” he says. The course also features ponds, and the area’s only golf cart creek crossing via a covered bridge.
Arrowhead prides itself on being a golf course for all ages and level of play. Their youngest member is Shannon, age 13, who Smitty describes as a ‘very good golfer.’ Joe, age 91, golfs nearly every day. “We’re non-intimidating and very family oriented to offer a great value,” says Smitty, “You don’t need to be a member to golf at Arrowhead, and we welcome everyone – kids, beginners, and all paces of play. We make it a point to treat everyone in a welcoming way.”
Newly opened at the end of April is The Erie Canal Pub at Arrowhead, an addition to the local restaurant scene. Completely renovated this winter, the bar has new chairs and tables, carpet, tile, light fixtures, and oak bar top. “People will really see a difference when they come in,” says food and beverage manager, Kim Francis. “We want the restaurant to be a place people like to visit, golfing or not – we’re family friendly and fun!”
The full service restaurant is open seven days a week, offering a full menu of pub staples, soup, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, plus entrees like steak, chicken cordon bleu, lasagna, meatloaf, and macaroni and cheese. Pies, cheesecake, and brownies are baked on site.
A snack bar window opens at 10 a.m., and a picnic pavilion is located along the Canal for al fresco dining. The restaurant will be open year round, a plus for both Canal path cyclers seeking refreshment by crossing over the nearby Gallup Road bridge, and snowmobilers using the trail that borders Arrowhead’s parking lot.
Situated along the southern bank of the Erie Canal, Arrowhead Golf Club also has a marina on the canal basin adjoining the parking lot. Thirty newly renovated docks and a boat launch open when the Canal is filled for operation. Boaters need not be golfers to launch from the Arrowhead marina. Paddlers are also welcome.
New this year is canoe and kayak rentals, for $15/hour, $20/2 hours, $30/4 hours, or $40 for a full day (first-come, first-served; call for availability). Launch your own canoe or kayak for free. “Come out for a paddle, then stay for our scenery and a bite to eat,” suggests Smitty.
Arrowhead Golf Club is open seven days a week, dawn to dusk. Prices range from $10 to $17 for nine and eighteen holes, respectively. The public is welcome for membership and play. Leagues also welcome. Located at 655 Gallup Road, Spencerport. Course conditions and more at 585-352-5500 and arrowheadgc.org.
