Mark Twain Golf Course

Very good course with very well kept fairway, tee boxes, and greens. While the greens are tricky and challenging they are very fun to play. Would definitely recommend this course to any golfer who like a challenge

Mark Twain is a solid course, not easy and well maintained. Why did I rate a “2”overall?
First of all when we checked in there were about 8 players ahead of us, not a problem. The problem was that there was no suggestion to social distance (such as markers on the floor or signs) and the individual checking people in did not wear a mask. Come on!
Secondly it took a bit over 2 hours to play 7 holes. There was no attempt that we could see of anyone trying to speed up play. In today’s world of encouraging faster play and the fact that most golfers were riding in individual carts this is way to slow and no fun. We left after 7 holes and if anything play appeared to get slower.

In terms of design, Mark Twain is solid, if unspectacular. There are a few fun greens and in general the course will test your irons, but there isn't anything here that will set the golf world on fire. But it doesn't need to. What Mark Twain provides is fun golf at an incredible price. It was a Tuesday afternoon, which isn't exactly prime time, but to pay only $15 per person to play a legitimate Donald Ross course is a ridiculous bargain. Don't go out of your way, but if you're in the area, Mark Twain is absolutely worth a round. It's the sort of municipal golf course every town should have.

Donald Ross Course with multi tier greens
Challenge for all levels
A little wet following the rains but only 4-5 holes affected
18 hole in under 3 1/2 hours

Greens were very nice
Tough and very fast compared ri my greens in florida

I grew up in Elmira. I live in Orlando and play Central Florida 2x a week. I have played everything from PGA Tour stops (Bay Hill, Sawgrass, Doral, etc) to resort courses (Disney, Championsgate, etc) to neighborhood courses in Florida.

The classic layout of Mark Twain is phenomenal. For a city run course, the conditions are impeccable. I can honestly say I would rather play Mark Twain than the courses I listed above. This course was more than just bomb it around course — false front greens, high backside greens, sloping and pitching fairways, and well placed trees. The courses doesn’t rely on trickery to protect itself, the course uses positioning as its defense (go long on greens — no way you can get up and down, hit the wrong spot of the fairway — the slope will give you an unlevel stance, failure to shape your tee shot — trees to give an uncomfortable approach shot).

Positives of the course: great course conditions, well kept receptive and speedy greens, able to play in 2h45m (granted we were an 8am tee), challenging yet fair layout, and scenic views

Negatives of the course: the clubhouse is pretty dated and on the dirty side, minimal driving range, and some confusing locations on where to park the cart (this is designed to be a walking course).

If you want to play a great, hidden Donald Ross gem, this is a must play.

Absolutely great public course. Twain provides a Donald Ross design that truly brings a challenging, yet rewarding round for any player. Fast and professionally maintained greens and fairways reward the straight tee shot. Fantastic views as you work your way up and down the course. Jay and staff are always welcoming and ready to assist you with any of your needs. From the fully stocked, exceptional pro shop, to the "snack bar" that entirely puts snack bar to shame, you will not be disappointed.

If you watched this past weekends US open and how poor the putting conditions are... this is exactly what you'll get with Mark Twain.

Don't get me wrong the course itself is very nice. Something just has to be done about the putting greens.

I grew up in Elmira, so this Donald Ross course used to be a 20 minute drive for me. I now live 3 hours away, and anytime I go back home I have to play it. It will challenge every aspect of your game. I’ve played Ross’ famous Pinehurst #2, and Twain doesn’t pale in comparison.

P.S. Don’t be above the hole.

A great layout. Maintenance is good, pace of play can be a little slow when your behind a walking foursome.

We got an excellent deal through a Golf Now hot deal. Fairways & greens are in excellent condition. My only complaint about the greens is the very large number of unrepaired ball marks. The regulars should take more pride in this gem of a course. Carts are new or nearly new with windshields & club rain covers. Staff are friendly & helpful. Pro shop is well stocked.

In the middle of no where and I would not play again. Muck better values exist for $20pp rounds.

I live about an hour east of Elmira, and make the trek to the area about 3 times a season to play Mark Twain, Soaring Eagles and Willowcreek. Mark Twain is always in fabulous shape and you really get what you pay for. The day we played was likely the last day of the season, and the course was loaded with people skipping work to take advantage of the great weather. We had to wait for more carts to come in, so we could play (yeah, THAT busy). Much to my chagrin, the guy in the pro shop advised me that our $25 hot rate didn't include a cart. Now that was a first for me and I'm a seasoned Golfnow user. It's also bs for a course built into the side of a mountain...particularly in mid November.

I really enjoyed this golf course. It's the best in the Twin tiers NY area. The greens were great (other than other golfers not repairimg thier pitch marks.) The rough was great and fun to play out of. The fairways were also pretty amazing. Alot of bunkers that really come into play, and the bunkers were also in good condition. For a public course you can't get much better in the NY twin tiers area.