Seven Oaks is owned by Colgate University and is located southeast of Syracuse on the east side of Hamilton. It adjoins the campus in a scenic, natural setting.

The course is a challenging, parkland-style layout with multiple twisting streams and ponds in play and sand bunkers primarily defending the generous greens. It was one of Robert Trent Jones Sr's first attempts, who, as a graduate of Colgate, designed the course in 1934, but the course sat idle as a result of the Depression. With assistance from Stanley Thompson, the first nine was completed in 1956, and the second was completed in 1966. It plays to 6,915 yards from the back tees, 74.6/143, course/slope ratings with three shorter sets of tees.