Niagara Falls Golf (Ontario side)

My brother and I have been doing a golf weekend in the Niagara Falls area with our dad the past few years, and will be going again this August. I've posted before in the Canada sub-forum, but it doesn't seem to get much traffic. Hoping some of our Ontario posters can help me out with some feedback and suggestions.

In years past we have played Grand Niagara, Royal Niagara, Battlefield and Whirlpool. The Niagara Parks department always has a pretty decently priced stay and play package that rotates between the Legends Courses and Whirlpool. I wanted to see how some of these courses are doing conditions wise this year. I know in Michigan we have some pretty damaged greens still so I didn't know if Niagara Falls has experienced the same. When I played Whirlpool 3 years ago it was in terrible shape, but I'm not sure if it has gotten better.

Also, are there any courses not listed that we should try? How is John Daly's course?

Any thoughts on recent conditioning and new courses would be much appreciated. We want to stay within 20/30 minutes of the Falls.

Thanks!

I played grand niagara last august and it was in great shape. Played with a couple locals who said it was in the best shape out of the courses in the area (can't speak to it myself, so fwiw). Not sure how the courses are dealing this year.

There is an awesome Robert Trent Jones course that is about 25 minutes away from Niagara Falls called Glen Oak. Try it out if you get the chance. It is in East Amherst, NY. Not sure if you are going to be on one side of the falls or the other.

Thanks guys. Yea, I was really impressed with Grand Niagara the first time we played it and haven't skipped it since. It's such a peaceful round of golf out there in the middle of nowhere and is always in fantastic shape. Just can't decide if we want to mix it up this year.

[quote name='MaxPower328' timestamp='1405005588' post='9673211']
Thanks guys. Yea, I was really impressed with Grand Niagara the first time we played it and haven't skipped it since. It's such a peaceful round of golf out there in the middle of nowhere and is always in fantastic shape. Just can't decide if we want to mix it up this year.
[/quote]

You mentioned Battlefield, but what about Ushers Creek at Legends? Also great.

As for Whirlpool, we played there a few years ago and it had gone down hill. Was told that a different group was caring for the course.

Daly course is OK at best when I played there a couple years ago. Maybe its better now.

If you want to go to US side, Seneca Hickory Stick is great. Playing there soon myself.

Could not agree with you more about Grand Niagara. Certainly one of the most peaceful and pretty places ever. Also I've never seen such a vast distance between holes as 9 to 10 there.

[quote name='Andy L' timestamp='1405007318' post='9673437']
[quote name='MaxPower328' timestamp='1405005588' post='9673211']
Thanks guys. Yea, I was really impressed with Grand Niagara the first time we played it and haven't skipped it since. It's such a peaceful round of golf out there in the middle of nowhere and is always in fantastic shape. Just can't decide if we want to mix it up this year.
[/quote]

You mentioned Battlefield, but what about Ushers Creek at Legends? Also great.

As for Whirlpool, we played there a few years ago and it had gone down hill. Was told that a different group was caring for the course.

Daly course is OK at best when I played there a couple years ago. Maybe its better now.

If you want to go to US side, Seneca Hickory Stick is great. Playing there soon myself.

Could not agree with you more about Grand Niagara. Certainly one of the most peaceful and pretty places ever. Also I've never seen such a vast distance between holes as 9 to 10 there.
[/quote]

Ok. That is what I keep hearing about the Daly course. A couple years ago they said they were building a ton of condos nearby and there were construction vehicles all over the place. Seneca Hickory stick is a real solid track. That might be a good option. Played there when it first opened and it is a great addition to the Western NY golf scene. I haven't tried Ushers Creek. My perception was that it was a step down from Battlefield. If that isn't the case I would love to give it a try.

Thanks for the feedback.

Although it has been a few years since my last trip in the area, I found both Ushers Creek and Battlefield to be quite enjoyable. Funny to say, though, I remember distinctly a nine on each course to be more interesting than the other. In other words, in an ideal world one would play a composite course combining a nine from each. I think the best combination would be the front of Ushers with the back of Battlefield.

I also wholly agree with the assessment of Grand Niagara - one of Rees Jones' better designs out there. Put that course in a major population centre and it could host a very nice PGA tour event.

When in the area, make sure you take advantage of some of the winery tours and tastings. There are also some great restaurants at some of the sites.

Played Seneca hickory stick last year and agree it was a great course

Hunters Pointe in Welland([url="http://www.hpgolf.com),and"]www.hpgolf.com),and[/url] Bridgewater in Fort Erie are both solid courses,well maintained and priced,not in the Grand Niagara league,but on a par with Legends and other courses mentioned.

Back in 2008 I got to play John Daly's course, Thundering Waters, on a family trip to Niagara Falls. I very much enjoyed the course. That being said, different people with different tastes.

[quote name='MaxPower328' timestamp='1405008629' post='9673637']
[quote name='Andy L' timestamp='1405007318' post='9673437']
[quote name='MaxPower328' timestamp='1405005588' post='9673211']
Thanks guys. Yea, I was really impressed with Grand Niagara the first time we played it and haven't skipped it since. It's such a peaceful round of golf out there in the middle of nowhere and is always in fantastic shape. Just can't decide if we want to mix it up this year.
[/quote]

You mentioned Battlefield, but what about Ushers Creek at Legends? Also great.

As for Whirlpool, we played there a few years ago and it had gone down hill. Was told that a different group was caring for the course.

Daly course is OK at best when I played there a couple years ago. Maybe its better now.

If you want to go to US side, Seneca Hickory Stick is great. Playing there soon myself.

Could not agree with you more about Grand Niagara. Certainly one of the most peaceful and pretty places ever. Also I've never seen such a vast distance between holes as 9 to 10 there.
[/quote]

Ok. That is what I keep hearing about the Daly course. A couple years ago they said they were building a ton of condos nearby and there were construction vehicles all over the place. Seneca Hickory stick is a real solid track. That might be a good option. Played there when it first opened and it is a great addition to the Western NY golf scene. I haven't tried Ushers Creek. My perception was that it was a step down from Battlefield. If that isn't the case I would love to give it a try.

Thanks for the feedback.
[/quote]

You know what, I think was the construction that detracted from the experience.

I do think you should give Usher Creek at Legends a chance since you haven't played there either.