Picking the best golf courses can be a little like picking the prettiest girl (or guy) or the best dog. Everyone has their preferences, and everyone thinks they know what “best” means. Lucky for WNY you have us to tell you. Here are our picks, in no particular order, focusing on public links. Let us know if we left yours out.
South
Photo from harvesthillgc.com
Harvest Hill Golf Course
3052 Old Transit Road | Orchard Park (Southtowns)
(716) 662-1980
Purchased last year by local lawyer Ross Cellino (888-8888) they have spent considerable dollars on a new club house and surrounds. The course is a good test of golf, particularly from the back when the wind blows. The tall grass is prevalent throughout and can sometimes slow the pace down a bit.
18-hole, Daily Fee Golf Course. Learning Center consists of a Short Game Facility, Driving Range and 3-Hole Family Course. Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan.
Black – 73.8/129, 7006 yards
Gold – 70.8/124, 6433 yards
Silver – 67.8/117, 5812 yards
Blue – 65.7/106, 5102 yards
Bronze – 68.9/119, 4583 yards
Photo from hollandhillscountryclub.com
Holland Hills Country Club
10438 Holland Glenwood Road | Holland (Southtowns)
(716) 537-2345
Website says: Holland Hills golf course is a par 72, regulation 18- hole golf course located on the highest point in Erie County. Holland Hills offers generous tree-lined fairways, pristine greens, many water hazards, bunkers, sandtraps, elevation changes, etc. set in the beautiful scenic hills of Holland. Holland Hills is the perfect golf course to accommodate all skill levels of golfers. It is both a challenging and forgiving golf course, and we encourage everyone to come on out.
Holland Hills Country Club restaurant is located directly inside the clubhouse. It’s quaint and relaxing environment is the perfect end to an enjoyable round of golf. Enjoy one of our specialty sandwiches, homemade soups and a cold beverage either in our air-conditioned restaurant, or out on the patio overlooking the golf course. Daily specials are offered everyday and you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the restaurant – just come on up! Our restaurant is open Mon – Fri 11am – 9pm during the golf season.
Photo from tricountycountryclub.com
Tri County Country Club
540 Route 39 | Forestville (Southern Tier)
(716) 965-2053
Located in a glorious stretch of Rte. 39 not too close to anything. Great conditions, tricky layout, small greens and an outstanding value.
Website says: Tri-County Country Club, located in Forestville, New York, is your number one option for a round of Western New York golf. From visitors to members to the folks at Golf Digest, this club has earned a reputation as one of the best in the region. Here at Tri-County Country Club we combine gorgeous scenery with a a commitment to tradition and unmatched service. There is truly no other place like Tri-County Country Club.
Blue – 6829 yards
White – 6571 yards
Gold – 5675 yards
Red – 5510 yards
Photo from pknpk.com
Peak ‘n Peek Upper
1405 Olde Road | Clymer (Southern Tier)
(716) 355-4141
Considered by some one of the best courses in western New York. Major elevation changes create challenges, but they are fair and well integrated. Course condition is sometimes not up to par with what you might expect based on their rates.
Website says: A championship caliber, par 72 golf course, measuring 7,061 yards from the gold tees, with bentgrass greens, fairways and tees for optimum playing conditions. Its unique terrain and natural features, including panoramic rolling hills, great elevation changes, deep sand bunkers and mature woods, create a spectacular atmosphere that is unrivaled. 4.5 out of 5 stars from Golf Digest.
Back tees 73.7/137, 7161 yards
Chautauqua Golf Club
4731 West Lake Road | Chautauqua (Southern Tier)
(716) 357-6211
Our readers say “they pay attention to the details. Courses are challenging, well manicured, and offer great views.”
Lake Course
Website: Designed by the legendary golf architect Donald Ross and completed in 1924, the Lake Course is characterized by open tee shots and demanding approaches to small, often steeply sloped greens. Ross designed nearly 400 courses, many considered the standard of excellence for American golf architecture, including the famed Pinehurst Number 2 (site of the 2005 US Open).
Blue – 71/124, 6535 yards
White – 69.3/120, 6148 yards
Gold – 66.5/114, 5572 yards
Red (ladies)– 70.7/119, 5415 yards
Hill Course
Website: Xen Hassenplug, who also worked on both the Pittsburgh Field Club and Augusta National Golf Club, designed the scenic Hill Course. This layout features a commanding view of both Chautauqua Lake and the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside and rewards good shot placement. It also features tree-lined fairways, frequent dog legs and small but gently sloped greens.
Blue – 70.8/124, 6553 yards
White – 69.2/119, 6148 yards
Gold – 66.1/115, 5502 yards
Gold (ladies)– 71.3/118, 5502 yards
Holiday Valley Golf Course
6557 Holiday Valley Road | Ellicottville (Southern Tier)
(716) 699-2345
Hole by Hole
Holiday Valley golf offers some beautiful views and a lot of bad lies. If you’re in Ellicottville for the weekend and not up for shopping in town, this is the place for you.
East
Photo from diamondhawkgolf.com
Diamond Hawk Golf Course
255 Sonwil Drive | Cheektowaga (Cheektowaga East)
(716) 651-0700
A nice course, generally well maintained, convenient to everything, particularly if you’re getting on a plane after the round.
Website says: Diamond Hawk is Western New York’s Premier Public Golf Course. With 18 challenging golf holes Diamond Hawk will be sure to test the skill of all golfers. Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan.
Black – 7058
Gold – 6693
Green – 6227
Silver – 5692
Burgandy – 5118
Links At Ivy Ridge
12221 Main Road | Akron (Northtowns)
(716) 542-6342
This a pretty layout that is well maintained, and a good test from the back tees. Opened in 2005, designed by Don Nicholas this is a fun yet challenging course that hosted the 2008 USGA Amateur qualifier and has been voted best public course by a the Buffalo Spree twice.
Blue – 73.8/129, 7002
White – 71/127, 6462
Gold – 67.8/117, 5792
Red – 69.9/117, 5152
Photo by arrowheadgcwny.com
Arrowhead Golf Club
12292 Clarence Center Road | Akron (Northtowns)
(716) 542-4653
This is a very playable course for people of all ages and talents. Over 60 bunkers and beautiful grounds throughout.
Website says: Just a few miles east of Buffalo & a short drive west of Rochester, Arrowhead Golf Club has quickly emerged as one of Western New York’s prominent golf destinations, garnering considerable praise from the discerning player looking for a casual golf outing, as well as from the exclusive private club member looking for a fresh & inspiring change. The course plays to a par of 72, with four sets of tees, graceful bent-grass greens, foxy fairways, and over 60 eye-pleasing bunkers. In addition to the respected golf course, the stocked pro shop and stunning stand-alone post-and-beam style clubhouse- which serves as our Timberlodge Banquet Facility & Restaurant- provide for a top-notch experience. Whether you live in Buffalo, Rochester, Ontario, or beyond- Arrowhead is surely well-worth the visit.
Blue – 71.8/128, 6654 yards
White – 70.3/125, 6316 yards
Yellow – 67.5/117, 5740 yards
Red – 69.3/117, 5157 yards
Byrncliff
2357 Humpfrey Rd. (Rte 20) | Varysburg NY (Southtowns)
(585) 535-7300
The perfect spot to relax and enjoy a stress free game. Great resort setting for the family or group – stay, play, relax & enjoy.
Website: The Byrncliff golf course, rated four stars by Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play, is one of the premiere courses in Western New York. Come play a round or two on our meticulously groomed, scenic, and fun-to-play 18-hole golf course. You will enjoy the challenges this course offers while taking in the picturesque view all around you. Open to the public, Byrncliff offers daily-fee play, all-inclusive golf get-away packages, corporate outings, or social group outings.
North
Photo from senecahickorystick.com
Seneca Hickory Stick
4560 Creek Road | Lewiston (Niagara County)
(716) 754-2424
Only a few years old, this Robert Trent Jones design calls for plenty of power from the back, and quality approach shots to most greens.
Website says: Named to reflect the presence of rare and protected Shellbark Hickory trees on site, Seneca Hickory Stick features a picturesque layout highlighted by tranquil lakes and ponds, native plants and grasses that are surrounded by large mature trees.
The Robert Trent Jones II design weaves its way through some of the finest topography for golf in the entire region. Combining the absolute best course conditions and customer service levels in the area, Hickory Stick redefines Premium Daily Fee Golf in Western New York.
Seneca Hickory Stick is open to the public for daily fee play. Tee times are available up to 14 days in advance.
Black – 73.6/129, 7016 yards
Blue – 72/128, 6670 yards
White – 70.4/126, 6331 yards
Green – 68.5/121, 5955 yards
Red – 70.7/120, 5417 yards
Photo from glenoak.com
Glen Oak Golf Course
711 Smith Road | East Amherst (Northtowns)
(716) 688-5454
This is a good layout but the occasional house might get in the way if you tend to move the ball from right to left. Most years it is well kept given the substantial number of rounds it sees.
Website says: Conveniently located just 25 minutes from downtown Buffalo, Glen Oak offers a championship Robert Trent Jones designed golf course open for public play. After a round of golf, visit our Oak Room bar and grill. We also offer extraordinary views from our banquet facility, where we handle all types of banquets with our superb food and outstanding service.
Champ- 6915 yards
Blue – 6459 yards
White – 6065 yards
Red – 5596 yards
Willowbrook Golf Course
4200 Lake Road | Lockport (Niagara County)
(716) 434-0111
Website says: 27 Holes kept in excellent condition throughout the year; North/South Course is par 72 and ranges from 5,019 to 6,389 yards depending on tees used; North/West Course is par 71 and ranges from 5,076 to 6,418 yards depending on tees used; South/West Course is par 71 and ranges from 4,763 to 6,133 yards depending on tees used; a beautiful setting with Eighteen mile Creek running through the property.
Canada
Photo from hpgolf.ca
Hunters Pointe Golf Course
289 Daimler Parkway, Welland, Ontario L3B6H2
(905) 714-4659
This is a great layout and a true value, if a bit of a drive from Buffalo. If the winds are blowing you’ll want to move up on the tees, or load up on the balls at the turn.
Website: Hunters Pointe is a testament to links golf as it was meant to be. Designed by Graham Cooke & Associates to model the Scottish Highlands, Hunters Pointe opened in 2000 and signaled a new direction of golf in Niagara. Our unique blend of par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s will give you a taste of what it is like to tee off where golf was born. The course design takes on a Scottish style since it plays hard and fast like the British Open with waving fescue, lightning-fast greens, perfectly manicured fairways and strategically placed pot bunkers. Expansive ponds, prevailing winds and dramatic elevation changes make the course a true challenge from the back, however our four sets of tees and generous landing areas make it an enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities. It is truly bold, beautiful and breathtaking and a brand of golf that cannot be experienced elsewhere.
Blue – 73.6/132, 7016
White – 70.7/129, 6385
Green- 74.1/133 5794*
Red – 71/121 5319*
*Women
Grand Niagara Golf Club
8547 Grassy Brook Road, Niagara Falls, ON, L0S 1K0
(866) 607-4653
The original owners had big plans for the place a decade back or so – hotels, casinos, another golf course… Didn’t work out but what they left is a tiny little pro shop and a fantastic golf course in the middle of nothin’. Works for me.
Website says: To play a Rees Jones course is a true privilege, an experience the avid golfer will never forget.
The world-renowned golf architect Rees Jones is famous for revitalizing PGA championship courses across North America. Upon completion of his design for Grand Niagara, Jones said, “We have built a golf course at the Grand Niagara Club that could host a major championship.”
The course at Grand Niagara is classic Rees Jones. There is no trickery here. His fairway angles, positioning of hazards and exquisitely contoured greens demand intelligent course management, tempting players with a variety of risk-reward options. Strategy breeds success.
Legends on the Niagara
9172 Willoughby Drive, Niagara Falls, Ontario
The Legends is a very nice operation with two good courses. For a while a few years ago the prices were staggering but they’ve come back to reality now and offer a good option.
1,000 acres of natural landscape that boast two 18-hole championship courses, a 9-hole executive course, and a 45-acre, 360-degree, driving range.
Battlefield
Website: The imposing Battlefield course is located on the north side of the Legends on the Niagara property. Golf Architect Douglas Carrick created a truly unique course that challenges every level of golfer. The Battlefield course features a nice mix of wide, links style holes with generous undulating fairways and greens that are bound by dense forest and brush.
The bunkers on the Battlefield course are particularly treacherous, as high lips and grass walls make recoveries from errant tee shots and approach shots quite difficult. Even with the deep bunkers, Carrick has designed fairways that sweep across a gently contoured countryside that gives the golfer some breathing room both off the tee and as they approach the green.
Gold – 75/135, 7309yards
Blue – 73.3/130, 6862 yards
White – 70.2/127, 6271 yards
Red – 66.2/110, 5500 yards
Usher’s Creek
Website: Located on the south side of this majestic property is the Ussher’s Creek course, one of Golf Architect Thomas McBroom’s finest masterpieces.
This challenging and breathtaking course features thick stands of deciduous trees, wetland hazards, knee-high fescue rough, and impeccable conditioning from tee to green. These all combine to make Ussher’s Creek a classic parkland course.
Thomas McBroom set the course softly on the land with flowing lines, moderately sized greens with slight folds, and strategic bunkering to create targets and intricate turns. This course offers a nice contrast to its counterpart, Battlefield, while still providing a great challenge for every level of golfer. The large amount of land allowed McBroom the rare luxury of creating a meandering course that promotes a feeling of privacy and keeps adjacent foursomes hidden from sight.
Gold – 73.6/134, 7180 yards
Blue – 71.7/130, 6754 yards
White – 69/125, 6185 yards
Red – 65.6/110, 5421 yards
Photo from niagaraparksgolf.com
Whirlpool Golf Course
Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, Ontatrio, L0S 1J0
Website: Due to the extreme winter conditions experienced throughout the Niagara Region this past year, Whirlpool Golf Course will remain closed until May 30. During this time, Niagara Parks staff will be working to implement a turf maintenance and recovery program to those areas of the course impacted by the winter weather. Legends on the Niagara golf complex will be open as of April 17, as it was not affected by the harsh winter conditions. Please contact our reservation department for more information at 1 (866) 465-3642.
We thank you for your understanding and look forward to hosting you on our golf courses this coming year.
Designed by famous golf architect Stanley Thompson, the Whirlpool Golf Course is one of Canada’s most highly rated public golf courses.
Gold – 73.3/126 7019 yards
Blue – 71.9/123 6701 yards
White – 70.0/119, 6292 yards
Red – 67.3/115 5702 yards
Yellow – 65.1/109, 5203 yards
Private Golf Clubs/Courses
Buffalo Area Golf Courses – South
East Aurora Country Club
Buffalo Area Golf Courses – East
Buffalo Area Golf Courses – North
Country Club of Buffalo
West Wood Country Club
Buffalo Area Golf Courses – Canada
Honorable Mentions Public
Sheridan
Other WNY Courses
Oakwood (Municipal)
3575 Tonawanda Creek Rd, Buffalo, NY, 14228
Deerwood Golf Course – 27 holes (Municipal)
1818 Sweeney St, North Tonawanda, NY, 14120
Brighton Park (Municipal)
175 Brompton Rd, Tonawanda, NY, 14150
Amherst Audubon Golf Course – Par Three (Municipal)
500 Maple Rd, Amherst, NY, 14221
Grover Cleveland (Municipal)
3781 Main St, Amherst, NY, 14226
Greenwood
8499 Northfield Rd, Clarence Center, NY, 14032
Shawnee Country Club
6020 Townline Rd, Sanborn, NY, 14132
Beaver Island State Park (Municipal)
2136 W Oakfield Rd, Grand Island, NY, 14072
Pine Meadows Greens
9820 Greiner Rd, Clarence, NY, 14031
Niagara County (Municipal)
314 Davison Rd, Lockport, NY, 14094
Oak Run Golf Club
4185 Lake Ave, Lockport, NY, 14094
Delaware Park (Municipal)
84 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14209
South Shore Golf Course
Hamburg, NY 14075
(716) 649-6674
Hamburg Town Course (Municipal)
6374 Boston State Rd, Hamburg, NY 14075
(716) 648-4410
Bob-O-Link
4085 Transit Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127
(716) 662-4311
Holland Hills Country Club
10438 Holland Glenwood Rd, Colden, NY 14033
(716) 537-2345
Elma Meadows Golf Club (Municipal)
1711 Girdle Rd. Elma, NY 14059
(716) 652-5475
Eden Valley Golf Course
10401 Sisson Hwy (route 75), Eden, NY 14057
(716) 337-2190
Harris Hill Golf Center
5352 Genesee St, Bowmansville, NY 14026
(716) 684-4653
Grandview Golf Course
444 Central Ave, Angola, NY 14006
(716) 549-4930
Buffalo Tournament Club
6432 Genesee St, Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 681-4653
Pine Meadows Greens
9820 Greiner Rd, Clarence, NY 14031
(716) 741-3970
Concord Crest Golf Course
9255 Genesee Rd, East Concord, NY 14055
(716) 592-7636
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