Best public golf courses in the Buffalo, New York area

Buffalo, New York, renowned for its hearty spirit and welcoming community, offers an array of public golf courses that cater to both seasoned golfers and those new to the game. With the region's picturesque landscapes and the diverse seasonal changes, these courses provide a perfect backdrop for a round of golf. Whether you're looking to challenge your skills on the fairways, improve your swing, or simply enjoy a leisurely day outdoors, Buffalo's public golf courses are sure to offer a memorable experience. Here's a glimpse into some of the best spots where you can tee off in true Upstate New York style.

Legends on the Niagara Golf Course 9561 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario Legends on the Niagara offers a premier golfing destination in Canada, featuring two championship courses and a 9-hole short course, set within a 1,000-acre natural landscape. With designs by renowned architects and a full suite of facilities including a state-of-the-art training academy, it caters to golfers of all skill levels. The complex is celebrated for its excellent maintenance, challenging layouts with water features and sand traps, and friendly, helpful staff.

Whirlpool Golf Course 3351 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario Whirlpool Golf Course, designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson and located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a highly rated public course known for its challenging layout and stunning setting against the Niagara River Gorge. The course offers well-maintained greens, forgiving fairways for beginners, and adequate challenges for experienced golfers. Owned and operated by the Niagara Parks Commission since 1951, it remains one of Canada's top golf destinations.

Beechwood Golf & Social House 4680 Thorold Townline Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario

Thundering Waters Golf Club 6000 Marineland Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario Thundering Waters Golf Club in Niagara Falls, Ontario, offers a distinctive John Daly-designed course that caters to all skill levels with its high risk-reward style. Despite mixed reviews on maintenance, particularly the bunkers, the course is praised for its challenging layout, beautiful scenery, and strategic risk-reward holes. Amenities include a halfway house and a variety of options for golfers, enhancing the overall experience.

Grand Niagara Golf Club 8547 Grassy Brook Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario The Grand Niagara Golf Club offers a Rees Jones-designed course favored for its challenging layout and impeccable condition, with lush fairways and fast greens that demand strategic play. Despite its reduction to a 9-hole course, it remains a gem in the Niagara region, offering stunning river views and a full practice range, though it's slated to close for housing development. Players are encouraged to experience this celebrated course while they still can.

Arrowhead Golf Club 12292 Clarence Center Road, Akron, New York Arrowhead Golf Club in Akron, New York, offers 18 holes of scenic beauty and challenging play on bent grass, with a course rating of 70.0 and a slope rating of 113 over 6,654 yards. Known as a gem in Western New York, the course incorporates wetland corridors, man-made ponds, and tall fescue grasses, designed by Scott Witter and opened in 2004. The club is commended for its friendly staff and well-maintained greens, providing a notable golfing destination with modern amenities.

Bridgewater Country Club 700 Gilmore Road, Fort Erie, Ontario Bridgewater Country Club in Fort Erie, Ontario, features a challenging 18-hole course designed by Stanley Thompson, known for its well-maintained greens and scenic layout. Established in 1927, the course offers a top-notch golfing experience with facilities including a driving range and rental equipment. The club also boasts a recently updated interior and a restaurant with a patio overlooking the 18th hole.

Royal Niagara Golf Club One Niagara-on-the-Green Boulevard, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario Royal Niagara Golf Club offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience with its three unique 9-hole courses set between the historic Welland Canal, the Niagara Escarpment, and the Bruce Trail. Designed by renowned architect Ted Baker, the course extends over 7,000 yards featuring manicured greens, sculpted fairways, and strategic bunkers. It is a "must play" destination for golfers seeking a blend of beauty and challenge in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Ironwood Golf Course 1964 Folsomdale Road, Cowlesville, New York Ironwood Golf Course in Cowlesville, NY, is a welcoming facility known for its well-maintained 18-hole course that offers a challenging yet playable layout. With a par of 72 and stretching 6,382 yards, the course presents a mix of forgiving fairways and challenging greens, set against a beautiful forest backdrop, making it a favorite for both local and visiting golfers.

Bob-O-Link Golf Club S-4085 Transit Road, Orchard Park, New York

Pelham Hills Golf Club 196 Webber Road, Pelham, Ontario Pelham Hills Golf & Country Club in Pelham, Ontario, offers a challenging parkland-style course with generous fairways, undulating greens, and a variety of obstacles including bunkers, ponds, and creeks. The course is known for its rolling terrain, scenic views of the Niagara Escarpment, and provides a quality golfing experience at a reasonable price. With a well-maintained layout and a friendly staff, it's a destination for golfers seeking both challenge and value.

Sparrow Lakes Golf Club 105 South Pelham Road, Welland, Ontario Cardinal Lakes Golf Club in Welland, Ontario offers two distinct 18-hole courses, the challenging Heron and the original executive Sparrow, complemented by a driving range and practice area. With well-maintained fairways and greens, the club caters to golfers of all skill levels, providing an enjoyable and challenging round. Additional amenities include a clubhouse with a fantastic menu and welcoming staff, ensuring a complete golfing experience.