Seneca Hickory Sticks:

The Niagara Frontier’s Answer to Cross Border Golfing

By Sandy Trapp

Niagara has long been known as a world class golf destination. Mother Nature has provided a world wonder resulting in the area being a highly coveted tourist destination, hotels, casinos and now golf have become the must see attractions when celebrating the magnificence of the Falls.

The Canadian side of the Niagara is dotted with highly regarded layouts from some of golf’s biggest names in design. Seneca Niagara in developing their casino property saw the importance to include a top-notch golf facility for their guests. Hiring Robert Trent Jones Jr. to sculpt the landscape on the parcel of land a short drive north of the Lewiston – Queenston Bridge has resulted in a terrific, fun golf experience to compliment a stay at the casino. Public play is also encouraged on this great value links style championship layout. With 5 sets of tees stretching between 5417 – 7016 yards, golfers of all abilities can the right balance of challenge and fun.  

Located in the shadow of the Escarpment players are treated to a golf experience that will both challenge and give you great value. This layout has a range of holes, some parkland, some wetland, but the heart of the course is windswept links with nasty bunkering and fescue dotting the majority of holes. The opening holes are routed through towering trees and over and around a number of watercourses. The fourth, a beast of a forced carry par 3 requires guts and nerves of steel to carry the massive pond. Hole 6 has a fairway split by a stream; be careful in biting off too much carry. The finish to the opening sequence is a long par 5 that pinches in with water and fescue as you near the green, a double surface shared with the 18th.

The back nine has a bit more roll to the design with undulating fairways and exposed windswept greensites. Number 11 from the back is a gargantuan 630 yards from the tips. The collection of holes 13-15 are a fine mix of par 4 links of varying challenges. A wicked ridge through the middle of the green on this dogleg right makes your approach critical on 13; fourteen’s severely sloping green puts a premium on placement of your tee shot to get the right angle of approach; and 15 is a true knee knocker. Water protects the landing area on the left, while a large mound hides the high plateau green. There is no room for error on this stern test. You finish with a visit to the double green complex after an exacting tee shot to the forced carry 152 yard Par 3 18th.

Previously without a truly premier public facility in the area, Seneca Niagara has striped it down the middle with the development of this complex. The experience is first-class. Helpful staff, generous practice facility, and a layout that tests all aspects of your game, are complimented with a terrific price tag. With prime rates of $75 - $95 and the ability to enjoy this design with your feet, Seneca Hickory Sticks is a facility that has to be experienced for those heading for some fun on the other side of the Niagara River. The Niagara Frontier can now boast a fantastic cross-border shopping destination for Canadians golfers.

Seneca Hickory Stick Golf  
4560 Creek Road 
Lewiston, NY 14092  
(716) 754-2424