Niagara on the Lake Golf Club (Niagara on the Lake, Ontario Canada)

“A good 9-holer knows what it is — intimate, local, welcoming — and knows what it isn’t: pretentious, punitive, grand” 

Where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario lies the oldest golf course in North America;  Niagara on the Lake Golf Club. Originally named Mississauga Golf Links, golf has been played here since 1875. It’s location is reminiscent of the British Isles where wind, sand, and water are the primary challenges. It’s not long in distance, playing just under 3,000 yards, but it more than makes up for it in character. 

(The 323 yard opening hole welcomes players with a glorious view alongside the water. Behind the green is a unique hazard referred to as the moat. Balls that go too far run down into Sandy scrub. Fort Mississauga sits directly behind…
…believe it or not, the second green used to be a blind par three that sat just in front of this structure.) 

This is more than just a golf course. It’s a National Historic Site of Canada. A walking path breaches the interior allowing guests to walk out to Fort Mississauga. It wraps around the shoreline where people walk their dogs and enjoy the beautiful view. Such community adds to the ambiance and vibe of the golf. Add in the wonderful clubhouse and patio that sit directly on the water with views of Fort Niagara across the river, and one can easily fall in love with this place. 

(The 474 yard par five third has a well bunkered green. More importantly, the view of the par three fourth and the tee shot of the fifth, both on the edge of the lake, can distract one from focusing their full attention.) 

(The 301 yard par four seventh doglegs left around a copse of trees. The green has a large roll in the middle, sloping away to the back half. Hitting to a pin in this area requires skill. Note how quickly the terrain falls off towards the water once over the green.) 

I relish cool courses like Niagara on the Lake. I get more enjoyment from them than the big name tracks. The wonderful setting instantly puts you in good mood, and all the intangibles that most people can’t put their finger are vividly in full sight. It’s a reminder that great golf is played in a great setting. Go see this if you’re in the Niagara Falls area. I give it a 5 (good)(worth driving an hour to play). 

(I wonder how many of these tee markers find their way into someone’s bag? You’d be hard pressed to find a cooler set.) 

[I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the eighth green is original and the only one untouched since the club’s inception.]