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4.6
1381 Reviews (1381)
5 Stars
728
4 Stars
522
3 Stars
92
2 Stars
26
1 Stars
13
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.4
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.3
94.6%
Recommend this course
1299 out of 1381 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
9 Reviews (9)
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.1
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.2
Amenities
3.7
StaffFriendliness
4.9
88.9%
Recommend this course
8 out of 9 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
24 Reviews (24)
5 Stars
15
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.2
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.8
91.7%
Recommend this course
22 out of 24 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
This Stanley Thompson-designed layout consistently impresses with immaculate fairways, perfect greens, and a challenging yet rewarding round. Welcoming staff and a smooth pace of play make every visit feel worth the trip.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 7019 yards
Slope 142
Rating 79.6

Located in a spectacular natural setting against the backdrop of the Niagara River whirlpool and gorge, this magnificent and challenging championship course was designed by the legendary golf architect Stanley Thompson. Owned and operated by The Niagara Parks Commission since 1951, Whirlpool is considered as one of the Top 100 Courses in Canada.

Directions: From Toronto: Approach Niagara Falls on the QEW. Just after crossing the St. Catharines Skyway, take the 405 exit towards the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge to the USA. Just before the bridge, take the last exit to the Niagara Parkway. Turn right off the ramp onto the Niagara Parkway. Whirlpool Golf Course is 4km down the road on the right hand side

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Whirlpool Golf Course
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Course Details

Year Built 1951
Golf Season Apr 1 to Oct 30

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Pull-carts Yes
Caddies No
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range No
Teaching Pro No
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes

Food & Beverage

Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Showers, Lockers
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Reviews

4.6
1381 Reviews (1381)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 63
19th Hole Scenic Views 53
Patio Dining 46
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 87
Plays Long 52
Elevation Changes 49
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 68
A Weekend Splurge 61
Locals 59
This Course's Location is:
Near Local Attractions 94
Worth the Drive 83
Convenient to the City 71

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 40
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Played Short

I played from the Blues and i should have gone next tee box back. At 60 years old i don't hit it as far but it seemed short from the blues. Plenty of challenge on the course and the greens were superb. Truly the best course that I played in Canada on a 4 course trip. A little pricey, But an overall value with the product given.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Pretty good. Not amazing.

No driving range.

No beer carts on a perfect day - cart girl called in sick apparently. Sorry, but not an excuse for a relatively expensive course with about a dozen other nearby courses to compete with.

Course conditions were great. Lots of challenging layouts and tree placements. Greens were tricky but not ridiculous.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Fair test for the recreational golfer

Challenging but fair test for recreational golfer. Not too much trouble off the tees with wide fairways and short rough.

Greens were in excellent condition.

Par 3 are all longish. All in all a nice course any worth a visit if you are in Niagara.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 08/08/2017

Thank you very much, we're glad to hear you enjoyed the course. We hope to see you again this summer!

Played On
Reviews 3
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Played On
Reviews 21
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

JUL29 - Great Job as always NPC Crew

JUL29

Course as always in great condition and crew a solid 9/10 for courteous, professional and on their game

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 08/08/2017

Fantastic, thank you very much!

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great value for good course

Really enjoyed it here for my first Niagara golf experience. Would play again.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 07/31/2017

Thank you very much

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Wet weather
Used cart

Whirlpool is great!

Course is very well kept. Greens are in perfect condition. I have played course many times and highly recommend it. A great layout.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 07/31/2017

Thank you very much and we hope to see you back again soon

Played On
Reviews 29
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

NIagara Falls SPecial

Whirlpool is a nice course in good condition. Pretty much played to my 12 handicap. Ok for all range of players. Hot deal price was excellent.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 07/31/2017

Thank you

Played On
Reviews 90
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 500 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Friendly staff

I screwed up my Tee time and the staff were great about it. Making sure we got out with no worries. Both the pro shop and the started were great !

Course was in great condition.

I enjoy this course but it does play a bit long for me.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 07/31/2017

Thank you very much for the feedback and we're glad to hear the staff were able to accommodate your tee time

Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Still Awesome

I have played this course for over 30 years and it continues to be a favourite of mine. We live 2 hours away and it was worth the drive. The Staff are friendly, well organized, course is in great shape, always has been. It was a challenge without being a chore, great sites and a beautiful area of ontario to explore after. The helicopters viewing the falls are annoying to start but you quickly don't even notice them.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 07/31/2017

Thank you for your loyalty, we hope to see you again this season!

Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Wet weather
Used cart

wet but great day

whirlpool is an excellent golf course with an old fashioned layout.It is challenging golf course with doglegs and requires thinking your way around the course. it was soaked due to rains and played longer than usual. Had to use every club in the bag on this day.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 07/31/2017

Thank you for your feedback!

Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good layout

Course is a challenge greens needs work but overall a great course

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Enjoyable

This course is in pretty good shape for the wet season we've had this spring 2017, (quite wet in some low-lying areas). The helicopters flying overhead are continual and annoying. Over-priced for snacks (40g bag of chips is over $2). Ice water machine is appreciated. Clubhouse staff were unorganized when I called in to check bookings, and when mixing up our tee times, and not overly friendly. Bathroom needed attendance. Bunkers were hard-packed, but not as bad as some other courses in the area.

My overall rating reflects the course maintenance and appearance.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 07/31/2017

Thank you for your feedback. We'll be sure to look into your concerns with our team leaders.

Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 324
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Texas Advisor
Top 25 Contributor
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Stanley Thompson design that's great fun

Being a resident of the US south, we just don't have any Stanley Thompson designs around my way, so it's always a pleasure to get the chance to play one of his designs. While you may never get all the way up to Banff or Jasper or Cape Breton, there's really no excuse to miss Whirlpool, said to be his last design before his death and is just minutes from the falls and right on the Niagara Parkway where all the parks attractions are.

Whirlpool was my favorite round of the trip by far. The design is the perfect blend of challenge and playability.

Keep an eye out for "Stanley's Hub" which has the championship tees for three holes (no. 6, 12 and 16) all up a flight of stairs on a bluff that provide for some fun elevated tee shots. Even if you're not playing the tips, you may be tempted to do so on these holes. The 10th hole is another notable elevated tee shot but is even more noteworthy for its green, which is partially hidden by a big mound in the fairway. Local legend suggest Stanley, known for his wont to imbibe, buried his whiskey collection here.

Conditions and amenities aren't as top-notch as Legends on the Niagara, the excellent 45-hole facility operated by the Parks. But this is my favorite layout, and it's a great value, too.

The clubhouse restaurant is very popular for both golfers and passer-bys on the Niagara Parkway. Also, stop into the halfway house and if local fixture Gizzy is working, challenge her to make you a (the Gizmo, however, is on the menu and quite good).

After golf, check out the Whirlpool from an observation deck or take the Aero Car excursion over it.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 07/10/2017

Thank you for the great review & sharing your pictures! Glad to hear you were able to experience the "Gizmo"!

Played On
Reviews 54
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Beautiful course

The conditions were excellent. Well maintained course, and friendly staff. Pace was a bit slow, but staff was great. Would definitely return.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 06/19/2017

Thank you very much, we hope to see you back again soon this summer!

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

grounds look well maintained

THE COURSE WAS IN GREAT SHAPE EXCEPT THE GREENS. WE COULD NOT GET ONE BALL LANDING ON THE GREENS TO HOLD. NOT ONE BALL EVEN LEFT A MARK WHEN LANDING ON THE GREENS. I THINK THEY MAY NEED AERATING OR SOMETHING TO SOFTEN THEM UP. i WAS KIND OF DISAPPOINTED AS I HAVE PLAYED THE COURSE WHEN IT WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION IN EVERY WAY.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
62534e2e-6240-598a-896d-b552a59e30c4
Commented on 06/12/2017

Thank you for the feedback about the firm greens, we'll bring this to the attention of the Superintendent right away.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
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