Whirlpool Golf Course

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.

What a great course. Amazing conditions and great staff make for a great round. ( helicopters are very annoying!

Was surprised to find so much of this course had ground under repair. Fairways were so full of divots and greens had so few ball mark repairs. Some bunkers had no rakes on the front nine. The overwhelming noise of the tour helicopters flying overhead to the Falls was distracting and took away any pleasure in playing a relaxing round of golf. Clubhouse food was great value and the staff were spectacular. Won’t be back.

Thanks for making our visit enjoyable. The staff were welcoming and professional. The course was tough but fair, and the short staffed restaurant staff were delightful and efficiient. Thanks for a wonderful day!

Greatvfriends

We were the first group off and flew around the course. Would suggest an early tee time

An all time favourite but on the day we played:

1. Strong raw sewage smell across the first 1:3 of the course

2, a Canadian geese infestation. I needed to clean my ball after a couple of drives. There were several hundred geese if not more on the course.

Great Course, Great Stanley Thompskn Layout, Great Comditions!