Thundering Waters GC: #18, #9
Aerial view of the 18th and 9th holes at Thundering Waters Golf Club
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Rating Index Rating
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3.9
873 Reviews (873)
5 Stars
295
4 Stars
399
3 Stars
113
2 Stars
35
1 Stars
31
Conditions
3.6
Value
4.1
Layout
4.3
Friendliness
4.5
Pace
4.2
Amenities
3.7
84.9%
Recommend this course
743 out of 873 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.1
10 Reviews (10)
5 Stars
4
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
3.7
Value
4.5
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.7
100.0%
Recommend this course
10 out of 10 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.9
80 Reviews (80)
5 Stars
24
4 Stars
32
3 Stars
17
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
4
Conditions
3.5
Value
4.0
Layout
4.3
Pace
4.3
Amenities
3.7
StaffFriendliness
4.5
81.2%
Recommend this course
65 out of 80 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
The course layout uses natural terrain beautifully, delivering a challenging and varied round that consistently earns high marks from recent players. Friendly staff and a smooth pace of play make this an excellent value for the experience offered.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 6530 yards
Slope 143
Rating 71.8

Thundering Waters Golf Club, so named for its proximity to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, has a unique layout that combines a parkland course with the tricky elements of a heathland golf course. There is an interesting combination of drivable par 4s and scenic par 3s that will provide a formidable test for even the most skilled players. The golf course first winds through heavily wooded patches and then finds its way to rugged hills dotted with thick fescue where true links-style holes with deep bunkers and large, undulating greens await you. The layout also features several doglegs and more than 100 bunkers strategically placed throughout. Water hazards come into play on 10 holes. Thundering Waters Golf Club was Canada's first John Daly signature golf course.

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Thundering Waters Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 2005
Golf Season Year round
Architect John Daly (2005)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
GPS 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 No
Dress code Proper attire is required.

Food & Beverage

Bar, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities
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Reviews

3.9
873 Reviews (873)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 16
19th Hole Scenic Views 7
Patio Dining 7
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 54
Water Hazards 42
Undulating Greens 34
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 34
A Weekend Splurge 26
Locals 25
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 44
Near Local Attractions 41
Worth the Drive 23

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 78
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 1000 Contributor
First Time Playing
Cold weather
Used cart

Short course with challenge holes

First time played this course. Relative short course with narrow fairways and small greens. Friendly staff and good pace of play.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

The course was in great shape changelling holes

Was a great day weather was good the golf course was great shape , will book there again

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Soggy

Course was wet to to rain but dried up fast once the sun came out. Tough to give a good review because I remember the course when it first opened before the housing development chopped down the first 2 holes. Still good bang for your buck with the hot deal $33 with cart

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 9
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Had a great time met 3 other guys

would play it again

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 27
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

An Interesting Course

This is a fun golf course to play when visiting the Niagara region. It ranks up there with Legends, Whirlpool, and Peninsula Lakes as far as the golf experience is concerned.

Pros: The condition of the course was excellent; the greens were true in spite of the wet spring; the pace of play was solid.

Cons: The design of the course as a housing development makes some of the holes a bit gimmicky at times.

Overall, this is a good value for the money and it is a fun place with great views and some challenges.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Challenging Course

While this course is shorter then when it opened, it still provides a good challenge. Recommend that if you normally play from whites that you use the blue Tees.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 54
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

beauty fall golf

although course was a little wet in spots that was normal for november on a lucky warm day !! other than that the course was fantastic,,,pro shop was friendly and actually seemed to want to be there for paying customers, unlike many other courses ive been to,,,, kudos to Matt in pro shop !!!! this guy could teach customer service to many courses !!!!!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course great value

The course was in great shape from the tee boxes, the fairways,to the fast and true greens we always have a good time when we play it we will continue playing the course a few times every yrar

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Challenging and fun course

Like this course. Third time playing it. Nice interesting layout, challenging but still fun for the average golfer. Fairways and greens in good shape in spite of relentless hot, dry weather. Got a "Hot Deal" so the value was exceptional!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Poor,Bunker conditions

Course had rain the previous day cart path only, but starter did not notify us and ranger told us on third hole with an attitude. Bunkers should have been worked on as per my previous round same condition in bunkers. Standing water on a couple of holes not good.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Poor
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

ENJOYABLE ROUND

We played as a twosome and had a great experience. The course is located close to downtown Niagara Falls making it convenient if visiting and staying in the hotels downtown (less than a 5 min drive). The staff were very nice and the starter took 10 minutes to give us some tips on playing the course for the first time. He was friendly and welcoming. The course seemed to be undergoing some maintenance in certain areas, including aeration on the greens - but all courses do that at some point so nothing to complain about!

The course layout was interesting and each hole kept you focused on making a plan of attack to navigate the hazards, including the many DEEP bunkers. Playing with a very high handicapper, we found it helpful that although there are lots of hazards, you CAN play around them or avoid them if you don't mind an extra shot or two; this made the course challenging yet enjoyable for both of our skill levels.

You pass the food shelter at least 4 times (maybe more?) so there is no drink cart, but the shelter is fully stocked and the server was very friendly.

Despite the greens undergoing maintenance, the rest of the course maintenance was very good. The fairways are nicely kept, the rough is long but reasonable, and the tee decks were well kept as well.

We played mid-day Monday and did not run into any other groups in front, nor did we have any groups behind us. Pace was fantastic. A previous comment about new homes being too close to the course is exaggerated ... only two or three holes have homes nearby and they are well enough away to not be intimidating or distracting. I did not see any carts with radios during our round.

Overall a great course and experience, we would recommend and definitely will return in future years.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 47
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Super Receptive Greens

If you can't stick your approach shot on these greens, you'll never, because the greens at Thundering Waters were so soft and receptive, I almost needed a longer ball repair tool to fix my ball marks.

Pros:

> The staff was very friendly and made us feel welcome

> The course is so fun to play. It's designed to challenge all golfers...as long as you play from the right tees.

> The course appeared healthy and in good condition. The rough was lush, the fairways green and moist (not dry).

> The half-way house is perfectly placed in between holes.

Cons:

> There is only a putting green to warm up on. They have cages to make a few swings, but it is not like you can see your ball slicing, like on a real range.

> The population boom in Niagara is crowding this course. There are new houses popping up real close to the tee boxes and greens, and kinda makes it feel uncomfortable.

> The carts no longer have large tablets with yardages on every hazard you could think of.

> Offering carts with (loud) radios, only lead to annoying other golfers, and isn't my idea of golf. Maybe I am too old (40yrs), but radios have no place on a golf course.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Course Slow Pace

Phenomenal course, always enjoy myself. I was paired with two members who shared the course does NOT have Marshalls on it. Too many golfers who are slow spend too much time looking for balls in hazards OB etc. Strongly recommend the course employing a course Marshall to maintain pace of play.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/06/2016

I golfed here on 09/04/16 and there was a course marshall patrolling throughout my morning round. Maybe they've taken your suggestion.

Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Very challenging

beautiful course lots of sand & water to deal with especially around the greens

Can't wait to play again

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 128
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Top 250 Contributor
Ontario Advisor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Gets Weaker Every Year

Been here most years and have never been treated really well by the staff. Lukewarm reception this time. Had to put our bags on the cart. Pro shop staff was not very attentive or friendly. Off right on time. Pace was good. Tee decks were not well maintained - hard to find a spot with grass for your tee and a place to stand. Some grass just off the fairways was 6-8 inches long. Drove over or past our balls a few times. Greens are in great condition! Wouldn't go without a deal on the price. Too many other great courses in the area, that are better maintained and more challenging, to make this one a destination. We'll skip this one.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 53
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Well Worth the Drive

Played as a Threesome. The pace of play was very enjoyable. The tee boxes were in excellent Condition, the fairways were in perfect condition and the greens ran very true making putting challenging which is what I expect from a challenging course. I will definitely be back to play again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Grip it and rip it? I don't THINK so!

A course bearing John Daly's name that plays 6000 yards from the gold tees? OK, so length isn't what it's all about but this course takes target golf to a whole new level. If you are a 10 or better you can play this golf course quite easily (in fact probably more effectively) with nothing more than your irons and maybe a hybrid. It was like a never ending game of Bingo Bango Bongo.

Course itself was in pretty decent shape. The greens were quite a bit above average and the fairways superb. Tee boxes were a little rough but heck - you do get to put it on a peg at least!

The staff was helpful and friendly everywhere we encountered them from the pro shop to the starter to the halfway house. There is no cart service on the course but you crisscross past the halfway house about 37 times so grabbing a drink or a snack is not a problem.

There are a lot of good choices in the area and despite the good course conditions and staff this one certainly wouldn't make my top 5 in terms of a golf experience.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/20/2017

The course measures 6530 from the Daly tees. If you think the course is easy, you probably didn't play from there. Next time play the back tees and I challenge you to break 80. By the way, the original course was about 7300 from the back tees and just as much of a target golf course--you probably couldn't have broken 90 from back there. P.S. Did you try to drive 1, 7, and 11 (John Daly risk-reward.

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

This course is in great shape!

After playing numerous courses in the Niagara and Hamilton area during the current drought, this course was in immaculate condition and seems unaffected by the weather. The greens, fairways and the surrounding rough were well watered and were easy to hit from. The course played very positional making it challenging in every aspect of my game.

The staff were friendly and courteous which made it all the more enjoyable. I'm looking forward to going back and playing again! :)

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Fun!

Played the Blue tees, did not engage too much in the risk/reward, kept it in the fairway, and was rewarded with a solid round. My honest assessment is that from the Blues, the course is fairly easy - nearly all the par 5's reachable in two and the par 3's short. We avoided the golds because that pushes 4 of the par 3's over 200 yards and we had a non-regular golfer with us. I think a mix of Blue and Gold tees would make an excellent test. Was fun to have 6 each par 3,4,5, got to use some different clubs.

Greens and fairways were beautiful, rough was in good shape and thick, and a fair punishment for not keeping it in the fairway. Most tee boxes were in great shape, maybe 2 or so were pretty chewed up where the tee markers were placed for the day. Finally, some of the bunkers need some more sand, there are some spots the mesh pops through the sand - the only reason I deducted a star on condition - everything else was top notch. The pro show attendant and starter were both helpful and pleasant, the latter gave us a yardage book which came in handy all day. All that said, I enjoyed the day and course immensely and will definitely return and probably play this course a 2-3x a year coming from Buffalo. A great deal on GolfNow.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Not golfer friendly

Golf course is beautifully laid out and nicely maintained but very challenging for the recreational golfer. Tricky tee shots, fairway shots at green approaches. Not for the beginner golfer or anyone that difficulty keeping the ball on the fairway. Lots of course management, skills required to play this course.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
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