Western New York has a fantastic golf scene, and it is way more diverse than people give it credit for. From affordable city courses with deep roots to championship layouts that have tested the pros, there is a course for every type of player. The season typically runs from April through October, with summer and early fall offering ideal conditions and colorful scenery.

Whether you are a scratch golfer or just looking for a fun round with friends, here is a look at some of the best public, municipal, and resort courses the region has to offer.

Key Takeaways

• Public courses like Glen Oak and Terry Hills offer championship level experiences without requiring a private membership.
• Buffalo's historic municipal courses, including Delaware Park and Grover Cleveland, provide affordable and accessible options.
• For a unique experience, Bob-O-Link offers night golf under the lights, the only 18-hole course of its kind in the region.
• Resort courses like Holiday Valley and Byrncliff combine great golf with overnight stays and scenic views.
• Private clubs like Park Country Club and Crag Burn offer championship pedigrees for those seeking a membership.

Premier Public Courses

These are the public courses that consistently rank among the best in the region, offering a championship level experience without a private membership.

Glen Oak Golf Course in East Amherst is a premier public course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr.. This 18-hole, par 72 championship course stretches 6,730 yards from the longest tees and opened in 1969. It is conveniently located just 25 minutes from downtown Buffalo and offers top notch practice facilities.

Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia is a 27-hole public course that offers country club conditions and consistently ranks as one of the top 5 public golf courses in Western New York. It has been labeled as "first class golf with a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere" by New York Golf Magazine and is the home of the Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic.

Diamond Hawk Golf Course in Cheektowaga is a premier 18-hole public course that offers country club conditions with challenging stacked sod bunkers, undulating greens, and lush fairways. It is widely regarded as one of Western New York's premiere golf courses.

Harvest Hill Golf Course in Orchard Park is a par 72 championship daily fee course that is home to The First Tee of Western NY. It features a spectacular practice center, a short game facility, a driving range, and a 3-hole family course.

Erie County's Challenging Favorites

Just outside the city, Erie County boasts some of the most challenging and well-maintained public courses in the region.

Elma Meadows Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 70 course known for its elevated terrain and long par 4s. The course is situated along Buffalo Creek and features some of the most elevated terrain of any course in Erie County. It has hosted the annual Erie County Golf Championship. The formidable 495-yard 18th hole is a stern test for any golfer.

Sheridan Park Golf Course in Tonawanda is generally rated to be one of the premier public courses in Western New York. This par 71 course stretches over 6,500 yards of tight fairways, rolling hills, and water. It opened in 1933 and hosted the 1962 U.S. Amateur Public Links.

Buffalo's Historic Municipal Gems

Do not overlook the city's public courses. They are affordable, accessible, and steeped in history, often designed by legendary landscape architects.

Delaware Park Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal course in the heart of the city, located within the historic park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. This par 68 course spans 5,359 yards, providing a picturesque setting for players of all skill levels.

South Park Golf Course is a 9-hole course located within the historic South Park, which was also designed by Olmsted in 1892. It offers 5,486 yards of golf for a par of 70.

Grover Cleveland Golf Course is a historic 18 hole course on Buffalo's north side that hosted the 1912 U.S. Open. It is one of the oldest municipal courses in the United States, established in 1912. It is a level, straightforward course that is perfect for a casual round.

Cazenovia Park Golf Course is a 9 hole public course opened in 1935 and designed by Seymour Dunn. It is a great course for beginners and features some water hazards from Cazenovia Creek.

Beyond the City: Resort and Unique Golf Experiences

For a golf getaway or a truly unique round, head a little further out.

Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville is home to the newly redesigned 18-hole, par 70 "Double Black Diamond" course. With breathtaking scenery from every hole, it is a golfer's paradise in the summer months.

Byrncliff Golf Resort in Varysburg is a year round resort nestled in the rolling hills of Wyoming County, featuring an 18-hole par 72 golf course, restaurant, and overnight lodging. It is located just 35 minutes from Buffalo.

Bob-O-Link Golf Club in Orchard Park is Western New York's only 18-hole course with night golf under the lights. It is a par 3 course, making it a fun and casual option for all skill levels.

Private Country Clubs

For those seeking a private club experience, Western New York is home to several prestigious courses, many with rich histories and championship pedigrees.

Park Country Club in Williamsville is a private historic club that hosted the 1934 PGA Championship. Crag Burn Golf Club in East Aurora is a private championship club, considered by some to have the best practice facility in Western New York. The Country Club of Buffalo in Williamsville is a private club featuring a classic Donald Ross design. Wanakah Country Club in Hamburg is a private, lakeside 18-hole course.

FAQ

Q: What is the golf season in Western New York?
A: The best golfing season in Buffalo typically runs from April through October. The course conditions are usually excellent during the summer and early fall, with the added bonus of colorful scenery.

Q: Are there good public courses near Buffalo?
A: Yes, the region is full of fantastic public options. Some of the most highly rated public courses include Terry Hills, Glen Oak, Diamond Hawk, and Elma Meadows.

Q: What is the most challenging course in the area?
A: For a public challenge, Elma Meadows is a strong contender, especially with its long par 4s. On the private side, Crag Burn and Park Country Club are known for their championship level difficulty.

Q: Can I play night golf in Western New York?
A: Yes. Bob-O-Link Golf Club in Orchard Park is the only 18-hole course in Western New York with night golf under the lights.

Q: Are there any resort courses with overnight stays?
A: Yes, both Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville and Byrncliff Golf Resort in Varysburg offer on-site lodging alongside their golf courses.

Q: What are some affordable municipal courses in Buffalo?
A: Delaware Park, South Park, Grover Cleveland, and Cazenovia Park are all affordable municipal courses with historic significance.