The Buffalo Golf Guide: Your Definitive Resource for Tee Times and Local Insights

Introduction: Welcome to Buffalo Golf

Buffalo, New York, might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of championship golf, but beneath the stunning architecture and vibrant culture lies a surprisingly rich golfing landscape. This guide is designed for both seasoned golfers and those new to the Buffalo area, offering comprehensive information on courses, seasonal conditions, local etiquette, and everything else you need to navigate the Buffalo golf scene. Consider this your go-to resource – bookmark it, share it, and enjoy the game!

Course Rankings & Reviews

This section provides a curated list of the best courses in the Buffalo area, categorized by price point and playing experience. Rankings are based on a combination of course condition, design, challenge, and overall golfer satisfaction, drawing from recent reviews and local consensus.

1. Fore! Golf Club (Amateur Championship Course)

• Signature Hole: Hole 16, a challenging par-3 over a ravine with a dramatic backdrop.
• Notable Features: A classic links-style layout with undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and a demanding green complex. Known for its excellent conditioning and challenging play.
• Unique Factor: Hosts the annual Buffalo & Erie County Open, a prestigious amateur tournament.
• Slope/Rating: 132/70.5
• Price: $80-$120 (depending on time of day and season)
• Golfer Profile: Experienced golfers seeking a challenging test of skill and strategic thinking.

2. Oak Orchard Golf Club

• Signature Hole: Hole 18, a scenic par-4 with a long approach shot overlooking Lake Ontario.
• Notable Features: A well-maintained course with a variety of challenges, including water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. Offers beautiful views of the lake.
• Unique Factor: A popular choice for tournament play and corporate outings.
• Slope/Rating: 125/67
• Price: $60-$80
• Golfer Profile: All skill levels welcome. A good option for a relaxed round with friends.

3. Bethpage at Erie Commons

• Signature Hole: Hole 14, a demanding par-5 with a risk-reward approach shot.
• Notable Features: A challenging course with a mix of long holes and tight fairways. Known for its excellent conditioning and strategic bunkering.
• Unique Factor: A popular destination for tournament play and a favorite among local golfers.
• Slope/Rating: 138/72
• Price: $70-$90
• Golfer Profile: Intermediate to advanced golfers looking for a challenging and rewarding round.

4. Buffalo & Erie County Golf Association (B&EGA) Courses (Various Locations)

• Signature Hole: Varies by course, but many feature challenging par-3s and strategic bunkering.
• Notable Features: B&EGA operates several courses throughout the county, offering excellent value and a variety of layouts. Well-maintained and affordable.
• Unique Factor: A great option for budget-conscious golfers and those looking for a casual round.
• Slope/Rating: Varies by course (generally 110-130/60-70)
• Price: $30-$50
• Golfer Profile: All skill levels. Excellent for beginners and those looking for a budget-friendly option.

5. Forest Park Golf Course

• Signature Hole: Hole 17, a short par-4 with a challenging approach shot.
• Notable Features: A classic parkland course with mature trees and undulating fairways. Offers a relaxed and enjoyable golfing experience.
• Unique Factor: A historic course with a strong local following.
• Slope/Rating: 115/65
• Price: $40-$60
• Golfer Profile: All skill levels. A good option for a casual round with friends.

6. Cattaraugus Golf Club

• Signature Hole: Hole 18, a scenic par-4 with a long approach shot overlooking the Cattaraugus Creek.
• Notable Features: A challenging course with a mix of long holes and tight fairways. Known for its excellent conditioning and strategic bunkering.
• Unique Factor: A popular destination for tournament play and a favorite among local golfers.
• Slope/Rating: 135/71
• Price: $60-$80
• Golfer Profile: Intermediate to advanced golfers looking for a challenging and rewarding round.

7. Ellicott Creek Golf Course

• Signature Hole: Hole 12, a challenging par-3 over a ravine with a dramatic backdrop.
• Notable Features: A well-maintained course with a variety of challenges, including water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. Offers beautiful views of the creek.
• Unique Factor: A popular choice for tournament play and corporate outings.
• Slope/Rating: 120/68
• Price: $50-$70
• Golfer Profile: All skill levels welcome. A good option for a relaxed round with friends.

Practical Golfer Information

Difficulty Breakdown

• Beginner-Friendly (Slope/Rating 100-120/60-70): B&EGA courses (various locations), Forest Park Golf Course, Ellicott Creek Golf Course. These courses generally have wider fairways, fewer hazards, and more forgiving greens.
• Championship-Level (Slope/Rating 125+/65+): Fore! Golf Club, Bethpage at Erie Commons, Cattaraugus Golf Club. These courses feature tighter fairways, more strategically placed hazards, and more challenging greens.

Seasonal Strategy

• Peak Season: May through October. Expect warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and higher green fees.
• Off-Season: November through April. Limited course availability, colder temperatures, and potential for snow/ice. Indoor golf facilities become more attractive.
• Spring: Course openings typically begin in late April/early May. Aeration is common during this period, so pay attention to course announcements.
• Summer: Prime tee times are in the mornings. Twilight golf is a popular option to avoid the heat.
• Fall: The foliage season is a popular time to play. Weather is generally mild and pleasant.
• Winter: Indoor golf facilities (e.g., Topgolf) and driving ranges are available. Some courses offer limited winter rates.

Tee Time Tactics

• Booking Platforms: GolfNow, TeeOff, and individual course websites.
• Advance Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season and weekends.
• Walk-On Possibilities: Some courses allow walk-ons, but availability is limited. Call ahead to inquire.
• Group Bookings: Contact the course directly for group rates and availability.

Local Playing Conditions

• Typical Weather Patterns: Four distinct seasons. Expect cold, snowy winters; warm, humid summers; and mild, pleasant springs and falls.
• Wind Considerations: Lake Ontario can create significant wind conditions, especially on courses located near the lake.
• Course Maintenance Schedules: Courses typically perform aeration (core aeration) in the spring and fall. Fertilization and other maintenance activities are ongoing throughout the year. Check course websites for specific schedules.

Insider Knowledge

Pro Shop Insights

• Equipment: Golf Galaxy (multiple locations) is the primary retailer for golf equipment in the Buffalo area.
• Lessons: Many courses offer lessons from experienced instructors. Check individual course websites for lesson schedules and pricing. The Buffalo Golf Instructor Network is a good resource.
• Club Fitting: Golf Galaxy and some private clubs offer club fitting services.

19th Hole Recommendations

• Fore! Golf Club: The 19th Hole offers a full menu with classic pub fare and a great atmosphere.
• Oak Orchard Golf Club: The clubhouse restaurant offers beautiful views of Lake Ontario and a variety of dining options.
• Buffalo & Erie County Golf Association (B&EGA) Courses: Most B&EGA courses have casual dining options.
• Forest Park Golf Course: The clubhouse offers a classic, relaxed atmosphere and a full menu.

Local Golf Culture

• Etiquette Expectations: Standard golf etiquette applies. Be mindful of pace of play, repair divots, and rake bunkers.
• Pace of Play Norms: Aim for a pace of play of approximately 3 hours for a round of 18 holes.
• Community Tournaments: Numerous amateur and professional tournaments are held throughout the year. Check the B&EGA website for a calendar of events.

Transportation & Logistics

• Parking Situations: Most courses have ample parking.
• Public Transit Access: Limited public transit access to some courses. Consider using ride-sharing services.
• Multi-Course Day Planning: Plan your route carefully, taking into account travel time between courses.

Seasonal Deep Dive

Spring Golf

• Course Reopening Schedules: Most courses reopen in late April or early May, weather permitting.
• Aeration Timing: Aeration typically occurs in the spring to improve course drainage.
• Early Season Conditions: Fairways may be firm and greens may be slow.

Summer Strategy

• Heat Management: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.
• Prime Tee Times: Morning tee times are generally cooler.
• Twilight Golf: A popular option to avoid the heat.

Fall Excellence

• Peak Playing Season: September and October offer the best weather and foliage.
• Foliage Golf: Enjoy the beautiful fall colors while you play.
• Weather Transitions: Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential rain.

Winter Options

• Year-Round Facilities: Some courses offer indoor practice facilities.
• Indoor Alternatives: Topgolf and other indoor golf facilities are available.
• Off-Season Practice: Utilize driving ranges and indoor practice facilities to maintain your game.

Regional Context

Architectural Styles

• Influences: Early course designers were heavily influenced by links-style courses from Scotland and England. Later designs incorporated parkland elements.
• Notable Designers: Several prominent course designers have contributed to the Buffalo area, including Donald Ross and Alister MacKenzie.

Geographical Advantages

• Terrain: The Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario provide a varied and scenic landscape.
• Climate: The climate is generally mild, with four distinct seasons.

Tournament History

• Buffalo & Erie County Open: A prestigious amateur tournament that has been held in the Buffalo area for over 100 years.
• Professional Tournaments: The area has hosted several professional tournaments throughout the years.

Golf Community

• Buffalo & Erie County Golf Association (B&EGA): The primary governing body for golf in the Buffalo area.
• Local Golf Leagues: Numerous golf leagues cater to all skill levels.
• Networking Opportunities: Attend tournaments and events to connect with other golfers.

Special Features

Golfer Profiles

• Beginner: Forest Park Golf Course, B&EGA Courses
• Intermediate: Oak Orchard Golf Club, Ellicott Creek Golf Course
• Advanced: Fore! Golf Club, Bethpage at Erie Commons, Cattaraugus Golf Club

Seasonal Pricing Guide (Approximate)**

• Spring/Fall: $40-$80
• Summer: $60-$100
• Winter: $30-$50 (at indoor facilities)

Weather Contingencies

• Indoor Alternatives: Topgolf, driving ranges, indoor golf facilities.
• Rainy Day Alternatives: Indoor golf facilities, bowling alleys, museums.

Local Partnerships

• Stay-and-Play Deals: Check course websites for packages that include lodging and golf.
• Group Discounts: Contact courses directly for group rates.

Accessibility Notes

• Oak Orchard Golf Club: Offers accessible tees and carts.
• B&EGA Courses: Many B&EGA courses have accessible tees and carts.

Disclaimer: Course fees and availability are subject to change. Please check individual course websites for the most up-to-date information.

Links to Useful Resources:

• Buffalo & Erie County Golf Association (B&EGA): https://www.beagolf.com/
• GolfNow: https://www.golfnow.com/
• Topgolf: https://www.topgolf.com/us/ny/buffalo

This guide is constantly evolving. We encourage you to share your experiences and insights with us! Happy golfing!