2022 Best of Lake Erie: Golfing
Expert or novice golfers will appreciate the array of options available around our Great Lake.
Toughest Par 4: River Oaks Golf Club
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, River Oaks Golf Club was designed by Desmond Muirhead, a creative designer whose crowning achievement is probably Muirfield Village in Columbus. The links-style course, unusual for the area, features rolling land, fescue and heather. The second hole, a 434-yard par 4, is regarded as one of the toughest in New York. The course is private, but the restaurant, Ellden’s Grill and Banquet, is worth the trip.
“Everything’s good there,” says Ryan Higgins, who’s been the club professional for 10 years. “I’ll eat anything off the menu.”
Grand Island, New York, 716-773-3337, riveroaks-golfclub.com
Scenic Experience: The Bluffs
Built in 2000 on what was previously farmland, The Bluffs overlooks Lake Erie, not far from Port Stanley’s beach. The nine-hole course has been expanded to 12, covering 3,700 yards, and thousands of trees were planted, making the course even more verdant.
Port Stanley, Ontario, 519-782-7447
Something for Everyone: Thunderbird Hills
With two separate courses, Thunderbird Hills has something for any type of golfer. The north course, which opened in 1960, is hilly, with tree-lined fairways and smaller greens, for the more skilled duffer. The south course, which opened in 1995, features views of the Huron River, more hills and larger greens.
Huron, Ohio, 419-433-4552, thunderbirdgolfcourses.com
