Whirlpool Golf Course

Situated against the picturesque setting of the Niagara River whirlpool and gorge, Whirlpool Public Golf Course presents a thrill for golfers of all skill levels. This 18-hole, par 72 championship course was designed by ?The Toronto Terror,? architect Stanley Thompson, in 1951. Some eighteen thousand, two hundred and fifty-one persons played the course during the first year of operation alone. By mid-1980, the course saw its one-millionth player.

Whirlpool Public Golf Course celebrated its 50th Anniversary in July 2001. Since its opening in 1951, the course has hosted a number of tournaments and received multiple awards. In 1996 a new Master Plan was developed and renovations were made to the course, including clubhouse renovations and landscaping additions. Due to its rich history and recent improvements, Whirlpool has received a four-star rating from Golf Digest and was ranked 47th overall in Canada among both private and public courses in 2002. It received the additional ranking as the #4 golfing value when compared among the same courses.

These accolades prove to be well-deserved. Whirlpool shows itself to be a fine test for golfers of varying skills. With over 7,000 yard from the tips, the course plays shorter than the numbers suggest. Big hitters will be tempted here with the straight-away holes, generous fairways, short rough and fair bunker placements around the course. Water hazards are scarce here and only come into play on a few holes, such as the re-designed 2nd hole, one of Whirlpool?s signature holes, which is fully guarded by a pond. The large greens are kind and putt true but not too fast.

Scorecard

Driving Directions

From the Peace Bridge (Buffalo, New York):
Take QEW Toronto towards Niagara Falls.
Exit Hwy 420 towards the bridge to the USA.
At the first stoplight turn left onto Stanley Avenue.
Turn right at the third stop onto Bridge Street.
Continue to the second stoplight and turn left onto Victoria Avenue.
At the end, turn left onto the Niagara Parkway.
Whirlpool Public Golf Course is one kilometre on the left.

From the Lewistown-Queenston Bridge:
After crossing the bridge into Canada take the very first exit which is Stanely Ave.
Turn right then right on to Stanely Ave. and follow along to Whirlpool Road, which you will see on your left before crossing the railroad tracks.
Follow Whirlpool Road to the Niagara River Parkway then turn left.
Whirlpool Public Golf Course is on the left.

From Toronto/Hamilton:
Approach Niagara Falls on the QEW. just after crossing the St. Catharines Skyway, take Hwy 405 exit towards the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge to the USA.
Take the Stanley Ave. exit.
Turn right off of the ramp onto Stanley Ave. and follow along to Whirlpool Road, which you will see on your left before crossing the railroad tracks.
Follow Whirlpool Road to the Niagara River Parkway then turn left.
Whirlpool Public Golf Course is on the left.

From the Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls):
After proceeding through Canada Customs follow the signs directing to the Niagara River Parkway – to the right.
Go north to the Niagara Parkway (a.k.a. River Road).
Continue along the Parkway for approximately 5-10 minutes
The Whirlpool Golf Course will be on the left side.

From the Whirlpool Bridge (Niagara Falls):
After proceeding through Canada Customs turn right on to the Niagara River Parkway (a.k.a. River Road).
Continue along the Parkway for approximately 5-10 minutes.
The Whirlpool Golf Course will be on the left side.