Legends On The Niagara GC (Battlefield & Ussher's Creek Courses)

Niagara Falls, ON

www.niagaraparksgolf.com/legends

Battlefield: 2002, Douglas Carrick
7309, 134

Ussher's Creek: 2002, Thomas McBroom
7180, 130

'03 Fees: $89-$95

T&L Golf Review, Battlefield: Unquestionably the best of Niagara Falls area golf. Built by the Ontario government to promote tourism, it's proven a tough rival for area public courses now pitted against a foe with bottomless pockets. These are a couple of the most perfectly manicured courses on earth. The Battlefield is a particular joy and a stern challenge, with otherwise uninterrupted swaths of green pockmarked by 110 flash-faced bunkers. Stretched across the site of the Battle of Chippawa, a draw between U.S. forces and the British during the War of 1812, the front 9 fills a virtually treeless stretch of open space, achored by a 19-acre lake and more than a few traps. The knees-a-knockin' 4th, a 449-yard par 4, looks to have more sand than fairway.

T&L Golf Review, Ussher's Creek: A more conventional experience, woodsy and traditional in appearance, and a whisper shorter than its partner. But its namesake creek meanders across more than half the holes, and the occasional calamitous hazard--say, the vast pit of sand in the middle of the 14th fairway--gives it plenty of personality.

Best Bar Nearby: Of course, don't forget that the Niagara Falls area is among North America's best for Gentlemen's Clubs. From what I've heard, to describe most area clubs as "full contact" would be an understatement. So stock up on singles before you go. The Sundowner comes highly recommended in a sportswriter's blog I stumbled across ("In some ways I'm still recovering from the night I spent there"), and Private Eyes got fined for "crossing the line" (I'm assuming it's still in business?). Other big names include Mint's, Doll House, and Seductions International. For a more standard experience, T&L Golf likes the Olde Angel Inn (905-468-3411), a low-ceilinged pub opened in 1816. The steaming steak-and-kidney pie, washed down with a pint of Angel Inn Lager, makes for a blissful end to a golfing day.

Where To Grub, per T&L Golf: Great alfresco dining at Eficurean (Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-3408), featuring a wide selection of sandwiches at lunch and a mouth-watering slab of Black Angus at dinner. Also, many of the larger local wineries offer fine restaurants as well as tastings and tours. Try Cave Spring Cellars (905-562-3581), Hildebrand Estates Winery (905-468-3201), and Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery (905-563-0900) for high-end drinking and dining.

Where To Stay: White Oaks Resort & Spa ($103-$213/night, www.whiteoaksresort.com) is Ontario's only 4-diamond, 5-star hotel, a study in understated modern class. OR, the B&B experience features standouts Oban Inn, Pillar & Post Inn, Prince Of Wales Hotel, and Queen's Landing Inn ($102-$269/night), all @ www.vintageinns.com.

Further Diversions: Experience the Falls the delightfully soggy, old-fashioned way on the Maid Of The Mist riverboat (www.maidofthemist.com ), or via helicopter tour (www.niagarahelicopters.com).

Other Area Courses To Play:

T&L Golf likes the upscale, pretty holes at Royal Niagara GC ($60-$68, 866-769-2518), play the Iron Bridge/Old Canal combo. Then head for the oldest course in North America, 9-hole Niagara-on-the-Lake GC ($24, 905-468-3424), circa 1881, claiming both a redbrick fort and one of the Great Lakes as hazards. Also try Hunters Point GC ($38-$60, 877-714-4659) for howling winds and frequent nods to the best of old world courses. Wrap it up at Whirlpool GC, a Stanley Thompson/Parks Comission track with classic lines and abundant flower beds. John Daly's signature course Thundering Waters won Niagara area course of the year for '05-'07.

See also:  Fat Guy's Buffalo NY Golf Weekend

On Your Way Home:

More than half the reason to come here is to hit Buffalo's Anchor Bar (1047 Main St, www.buffalowings.com/newwings/anchorbar/body_anchorbar.html), home of the original Buffalo Wing. And whille some Anchor Bar die-hards might argue, Southwest Airlines Spirit mag and an acquaintance of mine who was a former local, say the vast majority of Buffalonians will concede that the area's best wings are served just outside the city limits at the 60-year-old Duff's (3651 Sheridan Dr, 716-834-6234, http://www.duffsfamouswings.ca/home.html). They also won 2008 Best Of Buffalo wings from local Buffalo weekly Artvoice. The Bear from the Downingtown Football website recommends P.J. Bottoms over Anchor Bar, "beats the original, hands down." To sample 'em all, hit the annual Buffalo Wing festival, usually around the first weekend in September (www.buffalowing.com). Travel Channel digs Ted's Hotdogs as a break from the wingfest, with some of the best 'dogs in the country.

2008 Best Buffalo Bars per Artvoice:

Best Bathroom Graffiti
Old Pink

Best Beer Selection
Pearl Street

Best Bowling Alley
Voelker’s

Best Cocktails
Chocolate Bar

Best Dance Club
Level

Best Dive Bar
Old Pink

Best Bartender, Female
Jenn Parker @ Club Diablo

Best Bartender, Male
Jimmy @ Cathode Ray

Best Happy Hour
Soho

Best Jukebox
Essex Street Pub

Best Karaoke
Roxy’s

Best Live Music
Mohawk Place

Best Neighborhood Pub
Allen Street Hardware

Best New Bar
Bayou

Best Place to Shoot Pool
Pearl Street

Best Place to Throw Darts
Macaroons

Best Place to Watch a Game
Pearl Street

Best Upscale Bar
Stillwater

Best Wine List
Bacchus