Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course

Without a doubt, Hickory Stick is a great course, but it is resting on its reputation rather than working to maintain it. It is the most expensive public course in the area but has the most basic carts...no gps, no coolers, etc. Many other courses in the area have much better carts. Why is this a big deal? Because there is no option to play without a cart. Even if you decide to walk, you still have to pay for a cart. Next, the cart paths are awful. Clearly they haven't been repaved them in years and they don't even bother to fill all the pot holes with gravel. They don't even have ball washers on every hole any more. As to the course, it seems like the locals don't know how to repair a divot or fix a ball mark. The greens are in great condition but are a bit clownish with all the ridiculous elevations changes. It gets even worse when the pins are placed in ridiculous places where there's no chance to hold the green, such as when the pin is cut on the crest on 4 or in the front right corner on 5. Then, they seem to have confused letting the vegetation get overgrown for some kind of course aesthetic. The only thing it does is result in blind tee and approach shots, such as on 8 or 15. As far as the staff, most of the starters and kids working n the pro shop are nice, but the managers and full-timers are miserable or useless, especially if you go during the week day. And, good luck trying to get a drink or something to eat in the restaurant after your round because it seems like they are rarely open (but, the food is delicious when it is open).

In sum, it's a great course that seems better than it is because most of the courses in the surrounding area are cow pastures. Head over the border, to Harvest Hill in OP, or Ivy Ridge in Clarence and you'll see that Hickory Stick isn't that special, especially for the money. If they're not careful, they're going to join courses like Arrowhead, which used to be good but was starved of cash for upkeep. Now, Arrowhead is the course you play if you can't get a tee time somewhere else. For $80 on the weekend, there are many better courses.

Played a quick 9 on my way through Niagara Falls. Pace was great even with CPO; staff was super friendly. Course was a little wet sue to recent rains. Greens in great in condition. Layout was fun with some interesting longer par 3s and a short 4 on the back. Wish I had more time to play all 18. Definitely worth playing if you’re in the area.

Played Hickory today for the first time in four years, since covid, and found the course in tremendous shape. It felt great to be back, the price was right, and will definitely cross the border to play again 👍

Terrific course worth way more then the $60 weekday rate. The course is in great shape with lots of challenges and great scenic views. The staff was knowledgeable and very helpful. I will be back and I would recommend this course enthusiastically!!

Course was in great condition even after what seemed was a tournament they must of had over the weekend.. starter was great and very friendly/outgoing.. course is one of the premier courses in the Buffalo area.

Everything was in wonderful shape on a beautiful afternoon. When they don’t cut the greens in the morning, playing afternoon golf is not as much fun as it should be