2005

The latest jewel of Niagara golf – perhaps the shiniest yet – is an inspiring layout, a mix of parkland and links-style holes.
Ken Trowbridge, Director of Golf at The Grand Niagara Resort accepts the 2005 Niagara Golf Award for "Best New Course" from Project Co-ordinator, Bill Rivers	The Rees Jones Course at Grand Niagara has a unique look and “feel”, is wonderfully conditioned and eminently playable and fair for golfers of all abilities. Every square inch is lush and green - other than the numerous lakes and myriad bunkers, several of which will come into play during a round. The fairways are carpet-like, the bunkers “fluffy” and the views inspiring. The Rees Jones Course is the first phase of The Grand Niagara Resort that will eventually include a hotel, vacation ownership properties, restaurants, a winery, spa and fitness center, and a Greg Norman signature golf course - The Vineyard.
While the greens are not overly large, many are two-tiered - a Rees Jones trademark. Most of the putting surfaces are gently sloped and contoured, roll true but not too fast and are very golfer friendly. No goofy mounding or 100-footers here. Additionally, the greens are readily visible on approach shots, “hold” the ball well, thereby rewarding good iron play.

No matter the level of play, some of the course's 130-or-so fairway and greenside bunkers will come into play. For the most part they are deep, well drained, very playable, strategically positioned (for all tee box positions) and an integral part of the look and playability of the course.

Ranging from 5,737 to 7,425 yards, the Rees Jones Course presents a variety of risk-reward options that challenge low handicappers and give recreational golfers a thoroughly enjoyable golf experience. The course opens with wide, forgiving opening holes and gets progressively more challenging as the round unfolds. The par-3s are especially diverse and appealing – most calling for accurate, short to mid-iron shots. Start to finish, it is a great layout with no weak holes and a number of exceptional ones.   ( Grand Niagara profile )