www.whiskyrun.com

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Course Profile Once the site of a prosperous bootlegging operation during Prohibition, Whisky Run Golf Club is a picturesque, 27-hole, semi-private golf course located near the shores of Lake Erie, just east of Port Colborne. Each of the three nines is unique in its design, length and challenge. Small, well-guarded greens characterize all three nines at Whisky Run GC and place a premium on shot making, a solid short game and good putting.

Whisky Run's original nine (1989), the Owl Course is an "executive" layout lined with mature red pine, black walnut and pin-cherry trees. Reachable par 4's tempt long hitters to go for the green, but errant tee shots are severely penalized. There is no water, but trees define every fairway and green. A good test of one's iron game. The Fox Course (1992) offers some scenic vistas from the sand dunes along Lake Erie. Stands of mature trees and strategically placed ponds on each of the first five holes can cause a lot of grief, but then the course opens up a bit to some great driving holes. Pars do not come easily on this, the most popular of the three nines at Whisky Run GC.

On the Serpent Course, the expansive pond comes into play on 5 different holes on this open, links-style nine. The prevailing south-west breeze off Lake Erie is almost always a factor and will make for a few treacherous shots where there is little room to err. Whisky Run GC features multiple tee boxes, short rough and comparatively few (though strategically placed) bunkers. The typically small greens are guarded by water or shallow sand traps.

 

Course Review
Port's favourite course, the reasons for Whisky Run's popularity are apparent from the moment golfers register at the pro shop. A friendly, courteous staff, a choice of three unique nines, modest green fees, good course conditioning and a relaxing clubhouse atmosphere bring folks back again and again. "Golf's more fun at Whisky Run !" has been a marketing slogan for years, and judging by the course's popularity, it rings true.	website
Whisky Run GC is unique among Niagara golf courses, offering three entirely different golf experiences - the woodland, executive-length Owl Course, the watery, links-style Serpent Course, and the parkland Fox Course. Each nine differs not only in appearance, but in length and difficulty as well. Designed to challenge yet satisfy golfers of all playing abilities, Whisky Run plays fairly for all. The course has a good mix of short but challenging par-3s, par-4s of all shapes and sizes, and par-5s that reward strategy and good shot making, including # 6 on the Serpent - one of the best par-5s in Niagara.

The Fox Course starts off with two unique holes - the dogleg-right, reachable-in-two, par-5 1st that sweeps around the lake on the corner and the devilish par-4 2nd hole - one of the toughest short par-4s anywhere. The 3rd hole is a scenic, short par-4 and the best chance for a birdie. The par-4 5th is the Fox's signature hole - a 400-yarder that plays much longer to an elevated green. Coming down from the dunes, the par-3 6th plays tough, but the finishing holes open up and offer good chances for a birdie or two.
	The Serpent Course starts with a long par-5 where par is always a good score. The par-4 3rd across the "Serpent pond" and the dogleg-right 4th feature well-guarded greens. The par-5 6th hole is a beauty - water, water everywhere, so tread softly ! The 7th hole, a par-3 across the Serpent demonstrates that a hole doesn't have to be long to be demanding. That pond, separating holes # 3, 6 & 7, is almost certain to come into play - unfortunately ! The two finishing holes provide good chances to make birdies and get a couple strokes back.
The Owl Course, an "executive" layout, has holes as varied as you might find anywhere. Short iron approaches require accuracy, but length off the tee is not paramount to success. Only the par-4 # 7 provides a chance to hit a driver, so keeping the ball in the fairway and a good short-iron game are the keys to success. Lots of birdie opportunities, no water anywhere, but with trees everywhere, still plenty of grief for the wayward. A scenic, relaxing nine ideally suited for sharpening skills or shorter hitters.