Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada
Architect: ? (1875)
6,001 Yards, Par-72
Rating/Slope: 66.4/116
My Quick Review: Don't miss this piece of golf history...
Niagara On The Lake Golf Club claims it is the oldest golf course in North America, dating back to 1875. A more recent claim to fame, NOTL has been ranked among the nine best nine hole courses outside the United States by Golf Digest Magazine.
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zps29c02eea.jpg)
A newspaper from 1896 with hole descriptions...
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zpsd9fe1ed3.jpg)
And a 1934 v. current pair of aerials:
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/ScreenShot2013-08-12atMondayAugust122013110518PM_zps4a2c391e.png)
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/ScreenShot2013-08-12atMondayAugust122013110539PM_zps26a61a9e.png)
The unique tee markers at NOTL are apropos as Fort Mississauga sits within the golf course's boundary:
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zpsef63a4c3.jpg)
And a putting green that reminded of the putting green at Fishers Island, set against the lake...
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zps2e613b8b.jpg)
The golf course starts with a simple and straightaway par-4 of 350 yards. Imagine how beautiful this hole, among others, was when trees did not block the view of the lake.
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zpsf635ab79.jpg)
The second hole showcases the overgrowth of trees, and the par-5 3rd offers the first introduction to the mounding that lines several of the fairways...
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zps66ba6b80.jpg)
It seems the 3rd and 4th were combined into a single par-5 in the 1934 aerial, but the current 4th is a very nice short par-3 with a devilish back-right shelf...
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zps24db9313.jpg)
Curious bunkering short of the green on the par-5 5th is explained by the 1934 aerial; the bunkers once surrounded the green, which has since been moved some 50 yards back. Still, the current green is a very good one, with a high point in the centre and a unique pear-shape:
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zpsf31ccb84.jpg)
With a bit of imagination, one can see that the 7th was once a great hole. The bold line was down the left, near the water; the bailout is to the right.
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zpsde404d17.jpg)
Playing to the left leaves a simpler pitch to the green...
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zps83673314.jpg)
While playing to the right leaves an awkward pitch over bunkering...
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zpsef7042d0.jpg)
To a green that slopes severely (and I mean SEVERELY!) away...
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zps3446e22f.jpg)
The view from behind the current 8th tee:
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zps315aa371.jpg)
And the 8th green is forgettable...
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zps9a23cfae.jpg)
Except...
![](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/SaltyLaw/NOTL/file_zps84225d73.jpg)
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