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COURSE REVIEWS Thundering Waters Golf Club Ontario, ON
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On October 13, 2009, Obie 96 of Smithville (20 handicap) posted:
Played Thundering Waters on Thanksgiving, was suppose to tee off at 7:51 but there was a FROST delay, so could not tee off until 8:30. Since it was a Red Flag deal how could you complain with the price $32. Overall the fairways were in good condition for this time of year. Greens were great still maybe a little bumpy. Bunkers were wet with little sand, hit dirt under the sand a few times. Other then the weather being a little chilly the day was great and will hopefully try to get another round in here by the end of the year.
1
On September 7, 2009, Clarky of OSHAWA posted:
We played Thundering Waters in Niagara on Sept 5/09. The course was in fantastic shape and the service was second to none. Everyone greeted us with a smile and a hello or a wave. The course was challenging enough and after reading the past comments from other golfers on how they hated the course, I can only imagine they let the course beat them up. I thought the course was fair and if you listened to the GPS you could get around the golf course with minimal damage. I shot a pretty good round for playing it for the first time and our foursome can't wait to return and play it again now that we have seen the layout. All I can say is good job to the designers and good job to the grounds keepers.
2
On August 31, 2009, JackArnie posted:
As with John Daly you have to lower your ideals of a PGA pro. Beer and Chips not Scotch and Soda. Clubhouse food service was a joke... Course condition was lacking.Overgrown and hardly any sand in bunkers. On the other hand the layout was great for the average honest golfer. The risk reward setups played to the amateurs length and the many par fives made it an enjoyable challenge in spite of the lack of "Country Club". The staff outside of the sandwich girls were all very accomodating and professional too. Play it for the golf experience, but bring your own food and stay out of the bunkers.
It is a shame that the course now lacks a little of the teeth it used to have but I found it an enjoyable outing just the same. Met up with three interesting gentlemen and I'm finding these days that its not just the course but the people you meet that make the day enjoyable. TW may be playing under 6500 yards from the back tees but you still need to make that swing and play for position to score well. Bunkers are deep, although lacking a bit in sand this day, can't play out of a water hazard and the tall grass can swallow up you ball in seconds not to mention trying to locate a wayward shot that's landed in the trees. I say thank you to LMG for providing us with the opportunity to play TW at a reasonable rate. It was a fun day and I will be back.
4
On August 28, 2009, Zimwieser of Scarborough (13 handicap) posted:
I recently played this course after long anticipation since the course opened several years ago. Upon arrival, I learned the course only played 6500 yards from the "DALY" tees, which is a recent change due to new houses being built at the course. The original course played about 7500, and as a "long hitter" myself, I was very disappointed not having those tees available to play. At only 6500 yards, it defeats the stigma of the course being a John Daly Signature Course.
That being said, I thought the layout was still good with 6 par threes, 6 par fours, and 6 par fives, and various options off several tees. There was playability for everyone. Speaking of tees, I was very upset at the condition of the tee decks to the point I will not be returning anytime soon. Divots were running rampant, and there were brown spots on nearly every tee. This is very confusing considering the amount of rainfall this year.
The fairways were in good shape overall, and although I did not spend enough time there, I have no complaints in that department.
The greens were substandard for a course claiming "Niagara's Most Exciting Golf Experience". They did receive iron shots, but many were torn up as if every player before me was still wearing metal spikes. I found myself repairing 3-5 ball marks on every green. I think if John Daly made a surprise visit to the course, he would be embarrassed with the current condition.
In terms of value, the $55 last minute rate was acceptable. The full rate of $88 is definitely taking advantage of tourists that don't know any better. I did find the overall course design good, but I have played many similar style courses where the course condition exceeds Thundering Waters. For example, Copetown Woods, Lochness Links, Osprey Valley (Heathlands).
I only recommend playing this course for the $55 rate, and if you are already nearby in the area. I drove from Toronto just to play this course, and I would not do the drive again with the current condition of the course.
One final note: Shortly before teeing off, I was talking with the starter. He stated to me that it’s a fun course, but there are better courses in the Niagara area. If the starter says there are better courses, then why choose Thundering Waters for your next round. You make the choice.
5
On August 17, 2009, TigerTheLion of Stoney Creek posted:
I've heard really mixed reviews about Thundering Waters so I thought I'd give it a try and decide for myself. Played a late afternoon round on Sat., Aug. 15th.
Overall I wasn't disappointed with this course. I think the layout is decent although for a Daly Signature course I'd expect it to play a little longer. We played from the Black tee's which only measure close to 6,200 yards with a challenging 70.0 par and 137 slope ratings. Apparently the Daly tee's don't even exist on some holes but even if they did 6,500 yards isn't very long.
Greens were hard on the front but softened on the back. Despite their firmness on the front they were not rolling quickly at all. Lots of different levels and undulations on the greens though which is nice. The fairways were nice and short and well maintained. The bunkers are numerous and some are very deep. For the most part they were kept in good shape.
I'd definitely give this course another go 'round. If you haven't played don't let the negative reviews deter you. If you played a couple of years ago then a lot of the changes may disappoint but in my case ignorance is bliss.
I played this course when it first opened and it was in fantastic condition!! Played it recently. Sorry to say, it has not been up kept. In poor condition compared to couple years back. A real shame.
Beautiful course and in great shape. The view from the patio was unbelievable.You can not walk this one a lot of distanse between some holes.Will play this again real soon.
Course was in great condition and was empty so I had the place to myself. Some challenging holes although I played from the blues. I think I would move back a tee block as the distances aren't the longest, nut it was nice to reach a par 5 in 2 and have a putt for eagle. Course is well worth checking out.
9
On August 6, 2009, MUCCI416 of Toronto (7 handicap) posted:
I found the course layout to be a great test with holes doglegging left and right with a lot of water and run offs. The greens were dry and running pretty quick even with all the rain we've been having. A bunch of easy holes helps scoring as all the par 5's are reachable along with a few short par 4's that dare you to challenge the water. For $55 you cant find anything like it in the GTA so the trip down to Niagara was well worth it. Will def play again...thanks LMG
10
On August 5, 2009, EstoGolfer of Toronto (15 handicap) posted:
Played on the long weekend and got a round in at 4.5 hrs... even with having to wait on a few holes. The course was pretty wet so carts were limited to cart path only... which can be a bit annoying, but it is what it is.
There's a couple of par 4's that are reachable, which I personally like as it helps with the score. I actually played my best front nine of my life (38 or 2 over) almost had an eagle on the 9th (just missed a 12-14 foot putt. I actually couldn't believe my eyes when i saw a 38 on the GPS score card... ofcourse this made me think about the score resulting in a few "tight" swings
You relly NEED A CART (not an issure for LMG's) to play this course as the layout is all over the place
Other than that... Great value and lots of fun
11
On August 3, 2009, krang89 of Orangeville (15 handicap) posted:
Played the course today...Not bad for $55 but there are a few issues. Upon hitting my first bunker shot i hit the clay about 6 inches below the surface of the sand. The golfers i was playing with also had the same issue on various holes. Like the previous review to this i did notice weeds in a few bunkers. I found the course to have holes that i wouldnt consider 'legit' par 4s (easily driveable). All in all not a bad course and like i said an ok value at $55
Played the course with high expectations as you drive in and see the nice big pro shop and hear how nice it is. Not very impressed with conditions. Bunkers not fly mowed, and WEEDS WEEDS in the bunkers, people not fixing ball marks on greens doesn't help. This course has much potential and really like the holes and their layout. Almost looked like maintenance staff was cut short. Compared to other Niagara courses, i would rate this one about 5th. good value at 55$ through LMG but not GREAT. Rolling fairways makes it tough to see your ball land, but the hazards are strategically placed to make you hit good golf shots.
13
On August 1, 2009, Jammer of Welland (10 handicap) posted:
Very nice course well maintained I can see a future Canadian open being played here time will tell
14
On July 28, 2009, KGS of Toronto (15 handicap) posted:
This is one of my favorites, maybe because I broke 80 for the first time on a real golf course. The experience was great. We were greeted by the starter and he was friendly and knowledgable on all aspects of the course. He also had some helpful tips for first time visitors. The pro shop Staff was friendly, and even though there was some sort of a glich with the LMG booking, she got us off without a hitch.
The weakest area of this club, in my opinion, is the Food and Beverage if you were planning to have a full meal. However, a small inconvenience considering we were only a few blocks from the falls with all the restaurants you could ever ask for.
I look forward to my return trip.
15
On July 28, 2009, Eric of Georgetown (5 handicap) posted:
I've played here a few times including a couple weeks ago. It's a course you would expect John Daly to lend his name to. For the longer hitters there are driveable par fours (#1 and 11) and short par fives with plenty of risk reward golf. Also for someone who hates Pinehurst he designed a ton of greens with rolling terrain and false fronts/edges. Course conditions are great. Fairways are firm and roll, the greens hold. I don't know how other people have done, but don't expect to play the "Daly" tees as I've never seen them on the tee blocks. It's a great course for women, especially playing the short tees at 4800 yards. The layout could be tough for a walker as a number of walks between tees are quite long. I haven't seen a beverage cart but you will pass the Lion's Den after a number of holes. I love the 9th and 18th for par fives! This course is a great value!!
16
On July 27, 2009, GR82B1 of Newmarket (19 handicap) posted:
This rates amongst the best facilities within LMG Ontario, it's really nice track... Great layout, tee to green in very good shape well maintained and manicured, amongst the best fairways I've played this year, the tee blocks were a bit raggedy but not a big deal, good quality sand in bunkers, greens run true but deceiving and somewhat inconsistent; some a bit slower than they appeared and others extremelly fast, couldn't figure them out...
The GPS is a really nice feature especially if it's your first time playing. Standing on the tee some of the fairways appear really tight without much terrain to land your shot, however when you arrive at the ball you see that it is much more generous than it first appeared.
This is not a grip it and rip it track and for the longer ball hitters the risk reward factor really comes into play. It's a very strategic design and shot placement is a must to score well.
There is no beverage cart service but the halfway house (Lions Den) is strategically located so that you drive by it three or four times during the round, unfortunatelly on this day it was closed.
An iron only driving range is available, which more than suffices to warm up a bit before the round, complimentary balls are a very nice touch.
I played on an LMG weekday pass... can't beat it for value.
A must play again, real soon...very enjoyable day...
17
On July 24, 2009, Scuba_rob of Hamilton (12 handicap) posted:
Played on 7/21 on a Red Flag deal and it was my 3rd time playing this course but the first after the changes.Course was in greaty shape and staff was very friendly. I definetly do like the changes but they need to look at the yardages for the different tees as if you are playing blues sometimes it is a fairly long carry on the par 4's for someone like my father that does not hit too long so he would have to hit from the whites.Other than that i still think this is an amazing course to have in this area and can only imagine how nice it will be when they get the housing finished on the course.
18
On July 21, 2009, chris438 of Hamilton (4 handicap) posted:
This was my second time playing this course and I have to say that I really enjoy it. The greens and fairways were in awesome shape. However, There was no clubhouse so I only recommend this course if only want a quick round of golf and then hit the casino.
Played this course for the second time and I must say I do enjoy it. It is challenging but not ridiculous. Most of the holes are very well laid out although the lay out from hole to hole is kinda crazy. Make sure you get a second mortgage on your house if you are going to eat at the Clubhouse because it is astronomical, just be prepared! All in all great time.
20
On July 17, 2009, lostmedic of Hamilton (20 handicap) posted:
Finally got to play here today. Played from the black tees and found it a great challenge. Too bad I left my game in my bag! Love to play there again! Worth the drive!
Two things annoyed me though:
1. Maintence crew failed in turning off or even stopping their lawn mowers while we were on the green! Not what I expected from a club like this! 2. The mosquitoes were out in force! If you play here bring bug spray or you'll get eaten. (especially if there is a chance of rain)
I have played this course twice and it was awesome both times. The greens are fast and true and the view from the tee is amazing. You can't beat the value for this course, will return many more times.
22
On July 13, 2009, Brent of Niagara Falls posted:
Played Thunderwaters for the first time since the changes. Staff was very nice. Got there early and was able to go out and hit balls on the range. The GPS feature is always a bonus. Tee to green the course is in excellent shape. Lot's of bunkers out there to get you in trouble. Looking at the scorecard we found the white tees seemed a little short. Played the Blue tee's and found the course challenging. Ready to book my next tee time on LMG and play Thundering Waters again.
Played this course for the first time and was surprised how good this course is. Playig from the BLACK tees,it was a very good challenge. The course was in very good shape. Pro shop staff were friendly and we played in just over four hours. A very nice test of golf for all golfers, worth the drive from Oakville.
24
On July 6, 2009, FERGIE of BURLINGTON (8 handicap) posted:
Played July 3rd. Having never played this course before the "infamous changes", I can only summize how this course would have played in the "Daly days". Looking back from the green on one, you can imagine what the hole was compared to today's. The course was in prestine condition, fairways well manicured, bunkers (a lot of them) are well placed and were in great shape. The greens were firm, fast, but rolled very true. The course does play short, but club selection is critical to score well. The service right from the Bag Drop and greeting through to the after round libations were fantastic. The Starter was very informative with a great sense of humour. The young Lady at the Lions Den was very hospitable. The GPS system on the carts was excellent and accurate (very helpful). The course was busy, but we felt like we were the only one's out there. Very cool. It was a great experience and one that we will certainly look forward to repeating again in the near future. I suggest everyone purchase a key chain from there (very unique) and only $3.95. Have fun!!
Played Thundering Waters on Thanksgiving, was suppose to tee off at 7:51 but there was a FROST delay, so could not tee off until 8:30. Since it was a Red Flag deal how could you complain with the price $32. 
