Kevin4537855

I have played this course twice now. Once in primetime winter season for top value $100/ round and once in off season $69.99. The off season (June) was at a time when most local course were almost unplayable due to lack of rain. Westchase was still in good condition. My only beef was the bunkers were not manicured but I am sure it had alot to do with the rain this time of year and the trouble with upkeep. During primetime the course was immaculate. I will say that this course is enjoyable to play as it makes you “think” through your round on a gameplan to attack the course. It is not simply just a Driver hit and go type course. It is a shot makers course and a pleasure to play. The course allows for the good bal striker to score well.

Definitely worth a round

I had not played this course in 20 years and was pleasantly surprised how well manicured the fairways and greens were

The back 9 is one of the best 9 hole layouts in the region

I have a condo in Tarpon Springs and regularly come to the Bay area to vacation and golf...i tend to play 3 rounds per visit. I have played Crescent Oaks numerous times. This is the nicest that I have seen the course conditions. The course is not hard and has open fairways for most. The greens tend to be smaller in size. Playing golf in FLA for those not used to it because from the north - the rough at Cresecent oaks represents a type of grass that your ball sits right down and is harder to get a good strike on the ball - take an extra club and expect the grass to grab the club. The only concern was the pace of play - after the 5th hole we were waiting on every hole all day.

Overall, Imrecommend playing this course.

I have played here a few times and when the course was first developed it was broadcast as a John Daly length course.....with the "Daly tees" etc. Along the way, the developers decided that the value was in making homes around the course for extra $ and the overall course design suffered. There are holes that will confuse you in length and the way that you will have to play them....expect to play a shot makers type game and you will be hitting less than driver off numerous holes. Lack of practice facility hurts the overall pleasure. We normally warm up at another practice facility prior to getting to course. That being said the overall course conditions are always good. The greens seem to take a bit of a beating later in the year whether it is from stay and play package people or not repairing ball marks or just the fact that you are hitting high balls (wedges) into numerous greens. But still worth playing - especially when you can get it for less than $40 on Golf Now....Course is above the Rolling Meadows and Willodell type courses in the Niagara area but a dramatic step behind Legends, Royal Niagara and Grand Niagara.

Have played the Heron 3 times this year. The course is always in excellent condition and the greens are one of the best in the Region. There are a few things that puzzle me with this course, Why would a designer ever make a course where the ninth hole does not go back to the clubhouse? And why make such a great condition course without adding trees between the holes? First, the course design....I have heard that numerous people find it very difficult to play on a hot day. People are unable to rehydrate and rest during these hit/humid days. Suggest to play early or late in dead of summer. Trees, this is why people are able to score well. If you are not a straight hitter you are able to scramble your way to an average round. I will give them credit for the greens, speed is excellent, run true and have numerous hard to read breaks. I believe this course should be considered a touch above average.

Worth the play....

The heading of the review sums it up. I do not believe that people realize how good this course is in terms of design and condition. We should really take advantage of the opportunity to play a Rees Jones course in our backyard. This course is very capable of hosting a PGA tournament but due to the money woes they have never made the clubhouse to suit the course. The only thing that I don't understand is if the course is not busy and has had money trouble in the past would you not try to market it in a different way? $70-$90 green fees in Niagara is way out of wack....the economy will not support that. I realize the probable clientele is the Toronto market but that will go only so far. Then the line will be green fees vs number of players vs course condition. Overall, if you haven't played here it's a must. Enjoy it.

I have to wonder if a designer ever regrets making a course to attach his name to? When he built this course it was supposed to be a highlight of a complex with a Greg Norman course, condos etc. that fell through.....but hey - it's good for us to have such quality nearby.

Expect the hardest, most difficult, fast greens in the area that has subtle breaks that are hard to see.....my suggestion is to look at the break from both sides of the hole....it may change your outlook.

This course is very well maintained and is a hidden gem in the Niagara region. Bridgewater is a very challenging course and should be included with such courses at Whirlpool. Typical Stanley Thompson design. You can expect the course to play approx 5 strokes above your normal handicap due to the difficulty reading the subtle breaks in the greens. We played here twice this year, the first time the rough was really long and acted like a penalty stroke due to the inability to advance the ball 70 yds (rainy day). This time, the course played easier but the greens were fast and true. Highly recommend playing here

Played Oaklands and the course was in very poor condition. Bunkers were like mud, around greens had muddy areas where no grass existed, greens were very poor with burn marks and actual grooves in grass. Especially the case on the back nine where some greens had more sand than grass....got this course as discounted hot deal at $12 after fees and taxes and it was not worth the $. Would have been better off to go and buy a large bucket at a range.......public range probably in better shape.

Was also areas where they had watered all night and were flooded - some sprinkler heads were leaking water out of them with no sprinkler attached

Not worth the is discounted Fee!!!!

This course is an excellent value for the $ when purchased as a hot deal on Golf Now. The course is right about in the average of $30/round value. This course is comparable to Willodell in Niagara Falls. These two courses are not your premium style courses but they are a good challenge for the average golfer. I would state that the course is perfect for a group of friends that have a handicap from 10-25. (80-100 strokes) The course allows for a good score to be put up while in good condition. The greens are usually in excellent condition and can be shaved down to be quick. This course is not meant to be an upper echelon course (like Grand Niagara, Legends) but overall, I would state that it is a good challenge for all skill levels. Not an entry level course like Oaklands or Niagara Falls Golf Club.