What makes a golf course worth the drive from Amherst, NY? For many golfers, the answer is a combination of course quality, access, practice facilities, dining, and value. The following Golf Courses Amherst NY guide highlights highly rated public and private options in Amherst, Williamsville, East Amherst, Buffalo, Grand Island, Lancaster, and North Tonawanda. Ratings and review counts are included to help golfers compare local choices for the 2026 season. From a practical golfer’s perspective, this list balances full-length country clubs, public layouts, beginner-friendly options, and facilities suited to events.
1. Park Country Club
Located at 4949 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville, Park Country Club is a private country club and golf course with a strong 4.6 rating from 205 reviews. Its country-club setting makes it suitable for golfers seeking a polished experience, organized club services, and a more private atmosphere. The facility is also convenient for golfers searching for golf courses near Amherst, NY, especially those on the Williamsville side of town.
Phone: (716) 632-2121
Pros:
- Highly rated at 4.6 stars
- Private country club environment
- Convenient Williamsville location
- Suitable for golfers seeking a traditional club experience
Cons:
- Private access may limit availability for casual visitors
- Membership requirements and fees should be confirmed directly
2. Pendleton Creek Golf and Pub
Pendleton Creek Golf and Pub at 4385 Tonawanda Creek Road in North Tonawanda combines golf with dining and event services. In addition to its golf club and private course, the property includes a restaurant, banquet hall, and wedding venue. With a 4.6 rating from 234 reviews, it is an appealing choice for a social round, group outing, or golf-related event.
Phone: (716) 694-0366
Pros:
- Excellent 4.6 rating
- Restaurant and pub facilities on site
- Banquet and wedding venue services
- Good option for group gatherings
Cons:
- Private-course access may require advance arrangements
- North Tonawanda location is farther from central Amherst
3. Transit Valley Country Club
Transit Valley Country Club is at 8920 Transit Road in East Amherst, making it one of the most convenient private golf courses near Amherst. The club has a 4.5 rating from 128 reviews and offers a classic country club setting. Its location is especially practical for residents in East Amherst, Clarence, and nearby northern suburbs.
Phone: (716) 688-5500
Pros:
- Convenient East Amherst location
- Strong 4.5 rating
- Private club atmosphere
- Suitable for regular members and organized golf
Cons:
- Public access may be limited
- Prospective golfers should ask about tee times and guest policies
4. Lancaster Country Club
At 6061 Broadway in Lancaster, Lancaster Country Club offers golf club and country club services in a full event-oriented setting. The property also operates as a wedding venue. Its 4.4 rating from 149 reviews suggests consistent appeal for golfers and private events. The course is a practical choice for players willing to travel south of Amherst for a club experience.
Phone: (716) 684-3700
Pros:
- Well-rated at 4.4 stars
- Country club and golf club facilities
- Wedding and event services available
- Good option for formal outings
Cons:
- Located farther from Amherst than East Amherst courses
- Private access may affect availability
5. Glen Oak Golf Club
Glen Oak Golf Club at 711 Smith Road in East Amherst is one of the most versatile Golf Courses Amherst NY area golfers can consider. It provides a public golf course, golf instruction, indoor golf, and wedding venue services. With a 4.3 rating and 427 reviews, it has a broad local customer base. The indoor golf option is particularly useful during Western New York’s off-season.
Phone: (716) 688-5454
Pros:
- Public access
- Golf instruction available
- Indoor golf for year-round practice
- Large review base with 427 reviews
- Convenient East Amherst location
Cons:
- Event activity may create a busier atmosphere
- Seasonal outdoor conditions can affect play
6. Beaver Island Golf Course
Beaver Island Golf Course, or BIGC, is located at 119 Beaver Island Park Road on Grand Island. The recreation-focused property includes a golf course, restaurant, event venue, beach pavilion, beach volleyball, disc golf, park, and playground. Its 4.3 rating from 843 reviews is the largest review sample on this list, making it a popular choice for family outings and mixed recreational days.
Phone: (716) 800-3954
Pros:
- Extensive recreation facilities beyond golf
- Restaurant and event venue on site
- Family-friendly park and playground amenities
- Strong review volume
Cons:
- More recreational than traditional country-club oriented
- Grand Island location requires a drive from Amherst
7. Deerwood Golf Course
Deerwood Golf Course at 1818 Sweeney Street in North Tonawanda is a straightforward golf facility for players focused primarily on getting out for a round. It holds a 3.9 rating from 267 reviews. Golfers comparing public and accessible golf courses near Amherst may find it useful for casual play, particularly in the Tonawanda area.
Phone: (716) 695-8525
Pros:
- Dedicated golf facility
- Convenient for North Tonawanda and Tonawanda golfers
- 267 reviews provide a useful local track record
Cons:
- Lower rating than several nearby alternatives
- Fewer listed amenities outside golf
8. Audubon Golf Course Par 3
Audubon Golf Course Par 3 at 475 Maple Road in Williamsville is a public course suited to beginners, short-game practice, and golfers seeking a quicker round. Its 3.8 rating from 81 reviews makes it a practical local option, particularly for players developing distance control and approach skills.
Phone: (716) 631-7139
Pros:
- Public access
- Par 3 layout is beginner-friendly
- Useful for short-game practice
- Convenient Williamsville location
Cons:
- Not designed for a traditional full-length round
- Fewer facilities are listed compared with larger clubs
9. Grover Cleveland Golf Course
Grover Cleveland Golf Course is located at 3781 Main Street in Buffalo and offers a straightforward golf course experience. With a 3.8 rating from 166 reviews, it is an established option for golfers near Amherst who want a Buffalo-area round without committing to a private club.
Phone: (716) 836-7398
Pros:
- Accessible Buffalo location
- Established public golf option
- Suitable for casual and recreational golfers
Cons:
- 3.8 rating is below the area’s highest-rated courses
- No additional facilities are listed
10. Audubon Golf Course
Audubon Golf Course at 500 Maple Road in Buffalo provides golf and event venue services. It has a 3.3 rating from 187 reviews. Its location near Amherst and Williamsville makes it convenient, while the event space adds flexibility for gatherings connected to golf or community activities.
Phone: (716) 631-7139
Pros:
- Convenient Maple Road location
- Golf and event venue services
- Accessible choice for local players
Cons:
- Lowest rating among the listed courses
- Reviews suggest golfers should set expectations carefully
- Confirm current conditions, rates, and tee-time policies before visiting
For the best overall combination of access and amenities, Glen Oak Golf Club stands out. Private-club seekers may prefer Park Country Club or Transit Valley Country Club, while beginners and short-game players should consider Audubon Golf Course Par 3. Always call ahead in 2026 to verify availability, seasonal hours, membership policies, and current course conditions.
