Seneca Hickory Stick at Seneca Hickory Stick Golf

Seneca Hickory Stick occupies land along the Niagara River escarpment in Lewiston, New York, a few miles north of Niagara Falls. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and opened in the late 1970s, the course was developed by the Seneca Nation of Indians as part of a broader recreational complex. The routing takes advantage of the area's distinctive topography, with elevation changes and wooded corridors that characterize western New York's landscape near Lake Ontario. The property sits in a region known for its dramatic terrain shaped by glacial activity and the ancient river gorge.

Jones's design here reflects his characteristic approach from that era: strategic bunkering, contoured greens, and holes that reward thoughtful course management over pure power. The layout moves through mature hardwood forests and open areas, with several holes offering views toward the river valley. Water features come into play on multiple holes, and the green complexes typically demand accurate approach shots. The course serves both daily-fee players and members, functioning as a public facility operated by the Seneca Gaming Corporation.

The club operates within a broader entertainment and hospitality context that includes casino facilities, making it a destination for golfers visiting the Niagara region. The course has hosted regional amateur events and remains a notable Jones design in upstate New York, representing the architect's work during a prolific period of his career.