Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course Opens

LEWISTON, N.Y. – Western New York has a new destination that the golfing public is sure to notice.

Representatives from the Seneca Nation of Indians, Seneca Gaming Corporation and the Town of Lewiston joined together this morning to celebrate the ceremonial opening of Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course, a $25 million public golf course that will officially open for play on July 2. The challenging par-72 layout was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

“Today is the dawning of a new era in golf in Western New York and the start of an exciting new venture for Seneca Gaming Corporation,” said Kevin W. Seneca, Chairman, Seneca Gaming Corporation. “Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course will certainly add to the world-class environment that visitors to our Four Diamond-rated Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel resort currently enjoy and provide travelers another reason to visit Lewiston, the Greater Niagara Region and Western New York.”

Located on 257 acres of land, Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course features a magnificent layout with significant water features, five sets of tees on every hole and pristine grounds which golfers of every skill will enjoy and appreciate. Among its unique design features are strategically placed bunkers surrounded by tall heather and a double green for the 9th and 18th holes, a layout more commonly found in Europe than in North America.

“This is truly a people’s golf course,” said Bruce Charlton, president and chief design officer of RTJ2 Golf Course Architects, who was on hand for the opening. “From its public nature to its fair yet challenging layout, Seneca Hickory Stick presents what every golfer is looking for – a memorable golf experience that you will appreciate and want to enjoy more than once.”

In addition to its significance for Western New York, the project is also an historic achievement for the Seneca Nation of Indians, marking the Nation’s first off-territory development project.

“The influence of the Seneca Nation of Indians can be seen throughout Western New York, far beyond the borders of our current territories,” said Seneca Nation President Barry E. Snyder, Sr. “Our businesses employ thousands of people from across the region and we do business with many local companies. Our casinos and resorts attract millions of visitors every year. Today, we celebrate the next step in our Nation’s journey and look forward to a long and successful endeavor here in Lewiston.”

Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course is being managed by KemperSports, one of the world’s leading golf management and development companies, which manages an extensive portfolio of upscale clubs in 28 states, Puerto Rico and Central America. The general manager and golf pro at Seneca Hickory Stick is Fran Roach, while Gerry Doolittle is the course superintendent.

For course information and tee times, call 716-754-2424 or visit www.senecahickorystick.com.

Since opening Seneca Niagara Casino in 2002, Seneca Gaming Corporation has grown to employ more than 3,500 people at its three casino operations. The company operates world-class facilities offering more than 6,500 slot machines, 140 table games, 800 hotel rooms and other related amenities. For more information, visit www.senecagamingcorporation.com.

Pictured, Barry E. Snyder, Sr. president of the Seneca Nation of Indians; Kevin W. Seneca, chairman of Seneca Gaming Corporation; and other dignitaries lined up for a ceremonial first drive, which took place this morning at Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course’s 9th hole. Also, Bruce Charlton, president and chief design officer of Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects, addressing the crowd.
Photos and info provided by Seneca Gaming and Entertainment