Battlefield is an extraordinary choice if you do come to Niagara. Designed by Doug Carrick, it's a sprawling, immaculately maintained course with several distinct looks. One thing is constant on all 18 holes — the trademark deep bunkers that guard the greens and fairways that Carrick uses as one of his major design techniques.

Battlefield starts with a links style opening stretch, moves through a series of holes that cut through the Carolina forest and features tighter fairways and a back nine that shows more open fairways and gigantic greens that bring three and even four putting into play.

Labelle says Battlefield is designed for "public play" with its wide fairways and large, rolling greens. "You can hit 40 yards right and still hit the fairway," he laughs. But that doesn't mean par or birdie is a certainty, far from it.

A good drive on any of the holes still means a look into greens generally surrounded by deep-faced bunkers. And, get to the back of the green when the pin's in the front, you'll be in a real pickle.

Hole number 13, for example, is typical of Battlefield. At 369 yards from the blues, it's not long but anything to the right is danger and anything short is a sure lay up to the jagged creek that guards the green. Your second shot is over the creek and all manner of natural foliage growing out of it, which gives you a look that says you just don't want to go there. A compensating long second shot over the back of the green, with a good view of the Niagara River, is a safe bet but a hard up and down for par.

Golfers will also love the 4th hole, which overlooks a key historic site where the Battle of Chippawa took place (hence the name of the golf course). On July 5, 1814, the first skirmish in the longest military battle of the War of 1812 took place in that very spot. Plaques now mark the spot.

On the south side of the Legends property is Ussher's Creek, an 18-hole marvel designed by the legendary Tom McBroom. Labelle calls it a "player's course" that puts a premium on shot making and features endless challenges. It's more target oriented and less forgiving than Battlefield and designed for lower handicap players. McBroom's challenging design comes into play on nearly every shot. What may appear to be a well-hit drive can veer wildly left or right depending on how it lands on one of the many mounds strategically placed in the fairways.

The fairways, several of which have a definite Scottish look to them, are pinched in. And a fair majority of the greens are guarded by some sort of creek or water hazard.

Ussher's Creek is a serene stroll, cut through the natural environment that requires precise drives if you hope to score well. Both holes 10 and 11 leave little room for error on either side of the fairway with a second shot that usually must carry a creek onto a tiny green.

While Battlefield is "grip it and rip it" Ussher's is more cerebral and requires skilled shaping of the ball. A shot gone awry will cost you one or two strokes and a lot of reloading off the tee.

The Legends facility also has a spectacular clubhouse that overlooks Battlefield's 19-acre, man-made lake and 18th green. A large sloped cedar roof floats above rough limestone walls that stretch into the landscape. The building itself is made of traditional stone and wood materials. Large expanses of glass throughout the clubhouse afford commanding views of Battlefield and the finishing green.

Inside, golfers can enjoy fine dining with a wonderful selection of Niagara (and other) wines or more casual dining on the patio or in the bar area.

Postscript: This writer, a 14 handicap, played the back nine of Battlefield and shot a 43 (yes, he went for the green on 18 in two, and, no, he didn't carry the water). He played the back nine of Ussher's Creek and shot a 41 for a semi-respectable 84 on the day.

rickwine@hotmail.com

07/09