The Links At Ivy Ridge is a championship-quality public golf course in Akron, NY, featuring an authentic Scottish links-style design that opened in 2005 and quickly became one of Western New York's premier golfing destinations.
This 7,002-yard, par-72 course offers four sets of tees, exceptional playing conditions, full practice facilities, and on-site dining—all at reasonable public rates.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about rates, tee times, course strategy, and what makes this track special.
Course Overview and What Makes Ivy Ridge Special
You'll find The Links At Ivy Ridge at 12221 Main Road in Akron, roughly 30-40 minutes from downtown Buffalo.
The course opened in July 2005 as a collaboration between developer Don Nicholas, Canadian architect Blane Harrison, and local golf expert Tim Davis.
Their design takes full advantage of the area's natural rolling terrain to create an authentic Scottish links experience—something genuinely rare in Western New York.
The course earned recognition early, winning Best Public Golf Course from Buffalo Spree Magazine in 2006.
That same year, it hosted a USGA U.S. Amateur Qualifier where Dustin Johnson set the course record of 65 (a mark that still stands).
The facility hosted another USGA qualifier in 2008, cementing its reputation as a championship-caliber venue.
What makes Ivy Ridge stand out?
You get championship-quality conditions and challenge without the private club price tag or attitude.
The staff creates a welcoming atmosphere where you can focus on your game rather than worrying about stuffy club etiquette.
Four different tee options mean everyone from beginners to scratch golfers can find an appropriate challenge on the same layout.
The maintenance crew consistently delivers exceptional playing conditions throughout the season.
Fairways stay lush, and the greens roll true and fast—qualities you'll appreciate when you're trying to navigate those massive putting surfaces.
Course Layout and Playing from Different Tees
The Links At Ivy Ridge plays as a par 72 stretching 7,002 yards from the tips.
The routing includes 10 par-4 holes, four par-3s, and four par-5s, all maintained with bent grass from tee to green.
Tee Options:
- Blue Tees: 7,002 yards (Rating 73.8 / Slope 130) – Full championship test
- White Tees: Rating 71.3 / Slope 128 – Most popular for experienced players
- Gold Tees: Rating 68.2 / Slope 118 – Mid-handicapper friendly
- Red Tees: 5,100 yards (Rating 69.7 / Slope 117) – Forward option for all abilities
The topography creates the course's character.
Holes 1 and 10 climb steeply up the ridge that gives the facility its name—expect to gain serious elevation on these opening holes of each nine.
Coming back down, holes 2, 12, and 17 feature dramatic descents that offer spectacular views and some risk-reward decisions off the tee.
The design alternates between open expanses and wooded corridors, giving you different visual looks and shot requirements throughout your round.
Dry washes run adjacent to several fairways, adding a links-style hazard that punishes offline shots without being unfair.
Ponds appear strategically near greens on select holes, forcing you to consider your approach club carefully.
The putting surfaces deserve special mention.
These greens are exceptionally large with significant internal contours, meaning getting on the green is just the first challenge.
You'll need to land your ball in the right section to have a reasonable birdie chance.
Missing to the wrong tier can easily lead to three-putts, even on good strikes.
Green Fees, Booking, and Important Policies
Green fees at The Links At Ivy Ridge range from $37 to $69 depending on when you play.
Weekday rounds cost less than weekend tee times, and twilight slots offer the best value if you don't mind finishing under the lights or racing the sunset.
For current rates and any specials, call the pro shop directly at (716) 542-6342.
Booking Your Round:
Call the pro shop to reserve your tee time up to seven days in advance.
If your plans change, you'll need to cancel or modify your reservation at least 24 hours ahead.
Keep in mind that certain days have restricted availability due to league play, so if you're planning a group outing or want a specific time slot, it pays to call early and ask about league schedules.
The course accepts all major payment methods—Visa, MasterCard, American Express, mobile payments, and cash.
You won't have any issues settling up however you prefer to pay.
The Links operates seasonally and closes during winter months.
As of January 2026, the course is closed for the season.
Contact the pro shop for information about the 2026 opening date and updated rates.
Gift certificates remain available year-round, making them a solid option for the golfer in your life even during the off-season.
One weather-related policy to note: the course implements cart path only rules during wet conditions.
This protects the turf quality but can slow down play slightly, so factor that into your timing if you're playing after recent rain.
Course Challenges and Strategic Playing Tips
The most punishing feature at Ivy Ridge is the three-foot tall heather surrounding many holes.
This stuff swallows golf balls like quicksand—if you miss the fairway badly, you're likely hitting a provisional.
Pack extra balls and play conservative lines when the heather looms.
Those massive greens look inviting until you realize landing on the wrong tier leaves you 60 feet from the pin with multiple breaks to read.
You need to know the pin position before selecting your approach club.
The yardage book provided with your scorecard becomes invaluable here—study it on the first tee and reference it throughout your round.
Hole #2 deserves special attention for pin placement, as locals will tell you.
What to Expect:
The links-style layout means wind exposure.
When it blows, club selection becomes tricky and scores climb quickly.
There's also limited shade, so bring sun protection, plenty of water, and dress for direct sunlight.
The par-5 holes play long and test your distance control, especially into the wind.
Conditions typically run firm, particularly during dry stretches.
The ball will release more than you'd expect on approach shots, so factor that into your landing zones.
This firmness rewards well-struck shots but punishes anything slightly off.
Plan for approximately four-hour rounds.
Rangers actively monitor pace of play to keep things moving smoothly, so stay ready when it's your turn.
Despite all these challenges, the course remains fair to golfers of all abilities—choosing the right tees makes the difference between frustration and an enjoyable test of your game.
Practice Facilities, Amenities, and Pro Shop Services
The practice facilities give you everything needed for a proper warm-up.
The full-service driving range features five practice tees, allowing you to work on different lies and angles.
A dedicated chipping area and separate putting green let you dial in your short game before heading to the first tee.
If you're looking to improve beyond just warming up, professional golf instruction is available through the pro shop.
On the course itself, GPS-equipped carts help with yardage and course navigation.
Cart paths run throughout the property, and you'll find plenty of parking in the private lot.
The facility is welcoming to various groups—it's dog-friendly, good for kids, and features gender-neutral restrooms.
Pro Shop Offerings:
The well-stocked pro shop carries current golf equipment and apparel if you need anything last-minute.
Traveling without clubs? Rental sets are available.
Every player receives a yardage book with their scorecard—a small touch that makes a real difference when navigating those large greens and elevation changes.
You can also sign up for the GHIN handicap system through the facility for approximately $30 annually, making it easy to track your progress and post scores from Ivy Ridge rounds.
The staff sets the tone for the entire experience.
Starters regularly provide course tips and advice about current conditions, helping you avoid common mistakes before you tee off.
The pro shop team maintains a professional yet personable approach—knowledgeable about equipment and ready to help without any pretentious country club attitude.
Dining at The Famous Dukes and Group Outing Options
The Famous Dukes, the on-site bar and grill, operates seasonally with hours that accommodate different playing schedules.
Weekends (Friday through Sunday) see the restaurant open at 10:00 AM, while weekdays start service at 11:00 AM.
You'll find a full bar and casual dining menu, plus an outdoor patio where you can eat with views of the course.
Keep in mind that service gets modified based on weather conditions and seasonal operations, so indoor and outdoor availability may vary.
For group outings and tournament play, Ivy Ridge welcomes large gatherings and provides solid support throughout the planning process.
The Famous Dukes handles catering for your group, and the pro shop staff helps coordinate tee times, confirm group sizes, and work out the logistics.
Contact the pro shop at (716) 542-6342 to discuss group rates and tournament packages.
They'll walk you through available options and help structure your event.
Whether you're planning a corporate outing, charity tournament, or just a large group of friends, the facility has the capacity and experience to accommodate your needs.
Conclusion
The Links At Ivy Ridge delivers championship-quality golf at public course prices, combining authentic Scottish links design with exceptional conditioning and welcoming service.
Whether you're a scratch golfer testing yourself from the tips or a weekend player enjoying the forward tees, the course offers a fair but memorable challenge.
Call the pro shop at (716) 542-6342 to book your tee time and experience one of Western New York's best public courses for yourself.
