The Seneca Hickory Stick Golf club, located near Niagara Falls in upstate New York and designed by the Robert Trent Jones II firm, has officially opened for play.

Named for the rare and protected Shellbark Hickory that grows on the site, RTJ II says the course is another example of its philosophy of environmental responsibility.

President and chief design officer Bruce Charlton said: “In difficult economic times many owners see the benefits of choosing a course designer with a proven record of delivering not just quality, but value. RTJ II has demonstrated over 40 years that we can help our clients earn substantial reward on their investments while creating distinctive courses that also treat the environment with respect in order to achieve long-term sustainability. As the market for new courses continues to evolve, we believe the advantages of our long-established brand will become even clearer. Plus, professional and amateur golfers worldwide agree that our courses are challenging and fun to play!”

This year, RTJ II is unveiling eight new layouts and several renovation projects around the globe. These include the much anticipated Patriot Golf Club in Oklahoma; the Castle Course at Bro Hof Slott in Sweden; the Scandinavian Club in Denmark; and Rainbow Hills in South Korea.