WHY PLAY?

WHIRLPOOL

$100

WHY PLAY

Whirlpool Golf Course sits at the top of a wonderful parcel of parkland overlooking the stunning Niagara Whirlpool and Gorge.  The classic parkland course continues to be ranked as one of Canada’s most highly rated and renowned public golf courses.

The Course opened in 1951.  It was designed by legendary golf course architect Stanley Thompson and was the final golf course he completed.

In true Thompson fashion you will find long-sloping fairways countered by strategically placed sand traps.  Elevated tee boxes provide challenges for players of all skill levels.

Whirlpool Golf Course also offers a putting green and practice area for golfers to use.

As recently as 2002 Niagara Whirlpool Golf Course ranked #47 overall in Canada among both private and public courses and also ranked as the #4 golfing value among the same courses. Golf Digest has also rated Niagara Whirlpool Golf Course as a Four Star facility over the last few years.

WHY PLAY?

LEGENDS – BATTLEFIELD

$115

WHY PLAY

WHY PLAY?

LEGENDS – USSHER’S CREEK

$115

WHY PLAY

Any Niagara golf trip would be incomplete without a visit to the excellent Legends complex which boasts 2 Championship Courses and everything you need for a great golf experience. Expect 2 stunning championship courses, amazing staff, top-class practice facilities, a wonderful bar, and Patio which overlooks the 18th.   if thats not enough there is also a nine-hole course and a unique, 3-acre, 18-hole putting course.

Ussher’s Creek gets its name from the creek which runs through the course making pinpoint accuracy an absolute necessity. The scenic layout, which borders the Niagara River, features tree-lined fairways and tall, thick fescue rough. There are also wetland hazards coming into play throughout. Doglegs, well-placed bunkers, and prevailing wind are all challenging elements that come into play but generous fairways add a player-friendly touch to the Usher’s Creek course at Legends on the Niagara.

WHY PLAY?

PENINSULA LAKES

$100

SUMMARY

Peninsula Lakes is one of the premier golf courses in Niagara. The course has 27 Holes and is located at The top of the escarpment in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula. Often referred to as one of the Jewels of Niagara Golf.  Golfers should expect to find impeccably groomed fairways, perfect greens, and sparkling lakes. Peninsula Lakes is a must-play course and is suitable for all skill levels.

This Championship Level Course is consistently ranked as one of the best-conditioned courses anywhere in Ontario. The course was designed by legendary Canadian Architect, Rene Muylaert, and has been carved out of the remains of an old sand and gravel quarry.

WHY PLAY?

EAGLE RANCH

$139

SUMMARY

Eagle Ranch Resort is located amid the rugged, unspoiled splendour of BC’s Columbia Valley. With access to Lake Windermere, the Columbia River and more outdoor adventures, Eagle Ranch immerses you in unique experiences that far transcend the ordinary. The resort’s centrepiece: eighteen magical holes of golf perched along ancient bluffs overlooking the Columbia River will challenge golfers of all skill levels.

Eagle Ranch is located in the ‘sunbelt’ of the Canadian Rockies, enjoying mild temperatures that offer an early start and a late end to the golf season. Perched on bluffs overlooking the Columbia River, world-renowned wetlands and the shimmering blue waters of Lake Windermere, this beautiful setting is further elevated with majestic 360-degree views of the Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges.

No other golf course has so brilliantly embraced its enchanting canyon setting as Eagle Ranch, integrating perfectly with the natural landscape to create a golf experience far above the ordinary. As you navigate the 6,646-yard course with carries over daunting ravines and calming waters, you’ll feel challenged and inspired in equal measures.

WHY PLAY?

COPPER POINT -THE POINT

$107

SUMMARY

Copper Point is one of the top, relatively undiscovered, golf Destinations in BC.  This golf mecca is blessed with 14 great golf courses all located within a 20-mile drive of Columbia Valley, Invermere, and Lake Windermere.  If you are planning your next golf trip then this area of Canada with some amazing Hidden Gems would be a perfect choice.  Set within driving distance of Kootenay National Park and the famous Canadian Rockies, the views at Copper Point are simply breathtaking and the facilities are second to none. Its 2 beautiful courses are renowned for their gorgeous surroundings.

Copper Point boasts a phenomenal combination of variety and value with its 36 holes of golf. The Point Course, the world-class original 18-hole is complimented by the Masters-style course, the Ridge which is a bit shorter. Both Courses take advantage of the inherent beauty of the terrain to create a unique and challenging variety of holes. No matter which course you play, you’ll enjoy the legendary Copper Point hospitality – unparalleled service, top-notch staff, and an impressive clubhouse, making us a distinctive golf experience in the Columbia Valley.

Simply put.  Copper Point is a wonderful place to play golf.  You are sure to enjoy playing 2 beautiful and perfectly manicured courses.  The shorter Ridge course will take a little less time and is a great choice for all golfers. The longer and more challenging Point Championship Course is simply a joy to play and is renowned for its stunning views of the mountains which are sure to take your breath away!.  Also if you’re an early bird who loves nature.  The possibility of some early morning wildlife sightings will be an added bonus in this stunning part of the world.

WHY PLAY?

THE NEST@ FRIDAY HARBOUR

$165

SUMMARY

The Nest at Friday Harbour was designed by award-winning golf course architect Doug Carrick.  Discover 18 holes of tranquil beauty set along Lake Simcoe. The stunning course with it’s sculpted dips and hollows provide golfers with a challenge that requires precision as you plot your way around the course.  This world-class semi-private course boasts stunning varied landscapes from every vantage point.

The Nest features 9 holes out and the back 9 returning, allowing you to enjoy the traditional “after work” Friday game, with enough time for many more pleasures to round out your evening at Friday Harbour Resort.

The Nest is another wonderful creation from Doug Carrick. Drawing on his hugely successful work at The Nest’s sister course EAGLES NEST.  He once again carved out a wonderful parcel of land using his wonderful creativity, vision and 2 Millon cubic metres of earth moved from the Marina.

The Nest is worth the visit and should be on the must-play list of all Ontario Golfers.  The location in Innisfil is especially convenient for a buddies’ trip as its located en route to the Gravenhurst or Muskoka areas.  Alternatively, if you are based in Toronto The Nest would make a very cool day trip and you can rest assured that the beautifully conditioned course will provide a wonderful golf experience.  The Nest Project from start to finish was 10 years in the making.  The outcome is a wonderful addition that is destined to take its place amongst Ontario’s top Golf Courses.

WHY PLAY?

NICKLAUS NORTH

$135

SUMMARY

If you are looking for a Canadian Golf adventure look no further than Whistler and the stunning Nicklaus North golf course which opened in 1996 to instant critical acclaim.  Jack Nicklaus-designed and inspired this masterpiece that will provide golfers with the quintessential Canadian golf experience.   Expect to see lots of Mountains, amazing elevation changes, Augusta-Esque Golf course conditions, Awe-inspiring Scenery, and even some authentic Canadian bears. Nicklaus has now been the course architect to over 150 courses throughout the world but Nicklaus North is one of only 5 courses allowed to use the Golden Bear’s Prestigous name.

Whistler is already blessed with some incredible golf with the highly-rated Big Sky and Fairmont Chateau courses right on your doorstep.  However, Nicklaus North takes your golf experience to a  whole new level with its superb conditions, stunning panoramic views of majestic snow-capped mountains, Huge fir trees, and glistening lakes.

As you truly experience the very best of Canuck nature.  Your senses are likely to be overwhelmed by the serenity of Whistler. Expect refreshing mountain air, stunning views, and an eerie silence which all combine to make this the perfect golf getaway.  Also, don’t forget about the abundance of Canadian wildlife, did I mention real bears? in this beautiful part of the world.

The Nicklaus North Golf and Country Club course is situated in Whistler Valley, just five minutes from the Whistler Resort in British Columbia. It is located in a spectacular setting only a two-hour drive north of Vancouver. Driving away from the city to Whistler is a wonderful experience in itself as the route takes you through the huge Mountain ranges and incredible scenery to your stunning destination.

The Nicklaus North course is fun to play with risk and reward possibilities on almost every tee. In traditional Nicklaus fashion, the course has generous landing areas on the fairway. Short hitters who keep it on the short stuff will find themself’s with long approaches into well-protected large greens. The green sizes are generous and putts roll fast and true.   Bigger Hitters will have the option to take the Vegas or Bust route over the water and or fairway bunkers to leave a short club into the green.  Typical of Nicklaus golf courses you will have a lot of fun but you will need to hit the correct shot in order to score.

Nicklaus North is walkable thanks to seamless routing and superb conditions.  The course lies at the bottom of the Mountain as is surprisingly flat.  Remember your camera for the scenic views and bird sanctuary that borders the course.

WHY PLAY?

BIG SKY GOLF

$159

SUMMARY

There are few better Golf Experiences in Canada than at Big Sky Golf Course.  The stunning golf course is surrounded by the massive snow-capped Mount Currie as well as an abundance of wildlife.  Amongst it all is a beautifully conditioned golf course with wonderful, elevation changes. There’s nothing quite the same as golfing in the Whistler Mountains. The air is lighter here and helps refresh your senses and clear your mind. It’s fun to take a big deep breath then line up and execute your shot in this golf oasis.

Big Sky Golf Club opened to great acclaim in 1994 and is now recognised by Score Golf as one of the top 20 public golf courses in Canada. The Course was designed by Bob Cup whose Canadian Portfolio includes many greats such as Glen Abbey venue for The Canadian Open, Deerhurst Highlands, and Mad River.

The course occupies relatively flat marshy land surrounded by huge mountains, and Cupp has used this to his advantage with water hazards and mountain vistas dominating the Big Sky experience. The views are truly out of this world’.

“On what was essentially a potato field, Cupp laid out a stunning 7001 Yard track that includes seven lakes and a serpentine creek that comes into play on many holes. Doglegs both left and right, long holes that play into the prevailing wind, strategic bunkering, and risk-reward options at every hole make Big Sky a memorable challenge.

“Tree planting was purposely kept to a minimum to preserve the incredible panoramic views of Mount Currie, which rises 2,591 meters (8,500 feet) above sea level. Stand on the long, par-4 14th tee deck and notice how your drive seems to hang suspended in air against the backdrop of this majestic mountain!

Big Sky Golf and Country Club are located about a 35-minute drive north of the Whistler resort at Pemberton. If you get there early you can experience the excellent practice facilities, Academy Course and driving range.  There are also two practice holes with multiple tees and several practice greens and bunkers.  As you would expect from a resort course the greens are decent-sized targets without a lot of movement. But the course is no pushover. It is well bunkered and water hazards are in play on 16 holes, so you need to bring your ‘A’ game to post a decent score.

Excerpted from an article in Whistler Traveller by Darryl Palmer

The signature hole at Big Sky is the 14th, a 454-yard par-four called ‘Hang Time’. As you get up to the tee enjoy the moment and take it all in.  Be sure to look up at the incredible view of the mountains surrounded by clouds that regularly get trapped in the nearby mountain tops. Now It’s time to unleash your inner beast.  Get out the big dawg and crush your drive then watch your ball suspend in mid-air then boom out into the distance!.  This is one of Canada’s great driving holes, so make sure you do yourself justice!. With water left and multiple bunkers protecting the green you’ll need to hit a good approach shot to score well.

BEAT THE COURSE TV – BIG SKY PLAYABILITY REVIEW

Rockstar Golf has Partnered with BEAT THE COURSE GOLF CHANNEL to bring you the very best Digital Experience on many of British Columbia’s amazing golf courses.  If you are looking for some spectacular video and drone footage of Big Sky and what you can expect at Big Sky then check Ben and Brett’s fun Video Log.

WHY PLAY?

FOX HARBR GOLF

$225

SUMMARY

Fox Harbr is world-class golf resort and spa situated on a peninsula near Pugwash in the north end of Nova Scotia,  The Golf Course and Deluxe Resort are owned by Ron Joyce a Canadian entrepreneur and billionaire. He co-founded the Tim Hortons doughnut chain as Tim Horton’s partner and first franchisee in 1964. After the death of Tim Horton, Ron Joyce was instrumental in establishing the Tim Horton Children’s Camps and the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation. From the time you drive through the gates of Fox Harbr expect a top-class experience.

Money was no object when developing the visually stunning Fox Harbr Resort. Joyce commissioned award-winning golf architect Graham Cooke to design the golf course. Cooke, a former amateur golfer, is the owner of Canadian Golf Designs (CGA)  who have designed approx 60 courses from coast to coast in Canada alone.

Fox Harbr opened for play in 2001 to immediate acclaim.  Cooke’s layout is essentially two loops of nine holes.  The outward nine heads away from the Ocean.  The land is relatively flat with generous fairways and intelligently bunkered with the occasional water hazard.  Cook’s routing takes you through sheltered forests, expansive wetlands and deep rock-lined lakes. The course winds its way through the wonderful East Coast landscape with its tall spruce trees and rugged terrain.

The back nine with its trademark rolling dunes and few level lies is an absolute joy to play.  The course follows along the spectacular rugged seacoast with its magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean’s Northumberland Strait.  Cooke used the natural elements of the land with its high whispy Fescue to great effect to give the course an authentic links feel.

Over the years the course has become known for being one of the best-conditioned courses in all of Nova Scotia with a layout that is friendly to low and high handicappers. Greens are generous, well-contoured, and very fast. An excellent test of golf

The category that Fox Harb’r scores a perfect ten in is in terms of service. Every staff member goes out of their way to make patrons feel welcomed and valued during their stay at the resort which epitomizes the area’s famous hospitality. Couple the exceptional service with first-class accommodations and facilities and Fox Harb’r makes for a great retreat.

You might care to warm up for your round by playing the more recently opened nine-hole par-three course which will get your short game in order before tackling its big brother next door

WHY PLAY?

FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER

$199

SUMMARY

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course is the quintessential Canadian Golf Experience.  The stunning course was sculpted out of the sloping hillsides of the Coast Mountain Range. Distractions here are the stunning Mountains which surround you and the dramatic elevation changes.

Fairmont has developed their worldwide Golf Portfolio with beautiful golf courses at some of the world’s Top go-to golf destinations.  In addition to Whistler they also have top class courses in Canada at Banff Springs and Jasper Park Lodge.  Outside of Canada Fairmont St Andrews in Scotland refently staged the Scottish Professional Championship’s which was a European Tour event at the wonderful Torrance course.

Acclaimed Golf Course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. produced a world-class layout that takes the golfer on a spectacular journey.  Expect to cross ravines, creeks, and waterfalls as you walk Douglas firs lined fairways with random outcroppings of exposed granite rock.   Your golf adventure will also include many stunning elevation changes some as much as 400 feet!.  Jone’s course layout follows the natural contours of the rugged terrain, creating a golf course that blends seamlessly into the whistler landscape. This deep mountain terrain thrives with an abundance of wildlife.  You can expect to see many deer, a few black bears, and a great variety of indigenous birds.

The generous fairways at Whistler are lined with trees and deep bunkers are strategically placed throughout. One of Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club’s most notable holes is the par-3 eighth.  elevated tee looks down to the green which has a granite outcrop to the right and a lake to the front and left with a large bunker between putting surface and water – now is the perfect photo opportunity if you have remembered to bring your camera!

WHY PLAY?

GALLAGHERS CANYON

$125

SUMMARY

Gallagher’s Canyon Championship Golf Course is a classic Canadian Mountain Golf resort.  This golf oasis is framed by forested mountains, miles of orchards and Vineyards, and sits on a magnificent parcel of land high above Kelowna. The incredible landscape has almost everything you can dream of for an impressive test of golf.

Designed by Bill Robinson and Les Furber, the course plays to 6,802 yards of mountainous terrain and vistas.  This golf experience will take you out on an adventure through the beautifully manicured Ponderosa tree Lined Fairways to the very edge of the Canyon. The round ends as you head back home through the stunning Lake Okanagan hills along the famed Gallagher’s Canyon.

Gallagher’s Canyon provides a great test of golf.  Ranked among the Top 50 courses in Canada this par 72, 18-hole championship course has challenging fairways, well-protected greens, and awe-inspiring vistas. The course is complemented by some excellent practice facilities, a specialty golf shop, and a full-service clubhouse with a restaurant which makes it a fantastic choices for your post-round celebration.

BEAT THE COURSE TV – BIG SKY PLAYABILITY REVIEW

Rockstar Golf has Partnered with BEAT THE COURSE GOLF CHANNEL to bring you the very best Digital Experience of what to expect on many of British Columbia’s top golf courses.  If you are looking for some spectacular video and drone footage and what golfers should expect at Gallaghers Canyon then check out Ben and Brett’s fun Video Log.

Gallagher’s Canyon is only 15 minutes from the renowned vacation playground, Kelowna. Majestic Ponderosa Pines characterize this picturesque course,

Finding the perfect course will be a snap. “As one of Canada’s premier golf destinations, Kelowna offers golfers so much choice. Our packages offer the flexibility to pick a different course, different breweries, and different patio for dinner every day!, it’s no wonder that golf groups love coming to Kelowna.

If you are looking to build your own custom golf itinerary you can do that with our trip builder or check out our great packages.  the Kelowna boasts one of the longest, driest golf seasons in Canada. Choose from 19 fabulous courses with the amenities you’d expect of a world-class golf destination — lots of rolling fairways and plenty of challenging shots. Situated amongst aromatic apple orchards, along rocky bluffs, and with sweeping views down to Okanagan Lake, keeping your eye on the ball is just that much more challenging here.

WHY PLAY?

TOBIANO

$150

SUMMARY

Tobiano is one of 2 wonderful new golf courses that has entrenched Kamloops as a must-play destination in British Columbia, Canada. The course was designed by Canada’s renowned Golf Architect Thomas McBroom. The championship layout opened for play in 2008 to Rave Reviews and quickly became known as a destination golf course with golfers traveling to Kamloops, BC, specifically to play and experience this little piece of golf heaven.

Tobiano is located about 20 minutes west of Kamloops and opened for play in 2008.  The course quickly won many plaudits such as ‘Canada’s Best New Course’ from Golf Digest Magazine. More recently the course was rated as the 8th best course in the world by Golf Advisor.

McBroom’s masterstroke was to take advantage of the rugged benchland above Kamloops Lake to fashion a 7,328-yard course.  Built across a 1000 acres parcel of land his design will take your breath away.

BEAT THE COURSE TV – BIG SKY PLAYABILITY REVIEW

Rockstar Golf has Partnered with BEAT THE COURSE GOLF CHANNEL to bring you the very best Digital Experience of what to expect on many of British Columbia’s top golf courses.  If you are looking for some spectacular video and drone footage and what golfers should expect at Gallaghers Canyon then check out Ben and Brett’s fun Video Log.

Located just off on the Trans Canadian Highway about 25  minutes drive west of Kamloops this stunning Thomas McBroom layout integrates many natural elements to create a wonderful golf experience. McBroom has created an inspiring course that follows the beautiful landscape with wonderful Panorama views on every hole.  You can expect an amazing visual experience with stunning views of the lakes and mountains stretch from every direction. Tobiano is a golf course that will intimidate you, Inspire you, scare you, and amaze you from the intimidating first tee to the large undulating green on the final hole.

While the “wow” factor here is off the charts (every hole features a panoramic lake and mountain view), the wonderful variety, the great restaurant and patio, and the outstanding service make Tobiano the complete golf experience. It must be good as the accolades continue to mount with recognition from Golf Digest in the Top 30 Golf Venues in Canada and from SCOREGolf in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada.

McBroom Design Team provided the following:

“My first thought was just how powerful the site is from a drama and a beauty point of view. I’ve said it many times, but Tobiano has to be the best site that I’ve ever seen in terms of that beauty and that drama. With the mountains in the background, and Kamloops Lake and the fissured landscape, it is literally as good as it gets.”
– Thomas McBroom, Tobiano Architect

NOW ON THE TEE FULL REVIEW
Rockstar Golf has partnered with On The Tee Golf Blog to bring you great original content on many of Scotland’s top courses and Hidden Gems. Along with great images of the courses, we will provide links to in-depth Course reviews written by a Golfer for Golfers. TOBIANO FULL REVIEW

WHY PLAY?

WOODEN STICKS

$250

COURSE SUMARY

Wooden Sticks provides golfers with a unique and unforgettable golfing experience not currently found anywhere else in Canada. The course’s claim to fame is that an ‘inspired’ version of many of the world’s greatest golf holes have been woven into its layout.

The premiere experience of your day is truly great golf on a beautifully conditioned course. Expect the very best customer-focused experience from the minute you arrive.  Wooden Sticks has brought together some of the most recognizable golf landscapes from the PGA  and World Golf and sculpted them into the spectacular scenery of the local area to produce 18 unforgettable holes.

Designed by architect Ron Garl the course features 6 new holes.  The other 12 Inspired holes are his tribute to some of the World’s most famous golf courses.  During your round, you will envision yourself playing off a road in Scotland, across a famous creek in Georgia, onto an island in Florida, and through pine forests in New Jersey.  The 3rd Hole is Augusta’s Amen Corner.  After hitting your drive you will see the famous Masters Scoreboards up behind the green.  Other fun holes include the Road Hole at St. Andrews, the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon, and the Island Hole at TPC!.

Your ROCKSTAR GOLF PACKAGE includes a custom hat with your name embroidered on the back, green fees for 18 holes, a power cart, full use of the practice facilities, and two quality meals.

WHAT HOLES ARE INSPIRED

Hole #1 Church Pew Bunker Feature “Oakmont”, Hole #3 Inspired by “#12 “Augusta”, Hole #4 Inspired by “#13 “Augusta”, Hole #9 Design Inspired by “Pine Valley”, Hole #10 Inspired by “#1 St. Andrews”, Hole #11A Inspired by “#8 Postage Stamp” Troon, Hole #11B Inspired by #17 the “Rabbit” Troon,  Hole # 12 Design Inspired by “Pine Valley”, Hole # 13 Design Inspired by “Pine Valley”, Hole #14 Inspired by “Hogan’s Alley” Carnoustie, Hole #15 Inspired by “#17 St. Andrews, Hole #16 Design Inspired by “Pine Valley”, Hole #17 Inspired by “#17 Sawgrass”, Hole #18 Inspired by “#18 St. Andrews”

Wooden Sticks is more than simply a place to golf. It is a tribute to the rich history and grand traditions of this great game. In designing Wooden Sticks, architect Mr. Ron Garl and his team worked diligently to ensure that every aspect of your golf experience reflects the spirit found in some of today’s most famous golf holes.

WHY PLAY?

THE RIDGE AT MANITOU

$100

SUMMARY

The Ridge at Manitou is a place of natural beauty and a Hidden Gem in the Muskoka area.  Designer Tom McBroom’s “out and in” layout delivers an unforgettable golf experience.  The golf course was built on a huge piece of land which adjoins a wonderful nature reserve.  Expect smooth-rolling greens, lush fairways and holes meander through the landscape. The course is fun to play.  Expect a challenging layout with lots of elevation changes, several forced carry holes, and a good mix of holes to allow golfers of all levels to enjoy. Definitely a must-play course!

The Ridge at Manitou began, as most big projects do, with a small idea posed by a group of Manitouwabing Lake cottagers several years ago. After careful planning and consultation, 300 acres of spectacular land was acquired. The kind of natural environment that excited the golfer with its pristine course and unspoiled wonders of nature alike.

The goal from the start was to create a special place, where the concepts of discretion and excellence would comfortably coexist with unpretentiousness and relaxation. The result is The Ridge at Manitou, a golf course, social centre, and nature sanctuary. Located about 20 minutes east of Parry Sound, near McKellar, The Ridge at Manitou offers its members entry into a unique world, one in which the golf course itself comprises less than half of the land, with the remaining 150 acres dedicated to preserving the rugged landscape that is home to deer, moose, black bears, wolves, great-horned owls and myriad other forms of wildlife.

To ensure that the sanctity of the environment came first, a complete environmental plan had been developed. That task was given to Michalski Nielsen Associates of Bracebridge. Course designer, Tom joined the team to create and shape an 18-hole course that would complement the land’s natural features, while providing an accessible, but also competitive, round of golf. During construction of the course, Tom and environmental expert Michael Michalski worked together to make certain the course always melded with, but never intruded upon, the natural surroundings.

WHY PLAY?

EAGLES NEST

$205

COURSE SUMARY

Eagles Nest Golf Course started as the dream of some Toronto real estate developers to build a Modern Public golf course fit to host the Canadian Open.  The dream was to use an expanse of land, on an old mine, next to a landfill site.  The land was located in Maple just outside the city of Toronto.

The course was designed by Canada’s renowned Golf Architect Doug Carrick. Eagles Nest championship layout opened for play on May 17 2004 to Rave Reviews.  Carrick’s masterstroke was to use the existing terrain and move an additional 1.4 million cubic yards of earth to help sculpt out magnificent highland links.  Eagles Nest was born.  A Traditional links-style course with wonderful elevation changes, magnificent views, and of course almost 100 unforgiving Pot Bunkers.

In classic Scottish style, the course features rugged sand dunes, pot and sod wall bunkers, deep unforgiving fescue, expansive waste bunkers, huge firm undulating greens.  The elevation helps nature to add unpredictable wind gusts to the course’s defences.

The course, which plays to 7,476 yards from the back tees can be a tough test for all golfers.  Memorable holes include the short, 164-yard 8th, the long 14th with its split fairway, and the back-to-back par fives at 16 and 17.

When the project was completed, Carrick was quoted as saying, “the course evolved out of the rugged landscape left behind from the former sand and gravel operation. Many of the spoil banks were left intact and form the backdrop and framework for holes 12 through 15. We carried this theme onto other holes to create the links land experience.”  He also said “I think it (Eagles Nest) is maybe my best work,”  When you take into account the amazing list of courses he has already created in Ontario, This provides some perspective to what was achieved here.  The previous courses designed by Carrick include Angus Glen, Osprey Valley, King Valley, Copper Creek, and Battlefield in Niagara.

Carrick Design Team provided the following article:

At Eagles Nest, our design team transformed an otherwise uninteresting former sand and gravel pit just north of Toronto into a stunning links-style golf course. In order to make the most out of the site the developers, York Major Holdings gave us the green light to hold nothing back when it came to using our imaginations to create a bold and distinctive design.

They also asked us to draw on our creativity to use as much imported fill from some of their other construction sites to assist them in other development projects where they had excess fill.

Eagles Nest is also the longest and most challenging course we have designed to date.

What you’re most likely to remember about a day on the links at Eagles Nest are its dramatic elevation changes, undulating fairways, uneven lies, distinctive revetted pot bunkers, large rolling greens as well as its massive sand scars and wild fescued dunes. If there had been a coastline nearby, Eagles Nest would look and feel as though you were playing golf on natural links setting in Scotland or Ireland.

WHY PLAY?

TABOO GOLF

$175

SUMMARY

Muskoka’s latest new Golf Gem ‘ Taboo’ is located in the small town of Gravenhurst, The Gateway to Muskoka.  In keeping with the ‘Canadian Shield’ terrain in this part of the world, you can expect to experience a course with unique granite rock formations, wonderful elevation changes, and Towering Treelines.

Taboo is a fun all-round fun experience.  The staff are excellent and the waiting area near the first tee has a fun zone that often has music playing where you can purchase drinks and hit balls onto a cool Island Green before you play the course.  There’s also an excellent Gastro Pub and rooftop terrace to check out after your round.

The Course, which plays to 7340 yards.  was designed by golf course architect Ron Garl.  Garls’s other Canadian projects included the excellent  Wooden Sticks which has replica holes from many of the best courses in the world including St Andrews and Augusta.

Taboo opened to a ton of hype back in 2002, having aligned itself with Canada’s Mike Weir who was about to win The Masters, and own an illustrious Green Jacket. The course was to be the centerpiece of the newly restored Muskoka Sands resort and was marketed as a destination course of the highest caliber just two and a half hours north of Toronto.

Taboo was widely advertised as Weir’s “home course” and while I’d bet that he visited the course less than a handful of times over the years, it proved to be quite the partnership for Taboo, especially when Weir won three times in 2003 and locked up his first and only major to this date in the Master’s Tournament.

Taboo will not disappoint – it is one of the prettiest courses you will ever see.  Garl utilizes the wonder of the Canadian Shield to tremendous effect, routing the course around the myriad granite outcroppings on the property. The effect is stunning, to say the least.

WHY PLAY?

DEERHURST HIGHLANDS

$150

SUMMARY

Deerhurst Golf Couse is located in the heart of Muskoka’s beautiful rustic Highlands.  The course was designed by renowned Golf Architects Thomas McBroom and Bob Cupp and opened for Play in 1990.  The development of the Deerhurst course and its excellent new resort was integral in the future development of Muskoka into one of Canada’s top and most exclusive Golf Destinations.

The Highlands Golf Course sits on a beautiful parcel of land which flows naturally through a rugged yet lush landscape scattered with granite outcroppings, deep valleys, and heavy forests.  There’s lots of drama and fun to be had all over the course with water, deep bunkers, and wild fescue always seemingly in play.  The 10th Holes is a 464 Yard Par 4 from an elevated Tee.  You’ll need to contend with water on the left, a 30 feet rock wall on the right with trees above and rock formations, deep Bunkers, a forced carry and did I mention it’s a dog-leg right.  Get ready for the thrilling ride that is Deerhurst.

Your experience starts with a BANG.  The first hole is one of the most stunning and photographed opening holes in Canadian golf.  Right is dead, left is dead and running through the fairway is dead. You might want to keep the driver in your bag and put the ball in the middle of the fairway with an iron.

Its wonderful vistas and elevated tee decks make for an excellent golf experience.  …both difficult and easy holes make for a great challenge. The fairways are very generous for miss-hits but trouble always lurks in some very deep bunkers. Great food after golf at Antlers steak house make the day even better.

The risk/reward par five 14th, a 523 yarder that’s reachable in two for those willing to clear a large lake fronting the green. Meanwhile, the 15th is an excellent 411-yard par four with a creek that meanders the entire length of the hole, forcing the player to clear it twice before reaching the putting surface. Lots of options on this hole make it one to remember.

So get ready for a variety of tee decks and the wonderful scenery. Watch out for old Tom Mcbroom’s little bumps that will either bounce your shot closer to the target or into the fescue! Miss by a little is good. Miss by a lot and it might end in tears. If you enjoy a challenge with numerous elevation changes and granite and danger never far away, it’s time for Deerhurst.

NOW ON THE TEE FULL REVIEW OF DEERHURST

WHY PLAY

THE MUSKOKA BAY CLUB

$189

COURSE SUMARY

The Hugely Impressive Muskoka Bay Club sits at “The Gateway to the Muskoka Lake District”.  Embedded in the southern tip of the Canadian Shield, Muskoka Bay’s landscape is marked by rugged rock formations, its lakes, and rivers having been carved into the Shield in prehistoric times by retreating glaciers.  Doug Carrick used all of his experience to design a world-class layout that blends a golf course seamlessly into this beautiful piece of land.

The course opened for golf in 2006 to critical acclaim.  The course quickly took its place as the Number 1 Rated Public Golf Course in all of Ontario and the 18th Ranked Course in all of Canada.   Carrick’s creative routing takes the course over rocky cliff tops, through deep wooded valleys, and even around stunning wetlands.  The result is a Masterpiece that has a wonderful flow from the start to the finish of your golf experience.

Golfers can expect some dramatic features such as elevation changes and tree-lined fairways that wind their way around the property.  The views are simply stunning and almost every hole has a view of natural Muskokan rock formations.  If you are lucky enough to golf here in Muskoka in the fall you will have a stunning visual memory that will last a lifetime.

Forced carries are par for the course and inevitable on such undulating terrain.  Carrick however elevated many of the tees to give golfers a clear view of the landing area.  This helped to keep the number of blind shots required to a minimum.

DOUG CARRICK DESIGN ARTICLE 

Amid beautiful, sparkling lakes and breathtaking landscapes lies Carrick Design’s second Muskoka masterpiece – the Muskoka Bay Club. It’s the heart and soul of the area’s largest recreational golf community, an 850-acre development hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city at “The Gateway” to Ontario cottage country.

For this project, we took the most rugged terrain and thoughtfully adapted it to create one of the most visually stunning golf courses to be found anywhere. Our client asked us to leave the less rocky land for the 1,000-unit $500 million eco-friendly master-planned residential community in order to minimize servicing costs. It turned out to be a brilliant strategy, as our design team turned rocky cliffs, deep valleys, scenic wetlands, and dense woodlands into an impressive layout that flows effortlessly through the rugged Muskoka ridges. This is a course that builds with suspense and excitement from start to finish yet it’s designed to be extremely player-friendly when played from the appropriate tees. Finding the perfect routing took time, patience, and creativity from our design team. The dramatic elevation changes, thought-provoking shot values, undulating fairways, ragged bunkers, and subtle greens create a series of uniquely memorable golf holes – each punctuated by Muskoka’s signature natural rock outcroppings – have made it the talk of the town and the place to play in Muskoka.

WHY PLAY?

PREDATOR RIDGE – THE RIDGE

$200

SUMMARY

Doug Carrick and his team built the $10 million Ridge Course, which features eight completely redesigned holes from the old Peregrine course and ten brand new ones. The terrain is absolutely spectacular, with holes climbing up and down the mountainside, rock outcroppings galore and beautiful vistas of surrounding mountains and lakes always a constant.

Opened in 2010, the Ridge Course has quickly become known as one of Canada’s best golf courses. A challenging but playable course taking advantage of the natural topography of the area, the Ridge Course is defined by incredible vistas, long, scenic fairways and beautiful granite rock outcroppings

BEAT THE COURSE TV – PREDATOR RIDGE – WHAT TO EXPECT

Rockstar Golf has Partnered with BEAT THE COURSE GOLF CHANNEL  to bring you the very best Video Blog of many of British Columbia’s amazing golf courses.  If you are looking for some spectacular video and drone footage of Big Sky and what you can expect at Big Sky then check Ben and Brett’s fun Video Log.

NOW ON THE TEE – COURSE REVIEW

The Ridge doesn’t feature a “figure 8” routing, instead of starting and finishing near the clubhouse on very open land in an “out and back” style.

The first hole plays on this links-style land but a very long cart ride awaits in order to get to the second tee and right away you can see the character of the course change, as you move into more of a parkland setting, albeit on a mountainside with rock outcroppings at almost every turn.

The downhill par four second is a beauty and the two-shot third takes you right back uphill. The dogleg right par four 4th is another strong hole, as you get your first glimpse of the lake well down below.

The 244-yard par-three 5th is just a gorgeous piece of business, falling straight downhill the whole way with the mountains and lake providing a memorable backdrop. Things get even more interesting on the 438-yard par-four 6th, as a very large and intimidating rock outcropping obscures the landing area from the tee, making first-time play quite a challenge! I think we sat on that tee for at least a minute before figuring out our line! What a golf hole!

You continue your descent on the par-five 7th, a lovely dogleg left that starts to climb from the landing area all the way to the green.

From there, you must deal with a tough 229-yard par-three before concluding the outgoing nine on the visually stunning par five 9th, a reachable 509 yarder that features rock outcroppings on both sides of the hole.

You begin to climb back up the hillside on the par-four 10th, which again features an outcropping that comes into play just left of the green. The 11th is a lengthy par five that climbs the entire way uphill and features a narrow entry into a well-protected green site.

The 12th is a picturesque mid-length par three measuring 171 yards with a large and undulating putting surface and the 13th is the last par five on the course, a lengthy 562 yarder with a bit of a halfpipe-styled fairway that runs between the outcroppings.

The 14th requires a precise touch both from the tee and green. Not long at only 396 from the tips, the tee shot plays downhill but the second shot is uphill to a partially blind green site, especially if you lay back too far, with a large outcropping on the left side always on your mind on the approach.

The 15th is the last one-shotter on the course, a little 165 yarder with water fronting the left side of the green and an outcropping in the back right that causes trouble for any players that decide to bail out.

The 16th is a bit of an awkward hole, a 336-yard par four that tumbles downhill with a green site hidden behind the treeline and a water hazard on the left. A definite “position-first” hole.

The course moves back to open, links-style land for the last two holes and both are absolute brutes.

The 17th is a 472-yard par-four monster, featuring a diagonal carry across a water hazard with bunkers through the fairway on the right. Meanwhile, the 18th goes back the other way toward the clubhouse and the second shot is a doozy, uphill, over a little creek to a very elevated and expansive putting surface.

Almost all of the Doug Carrick courses I’ve played share similar characteristics and The Ridge Course is no different. You’ll find plenty of elevated tee shots throughout the round, wide playing corridors, more than a fair share of uphill approaches, and large and conservatively contoured putting surfaces. He designs fun golf courses and The Ridge definitely qualifies.

As usual with Carrick, the architecture is strong and he’s done a very good job using the land given to him. The routing is a bit awkward in spots but I’d be hard-pressed to offer an opinion on what he could have done to make it better. The course is very playable for players of all levels and it’s certainly a heck of a lot of fun.

The golf course was pretty much brand new when we first played and I must say that I was extremely impressed with the overall conditioning. You can tell that the resort didn’t rush people onto this course, instead of letting it grow in and settle before having some play. The turf was nice and firm through the greens and the bunker edges didn’t have that brittle look that you sometimes get with newly-designed courses. Bravo!

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about the views, which certainly rank up there with the best our country has to offer. Simply stunning!

Unfortunately, the course really isn’t walkable, with a couple of significant green-to-tee transfers and a lot of downhill/uphill climbs throughout the round but I don’t want that to deter any ardent walkers from experiencing this fine track.

Predator Ridge’s Ridge Course took home some “Best New Canadian” awards upon opening in 2010 and it is considered by many to be among the top 50 courses in the country. It’s a must-play for any visitors to the Okanagan region in British Columbia and I look forward to returning, hopefully, sooner rather than later.

The full Predator Ridge (Ridge) course profile and pictorial can be found here at Now on the Tee