Grey Silo

[Focker Singh]

A bunch of the guys and girls went out to Kitchener, Waterloo to play their municipal course, Grey Silo. A links style course that was immaculately kept from their 4 sets of tee boxes to fairways to greens. All in great condition. With lots of bunkers, water and fescue it was a challenge for all. The wind also kept you guessing at club selection and placement as many of the greens had run off areas, so leaving anything short, long, left or right meant a nasty chip up to the pin. The fall colours also made you take your time and enjoy the course. Take advantage of their fall rates! $45 to walk! Two thumbs up!

[Ego Woods]

A bunch of the guys and girls went out to Kitchener, Waterloo to play their municipal course, Grey Silo.
For a municipal course, this plays more like a private course! Great deal, great scenery and great challenge!

[Jaydog]

Definitely worth the drive. Beautiful and challenging with great greens comparable to much pricier courses.

[larmet]

I played Silo this past Saturday at 6:51 am. Let me tell you it's a wonderful course, save teeing off into the sun for the first three holes. With a fresh dew bathing the fairways you couldn't see squat!

I shot a disappointing 54 on the front, losing three balls in the process. I only lost one ball on the back nine giving me a 43.

I had never played this course before, but I will be back for a couple of reasons:

- it's a great course
- it's a great price ($60 with cart and taxes)
- when I drove up to the starter and handed him my receipt he said, "good morning, and oh by the way, thanks for choosing Grey Silo to golf at."
- when I left, another employee said, "I really want to thank you for coming here and I hope you had a good time."

I left with such an elated feeling I will be back! What a way to treat customers. The staff at Cardinal could learn a few things from these folk!

[Bellyhungry]

I agree with every one here. Played there last weekend after a heavy rain storm. The course drains extremely well. Despite the rain, there were no noticeable puddles on the fairway after plays were resumed.

It is a great experience.

[Big Shooter]

I played Silo this past Saturday at 6:51 am. Let me tell you it's a wonderful course, save teeing off into the sun for the first three holes. With a fresh dew bathing the fairways you couldn't see squat!

I shot a disappointing 54 on the front, losing three balls in the process. I only lost one ball on the back nine giving me a 43.

I had never played this course before, but I will be back for a couple of reasons:

- it's a great course
- it's a great price ($60 with cart and taxes)
- when I drove up to the starter and handed him my receipt he said, "good morning, and oh by the way, thanks for choosing Grey Silo to golf at."
- when I left, another employee said, "I really want to thank you for coming here and I hope you had a good time."

I left with such an elated feeling I will be back! What a way to treat customers. The staff at Cardinal could learn a few things from these folk!
I agree with EVERYTHING you say...and the 'dogs @ the halfway house are GREAT too!!:)

[golferboy]

Playing there this saturday....looking forward to it...will report back this weekend.:cool:

[Sir Thomas Guns]

Awesome, this course is right by my house. I'll be attending a wedding there on August 20 so I think I'm gonna try to squeeze in 19 in the morning.

T-G

[duffer den]

I played Silo this past Saturday at 6:51 am. Let me tell you it's a wonderful course, save teeing off into the sun for the first three holes. With a fresh dew bathing the fairways you couldn't see squat!

I shot a disappointing 54 on the front, losing three balls in the process. I only lost one ball on the back nine giving me a 43.

I had never played this course before, but I will be back for a couple of reasons:

- it's a great course
- it's a great price ($60 with cart and taxes)
- when I drove up to the starter and handed him my receipt he said, "good morning, and oh by the way, thanks for choosing Grey Silo to golf at."
- when I left, another employee said, "I really want to thank you for coming here and I hope you had a good time."

I left with such an elated feeling I will be back! What a way to treat customers. The staff at Cardinal could learn a few things from these folk! Just a clarification - according to the rates on their site, it would be $60 + $15 for half cart M-F and 65+15 on weekends.

I have only played the front 9 there and that was almost 3 years ago, just after it had opened. I liked what I saw (and played) then and I will hope to get back for the full 18 this year.

Not cheap for a muni course, but then it is designed and maintained much better than most munis. From those who have played both Whistle Bear and Grey Silo I have heard a leaning to the latter.

[Greywolf]

Just a clarification - according to the rates on their site, it would be $60 + $15 for half cart M-F and 65+15 on weekends.

I have only played the front 9 there and that was almost 3 years ago, just after it had opened. I liked what I saw (and played) then and I will hope to get back for the full 18 this year.

Not cheap for a muni course, but then it is designed and maintained much better than most munis. From those who have played both Whistle Bear and Grey Silo I have heard a leaning to the latter.

Those rates are correct, last time I was there (July 9th), they were offering a $5 discount if the 4some paid together, rate with cart on that weekend was $75 after the discount. It is a good course, the greens are usually in very good shape, it is usually windy there, lots of open space, it can be slow at times but generally it is about 4.5 hours to play.

[Big Shooter]

Those rates are correct, last time I was there (July 9th), they were offering a $5 discount if the 4some paid together, rate with cart on that weekend was $75 after the discount. It is a good course, the greens are usually in very good shape, it is usually windy there, lots of open space, it can be slow at times but generally it is about 4.5 hours to play.

or head over to LastMinuteGolf.com, Grey Silo offers some SWEET discounts thru their site....and it's FREE to join!!:)

[golferboy]

Absolutley unbelievable. This course is the best conditioned course I have played all year. The tee desks are perfectly flat, the fairways and greens are in perfect condition and the course is spectacular. Reception from staff is great and they have three marshalls....played in 4.25 hours.


Will be back as soon as I can get there

[Greywolf]

Absolutley unbelievable. This course is the best conditioned course I have played all year. The tee desks are perfectly flat, the fairways and greens are in perfect condition and the course is spectacular. Reception from staff is great and they have three marshalls....played in 4.25 hours.


Will be back as soon as I can get there

Nice course for sure, did you bring it to its' knees?

[tjhayko]

I played Silo this past Saturday at 6:51 am. Let me tell you it's a wonderful course, save teeing off into the sun for the first three holes. With a fresh dew bathing the fairways you couldn't see squat!

I shot a disappointing 54 on the front, losing three balls in the process. I only lost one ball on the back nine giving me a 43.

I had never played this course before, but I will be back for a couple of reasons:

- it's a great course
- it's a great price ($60 with cart and taxes)
- when I drove up to the starter and handed him my receipt he said, "good morning, and oh by the way, thanks for choosing Grey Silo to golf at."
- when I left, another employee said, "I really want to thank you for coming here and I hope you had a good time."

I left with such an elated feeling I will be back! What a way to treat customers. The staff at Cardinal could learn a few things from these folk!


It sounds like the staff everywhere could learn a few things from them. I had a similar experience a Timber Ridge the first time I played. I had someone working at the course come up to me asking if I'd played there before on my way from the range to the first tee, and he told me to enjoy my round, and that he hoped I'd be coming back. The starter was amazing, explaining the layout of the first few holes, and explaining a couple of the local rules. After the round was over in the parking lot, somebody asked if I'd enjoyed my round. Not even a frown from anybody working in the whole place. It made for such a good experience.

My first round at Oliver's Nest was the same. We saw the marshall very often, but he always asked us if we were okay with the pace, and very friendly.

It doesn't take much to make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a bad one, and you can be sure I will be glad to play at either of those courses at any time.

[Big Shooter]

It sounds like the staff everywhere could learn a few things from them. I had a similar experience a Timber Ridge the first time I played. I had someone working at the course come up to me asking if I'd played there before on my way from the range to the first tee, and he told me to enjoy my round, and that he hoped I'd be coming back. The starter was amazing, explaining the layout of the first few holes, and explaining a couple of the local rules. After the round was over in the parking lot, somebody asked if I'd enjoyed my round. Not even a frown from anybody working in the whole place. It made for such a good experience.

My first round at Oliver's Nest was the same. We saw the marshall very often, but he always asked us if we were okay with the pace, and very friendly.

It doesn't take much to make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a bad one, and you can be sure I will be glad to play at either of those courses at any time.
hmmm, perhaps that's why I've always loved GREY SILO, and thoroughly enjoyed OLIVER'S NEST--can't wait to get back...to both! (playing Timber Ridge next Sunday...pumped!)

[golferboy]

Well maybe not to its knees....a little course knowledge would have helped of the tee....shot 79... and hit a lot of 3 irons on the par 4s....to be safe..... I hope to go back this weekend and shoot par(yeah right!)Nice course for sure, did you bring it to its' knees?

[akrus]

Played Grey Silo this afternoon and, as expected, it was in excellent condition. Only thing that really bites about the course (other than the mini-marathon hikes) is that the bunkers SUCK!!! There are soooo many rocks in them that you just have to bring a crap iron otherwise you risk a dent.

I have to believe that they know this is a horrible situation that needs correcting. Otherwise a wonderful track as many have stated previously.

2:03 tee time and we were done in 4.5 hours which wasn't too bad.

Albert

[golferboy]

Yeah....I'm a walker...there were some hikes..like 17 to 18 and 18 to the parkhouse. Found some rocks in the bunkers also.

[mikemakeitso]

hmmm, perhaps that's why I've always loved GREY SILO, and thoroughly enjoyed OLIVER'S NEST--can't wait to get back...to both! (playing Timber Ridge next Sunday...pumped!)
You'll enjoy Timber Ridge, it's in decent shape - Very different from Olivers Nest....

Definitely NOT a feel good course if your not hitting the fairways.

[Big Shooter]

Yeah....I'm a walker...there were some hikes..like 17 to 18 and 18 to the parkhouse. Found some rocks in the bunkers also.
You mean they didn't have the courtesy shuttle between these holes?:(
They used to in the past. (maybe a cost-cutting measure):rolleyes:

[akrus]

You mean they didn't have the courtesy shuttle between these holes?:(
They used to in the past. (maybe a cost-cutting measure):rolleyes:
I believe that the courtesy shuttles were dropped at the beginning of last year.

Albert

[247golfing]

Played this course for the first time in the weekend and booked it thru LMG and end up paying $40 with cart and tax. Good deal and excellent conditions! Love it.

[Big Shooter]

bump
(not sure what it means, but I always wanted to do it!?) :p

[alien270]

bump
(not sure what it means, but I always wanted to do it!?) :p:nono: :nono: :nono:

[Rocknronny]

bump
(not sure what it means, but I always wanted to do it!?) :pToo mush time on your hands...:rofl: :rofl:

[Big Shooter]

ahhh, I found out what it means!;)

this could be useful!:)

[Greywolf]

ahhh, I found out what it means!;)

this could be useful!:)
:cookoo:

[Big Shooter]

:cookoo:

Hey, I resemble that emotion! :D

[iyell4]

it's that time of year again.

it'll soon be ablaze with fall colors.

anyone have the 411 on Grey Silo's course conditions this week?

[akrus]

it's that time of year again.

it'll soon be ablaze with fall colors.

anyone have the 411 on Grey Silo's course conditions this week?
Played it last Friday (sept 23) and it was in stellar condition. Hard to believe that they put through as many people as they do, yet maintain the condition. Highly recommend Grey Silo for a leisurely round of fall golf.

I expect all courses to be in perfect condition this fall as the weather has been favourable, with some rain and lots of sun.

Myself, I'm playing Savannah this afternoon. I haven't been there since early summer, but it's one of my favourite fall courses.

Have a good time if you decide to go to Silo.

Albert

[iyell4]

Albert, thanks for the intel on Grey Silo! Looks very promising. I hear that we're in for some really nice weather next week too! Thanks!

[Fuzzy]

Grey Silo was the best course I have played this summer (25 rounds). If anyone has not tried this course then run, don't walk, down to Waterloo. :-)

[dryl]

FINALLY got a chance to play Grey Silo yesterday. I've wanted to play there all year, after hearing all the good things said about the course.

Wow. What a beautiful fall course.

As for the debate over the better golf course, Grey Silo or Copetown Woods?

Here's my three cents

As far as driving range/practice facililty, you've gotta give the edge to Copetown. Fairway conditioning I'd say was pretty much a tie. Greens were in great shape at Grey Silo, however, they don't roll as true as Copetown. Even though they are rated very similar, I felt that Grey Silo plays a much tougher course. Visually, there are a lot of tough tee shots and risky approaches. But perhaps I'm just more comfortable at Copetown having played there a bunch of times. Coming from Oakville, Grey Silo, is about 30 km's further away than Copetown. However, the ability to get out and play a round with a cart thru LMG for 45 bucks pretty much squares up the extra cost in gas.

Phew. Tough call. At full rate of 60 bucks for both courses, I'd give the slight edge to Copetown. However, they both are a real treat to play and i'd expect to pay around 120 bucks to play either of them if they were located in the GTA.

For the money you won't get much better than this.

Highly recommended.

[duffer_devon]

I'm going to be reviewing this course on the Golf Show tonight (AM900). Listen in and let me know what you think.

[Big Shooter]

FINALLY got a chance to play Grey Silo yesterday. I've wanted to play there all year, after hearing all the good things said about the course.

Wow. What a beautiful fall course.

As for the debate over the better golf course, Grey Silo or Copetown Woods?

Here's my three cents

As far as driving range/practice facililty, you've gotta give the edge to Copetown. Fairway conditioning I'd say was pretty much a tie. Greens were in great shape at Grey Silo, however, they don't roll as true as Copetown. Even though they are rated very similar, I felt that Grey Silo plays a much tougher course. Visually, there are a lot of tough tee shots and risky approaches. But perhaps I'm just more comfortable at Copetown having played there a bunch of times. Coming from Oakville, Grey Silo, is about 30 km's further away than Copetown. However, the ability to get out and play a round with a cart thru LMG for 45 bucks pretty much squares up the extra cost in gas.

Phew. Tough call. At full rate of 60 bucks for both courses, I'd give the slight edge to Copetown. However, they both are a real treat to play and i'd expect to pay around 120 bucks to play either of them if they were located in the GTA.

For the money you won't get much better than this.

Highly recommended.
Agreed, except I give a slight edge to Grey Silo...the best Muni in Ontario!!;)

[Carlton]

I love Grey Silo. I wish it wasn't such a long drive from my place. It's a tough toss up between Grey Silo and Heathlands, they're two of the best links style courses I've played on so far. Unfortunately I haven't played the Silo this season... maybe next year hopefully. The very first time my group played it we decided to walk. The starter looked at us surprised and said, "OH my! You're going to walk it?" and now we know why. It's a LONG course to walk as some of the holes are far far apart.

[Faemow]

The very first time my group played it we decided to walk. The starter looked at us surprised and said, "OH my! You're going to walk it?" and now we know why. It's a LONG course to walk as some of the holes are far far apart.
I was told if you go to Eagle's Nest and you insist to walk, you need to sign a waiver stating that the course will not be liable for accidental death or heart failures on the course.:rofl:

[iyell4]

Agreed, except I give a slight edge to Grey Silo...the best Muni in Ontario!!;)
better than o'shanter? ... ok, i'm gonna take yous guys word for it and plan to try it out before it snows.:)

[Big Shooter]

better than o'shanter? ... ok, i'm gonna take yous guys word for it and plan to try it out before it snows.:)
just by a little bit! :rofl:

I love Grey Silo. I wish it wasn't such a long drive from my place. It's a tough toss up between Grey Silo and Heathlands, they're two of the best links style courses I've played on so far. Unfortunately I haven't played the Silo this season... maybe next year hopefully. The very first time my group played it we decided to walk. The starter looked at us surprised and said, "OH my! You're going to walk it?" and now we know why. It's a LONG course to walk as some of the holes are far far apart.
To the 1st tee, from 1st green to 2nd tee...rest of Front 9 not so bad.

From 9th green (to halfway-house, where the 'dogs are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!) to the 10th tee....rest of Back 9 is alright, until 17th green to 18th tee, and then the walk back to the clubhouse/parking lot

They used to provide a shuttle betweeen 1+2 and 17+18, but I hear they don't do that anymore! :(

[Greywolf]

just by a little bit! :rofl:


To the 1st tee, from 1st green to 2nd tee...rest of Front 9 not so bad.

From 9th green (to halfway-house, where the 'dogs are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!) to the 10th tee....rest of Back 9 is alright, until 17th green to 18th tee, and then the walk back to the clubhouse/parking lot

They used to provide a shuttle betweeen 1+2 and 17+18, but I hear they don't do that anymore! :(

Plus the walk from 18 green back to the clubhouse, that one is a killer.

[akrus]

I was told if you go to Eagle's Nest and you insist to walk, you need to sign a waiver stating that the course will not be liable for accidental death or heart failures on the course.:rofl:

This I can't believe. I believe their clubhouse or website states that walking is permitted, with carry bags only - no pull carts what-so-ever. The biggest problem with walking Eagle's Nest would be that others would be on your a$$ so quickly because of the advantage that carts have in speed. The course is hilly and I wouldn't walk it, if I had a choice. Keep in mind that I much rather walk any course, but EN is different. I have walked Grey Silo and it's not a bad course for walking as it's pretty flat - only slight rises/falls. The PITA part is the HUGE distances between tees on some holes - nothing like being passed by 2 groups because they're in carts and then getting to a backlog
:mad: For fun courses to walk, try Blue Springs, Forest City, Greystone among others. Grey Silo definitely isn't that bad.

Albert

[Grass Roots Tour]

I love Grey Silo. I wish it wasn't such a long drive from my place. It's a tough toss up between Grey Silo and Heathlands, they're two of the best links style courses I've played on so far. Unfortunately I haven't played the Silo this season... maybe next year hopefully. The very first time my group played it we decided to walk. The starter looked at us surprised and said, "OH my! You're going to walk it?" and now we know why. It's a LONG course to walk as some of the holes are far far apart.


Your crazy dude. The Heathlands @ Osprey Valley is soo much better than Silo will ever dream of being its not even funny.

These two tracks aren't in the same league at all. One is a decent track and the other is a true championship layout.

[golferboy]

I think your comparison is a little unfair. To say that they are not in the same league is a little harsh. I played both this year and didnt really think that one was better than the other. But then again I got chastized for stating that Thundering Waters was in horrible shape....but it was a new course so thats ok.Your crazy dude. The Heathlands @ Osprey Valley is soo much better than Silo will ever dream of being its not even funny.

These two tracks aren't in the same league at all. One is a decent track and the other is a true championship layout.

[Carlton]

If i had to choose one that was more true traditional looking links style, I would have to agree that Heathlands in a hearbeat. Maybe I have sentimental feelings towards Silo 'cause I shot an 83 from the blacks which was the first time I ever broke 90. LOL

I haven't played Silo in over a year and my grey matter is getting a bit fuzzy as I get older but I remember it being a really nice track. Heathlands is still fesh in my mind 'cause I played the Osprey courses (Toot and Heathlands) 7times this season. For those who haven't played Heathlands... if your game is not on that day, stock up on balls before heading out! :eek:

If I had to choose btw Silo and Heathlands, I'd go with Heathlands. It's so well kept, you'd swear that NOBODY plays that course!

Woooo, Forest City National... I love that course too! Haven't played it in over 2yrs! ACK!

[iyah]

I played the Osprey courses (Toot and Heathlands) 7times this season.
No Hoot?

I think it is the best of the 3.

IMO Heathlands is better than Grey Silo. I think there are more outstanding holes at Heathlands.

[RobertThompson]

This I can't believe. I believe their clubhouse or website states that walking is permitted, with carry bags only - no pull carts what-so-ever. The biggest problem with walking Eagle's Nest would be that others would be on your a$$ so quickly because of the advantage that carts have in speed. The course is hilly and I wouldn't walk it, if I had a choice. Keep in mind that I much rather walk any course, but EN is different.
Interestingly, Eagles Nest is not a tough walk at all -- given that they'll shuttle you from the 7th to the 8th. The notion that cart play is faster is ridiculous. I can't tell you the number of times a starter seemed to cringe when I told him I wanted to walk, and then the group behind me disappeared from sight after the third hole.
Eagles Nest is really not that hilly. The valley holes play largely on one level and the back nine just features a bunch of elevated tees. It may seem hilly, but it isn't nearly what you expect. I bet you'd find it a much easier walk than expected.
That said, I don't understand why they don't allow pull carts. It is a faux links, and in Scotland you can get a pull cart everywhere, including Muirfield and the Old Course.

[Big Shooter]

Interestingly, Eagles Nest is not a tough walk at all -- given that they'll shuttle you from the 7th to the 8th. The notion that cart play is faster is ridiculous. I can't tell you the number of times a starter seemed to cringe when I told him I wanted to walk, and then the group behind me disappeared from sight after the third hole.
Eagles Nest is really not that hilly. The valley holes play largely on one level and the back nine just features a bunch of elevated tees. It may seem hilly, but it isn't nearly what you expect. I bet you'd find it a much easier walk than expected.
That said, I don't understand why they don't allow pull carts. It is a faux links, and in Scotland you can get a pull cart everywhere, including Muirfield and the Old Course.
...somewhat related...I played Whistling Straits, and whilst they have both Power Carts & Pull Carts, NEITHER make the game faster...in fact, they SLOW everything down, 'cause these courses were designed with WALKING in mind!

p.s., Robert, have you played the Whistling Straits courses, yet?!

[akrus]

Interestingly, Eagles Nest is not a tough walk at all -- given that they'll shuttle you from the 7th to the 8th. The notion that cart play is faster is ridiculous. I can't tell you the number of times a starter seemed to cringe when I told him I wanted to walk, and then the group behind me disappeared from sight after the third hole.
Eagles Nest is really not that hilly. The valley holes play largely on one level and the back nine just features a bunch of elevated tees. It may seem hilly, but it isn't nearly what you expect. I bet you'd find it a much easier walk than expected.
That said, I don't understand why they don't allow pull carts. It is a faux links, and in Scotland you can get a pull cart everywhere, including Muirfield and the Old Course.
I agree that carts don't speed up play - however, they will catch you when there are long walks between green and tee. Equal skill level golfers, walking and riding, will find that the riders will catch the walkers easily under these circumstances. Some courses (Blue Springs) have many shortcuts for walkers that help walkers keep pace, other courses force walkers to take the same route as the carts simply because there isn't a quicker way (think number 17 to 18 at Silo, or 7 to 8 at EN).

The problem with cart golf speed is that people think that when they are moving in the cart, they're really flying. When they get to their ball, they take their time in completing their shot as they think it was quick. We're seeing too many Sergios out there lately - 10 second pre-shot routine is bordering on excessive, IMO. Looking for a ball, in amateur play shouldn't take longer than 30 seconds. Too many carters think they race out and can take their time when they get there.

I, personally would love to see courses that don't allow carts. I feel that walking a course is the only way to really enjoy it. Especially if they have a 'cart-path only' rule. Thundering Waters was this way when we played it and more than one person in my foursome wanted to walk after the first 2 or 3 holes.

Albert

[Carlton]

The time I played Bond Head, the fee included carts but was told cart path only. Fine... until after the second hole when there are no visible yardage markings from the path, you had to guestimate the distance, grab 4 clubs, walk out to the fairway etc. scramble to find a yardage marker and the hopefully one of the 4 clubs was the right one. On one hole, I said "***** this *****" and grabbed my bag from the cart for a few holes. Unfortunately I took my cart bag which weighs a ton so I ended up back on the cart.

I enjoy walking as you get to see the entire course and appreciate it for what its worth. In a cart, you're busy zooming up to your ball etc. you don't get a chance to look around like you would walking. If it's cart path only, I'm walking it...

Woodington Lakes is a prime example why it's better to walk 'cause 50% or so of the holes there, you are restricted to cart path only.