Wyndance- Wow

[slightdraw]

Had the fortune to play Wyndance yesterday, what a course. Here's my thoughts hole by hole.
1) OB right on an opening hole and water right of the green, tough
2) Great risk/reward- challenge the fairway bunkers for clear approach
3) Tough Par 3
4) Fairly easy par 4-driver wedge
5) Wide fairway-tough approach, I see a theme developing, well protected green
6) Not crazy about trees in the middle of fairways-great slope on green
7) Hardest Par 5 I've ever played, and it was into the wind, I've never seen a fairway bottleneck like that at the 150, and the green sits on a ledge.
8) Great par 3- watch the yardage, 185 yard played 155 with the red flag
9) Easy par 4
10) Could be the sleeper hole on the course- great visual appeal, awesome greensite
11) Didn't get this one- why does the fairway continue on past the green to the left, no one misses long and left.
12) Great Par 3 that will haunt the tournaments they host, I can see all 4 balls going down that cliff
13) Easy par 4 love the mounding
14) Great par 5 into the quarry, downwind, let it ride, driver 5 iron.
15) Great par 4 with a great green
16) Tough all the way, green looks like its a mile away
17) Yawn- should have switched this one and made it 12 going the other way and made 17 where 12 is playing toward 18 tees.
18) Awesome closer- 5 feet short of being by the 150 with the drive, I hope this one always plays downwind, OB is 3 feet left of the green.

Loved the track, tournaments will be a nightmare, too tough for the average golfer looking to shoot his regular score. Hey RBaker get on those members to fix the ballmarks, I fixed 50 and it was quiet out there!

[rbaker]

That is a well thought out review. I concur on just about everything.
As for ball marks, it has been a problem since the opening, and surprising that members or anyone for that matter couldn't find the time to repair a mark or two. So thank you for that.
What time did you play? I was there yesterday as well, and declared it my last round there for the year!
Its way to exposed for this time of the season.


RB


Had the fortune to play Wyndance yesterday, what a course. Here's my thoughts hole by hole.
1) OB right on an opening hole and water right of the green, tough
2) Great risk/reward- challenge the fairway bunkers for clear approach
3) Tough Par 3
4) Fairly easy par 4-driver wedge
5) Wide fairway-tough approach, I see a theme developing, well protected green
6) Not crazy about trees in the middle of fairways-great slope on green
7) Hardest Par 5 I've ever played, and it was into the wind, I've never seen a fairway bottleneck like that at the 150, and the green sits on a ledge.
8) Great par 3- watch the yardage, 185 yard played 155 with the red flag
9) Easy par 4
10) Could be the sleeper hole on the course- great visual appeal, awesome greensite
11) Didn't get this one- why does the fairway continue on past the green to the left, no one misses long and left.
12) Great Par 3 that will haunt the tournaments they host, I can see all 4 balls going down that cliff
13) Easy par 4 love the mounding
14) Great par 5 into the quarry, downwind, let it ride, driver 5 iron.
15) Great par 4 with a great green
16) Tough all the way, green looks like its a mile away
17) Yawn- should have switched this one and made it 12 going the other way and made 17 where 12 is playing toward 18 tees.
18) Awesome closer- 5 feet short of being by the 150 with the drive, I hope this one always plays downwind, OB is 3 feet left of the green.

Loved the track, tournaments will be a nightmare, too tough for the average golfer looking to shoot his regular score. Hey RBaker get on those members to fix the ballmarks, I fixed 50 and it was quiet out there!

[under4hrs]

Played today - 2nd group off, and played in under 3:35...was solid pace, and a stellar day of golf!

Only disagreement is with #9 and #17 - I don't think 9 is a yawn from the golds, and 17 from the golds is no cupcake...

[rbaker]

I bet you were on a cart right? its no 4 hour course walking let alone "UNDER 4 Hours"
I will never know! Blues are plenty for me.:eek:

Played today - 2nd group off, and played in under 3:35...was solid pace, and a stellar day of golf!

Only disagreement is with #9 and #17 - I don't think 9 is a yawn from the golds, and 17 from the golds is no cupcake...

[Bellyhungry]

Rbaker,

Can you convince the power that be to flood the quarry to make an inland sea. I don't mean flood it all the way to the top. I meant give it a shallow glaze so that the cliffs are atill visible.

Next time you are out there, just visualize.....I am sure you get my drift....

(who cares about the par 3 coruse down below? It is lame anyway.)

I think doing so will significantly increase the aesthetic of the course several magnitude. Not to mention the increase in property value for the nearby houses.

www.flood-wyndance.org

[focal]

executive courses are amazingly fun to play actually...I really like the one at The Country Club.

but yes, aesthetically, it would look amazing if they filled the quarry with water.


Rbaker,

Can you convince the power that be to flood the quarry to make an inland sea. I don't mean flood it all the way to the top. I meant give it a shallow glaze so that the cliffs are atill visible.

Next time you are out there, just visualize.....I am sure you get my drift....

(who cares about the par 3 coruse down below? It is lame anyway.)

I think doing so will significantly increase the aesthetic of the course several magnitude. Not to mention the increase in property value for the nearby houses.

www.flood-wyndance.org

[Bellyhungry]

executive courses are amazingly fun to play actually...I really like the one at The Country Club.

but yes, aesthetically, it would look amazing if they filled the quarry with water.

So far, 2 people has voted Yay in the Flood-Wyndance campaign....:D

Maybe a industry insider like Mr. T can chair the campaign to lend it some credibility....

[Frank101]

I bet you were on a cart right? its no 4 hour course walking let alone "UNDER 4 Hours"
I will never know! Blues are plenty for me.:eek:

Every course is a 4 hour or less course.

[Inkpenners]

I agree pretty much with your review.
Wyndance is definitely a second shot course but, thats what makes it fun. Its hit away off the tee !
Don't like #9 much at all, especially followiing #8. Best par 3 on the course.
#11 is a little quirky as well.
I'm definitely for flooding the quarry ! The 18th hole would remind you of #18 at Pebble Beach with the quarry flooded !
An excellent course that is only going to get better !

[Bellyhungry]

I agree pretty much with your review.
Wyndance is definitely a second shot course but, thats what makes it fun. Its hit away off the tee !
Don't like #9 much at all, especially followiing #8. Best par 3 on the course.
#11 is a little quirky as well.
I'm definitely for flooding the quarry ! The 18th hole would remind you of #18 at Pebble Beach with the quarry flooded !
An excellent course that is only going to get better !

That's 3 for flooding the Quarry...

[hamilton9977]

Slightdraw,

I am a member @ Wyndance (as most of you can guess Rbaker is our unofficial spokesperson). I agree with most of your assessment of the course with the exception of #9 and #17. My guess is that you played the course when the wind was at your back (or benign which is very rare) on #9 and #17. I played today from the golds and both holes were very challenging (directly into the wind). That's the beauty of Wyndance, depending on how the wind blows you are never playing the same course.

I had the good fortune of playing the course with Ashley Chinner recently and he loved the course (he's a member of Coppinwood) and said it's right up there with some of the best courses he has ever played. I know that everyone has their own opinions about their favourite courses, but my barometer about courses is whether you can play the same course multiple times and never get tired of playing it. Wyndance is that type of course for me. I am glad you enjoyed your round.

[Frank101]

Slightdraw,

I am a member @ Wyndance (as most of you can guess Rbaker is our unofficial spokesperson). I agree with most of your assessment of the course with the exception of #9 and #17. My guess is that you played the course when the wind was at your back (or benign which is very rare) on #9 and #17. I played today from the golds and both holes were very challenging (directly into the wind). That's the beauty of Wyndance, depending on how the wind blows you are never playing the same course.

I had the good fortune of playing the course with Ashley Chinner recently and he loved the course (he's a member of Coppinwood) and said it's right up there with some of the best courses he has ever played. I know that everyone has their own opinions about their favourite courses, but my barometer about courses is whether you can play the same course multiple times and never get tired of playing it. Wyndance is that type of course for me. I am glad you enjoyed your round.

I can only assume Ashley Chinner hasn't played that many good golf courses or said what he said to make you happy. :hyper:

[ginrin]

Wyndance is a very good golf course and will get better with time.Multiple tees and challenging holes.They may have to change certain tees as the course gets played and the members input how each hole played sofar. Ashley knows a thing or two about golf courses and because of his ability,he sees every course different than the average joe.If Wyndance was the only course you could play,it would a good choice.

[hamilton9977]

I can only assume Ashley Chinner hasn't played that many good golf courses or said what he said to make you happy. :hyper:

Italfrank,

I can only assume that Ashley has played many good golf courses (given that he was a touring professional). I didn't ask him what he thought about Wyndance, it was his own unsolicited feedback.

As I said many times before, everyone has (and is entitled to) their own opinion about golf courses. I happen to like Wyndance and am happy to be a member there. I am sure that there are many (like yourself) who do not prefer Wyndance. In the end, all that really matters is the enjoyment of playing golf irrespective of where it is played.

[rbaker]

We aren't sure why Ital Frank doesn't like Wyndance.
And somehow having played with Hamilton ,Ginrin & Focal, I'm betting we don't really care! It seems we all enjoy the course as we do enjoy many others.

Anyway, I'm not sure about flooding the course. But hats off to you Hamilton for getting not just one well regarded person from the Golf industry onto our course, but two I believe! And I appreciate the "Unofficial Spokesperson title " but I simply don't write in that well, so I
respectfully decline.
Perhaps defender against Ital would be a better title.
Internally at Clublink Wyndance has been a huge success. Solid participation from its membership and sold out tee-times right through the season. It will go Prestige and then then many will want to use a reciprocal day to play there, perhaps WY will appreciated more t by our friend Ital once this happens. I hope it doesn't go Prestige but everyone sais it will.
The reviews of Wyndance have been positive and favourably critiqued from Golf critics. Go to this months OG magazine as a recent example- or so I've heard. Mine somehow ended up in the recycle bin and only afterward I was told Wyndance has a very positive review. I will get to read it somehow.
Also gracing the cover of this months "Fairways" magazine is Hole 18 from Wyndance.

I think the high regard for Wyndance extends well outside its membership.


RB

[focal]

wyndance is well regarded from what I've seen and read...the best test of a golf course is to read the reviews 2-5 years from now...why would courses ranked so highly by score golf top 100 drop off so suddenly? the really good ones stay on top.

It's like my home course (national pines)....I've heard mostly positive comments but there will always be someone out there who doesn't like it....Glad I don't meet many..and from what I've heard/seen..italfrank is a fan....

[Bellyhungry]

That 'vertical' fairway bunker at the 18th is worth the prize of admission at Wyndance....

To see for yourself, go to http://www.shark.com/gngcd/photogallery/wyndance.php and it is picture #6. For perspective, compare it to the parking lot right above it.

.

[caddishack]

Where is this course and is it open to the public?

[Leftygolfer30]

Where is this course and is it open to the public?

It's in Uxbridge:

http://en.clublink.ca/golf/golfcourse/overview.cfm?GOLF_COURSE_ID=0550

And, no, it's not public.

[Frank101]

wyndance is well regarded from what I've seen and read...the best test of a golf course is to read the reviews 2-5 years from now...why would courses ranked so highly by score golf top 100 drop off so suddenly? the really good ones stay on top.

It's like my home course (national pines)....I've heard mostly positive comments but there will always be someone out there who doesn't like it....Glad I don't meet many..and from what I've heard/seen..italfrank is a fan....

haha that I am focal. National Pines over Wyndance for me any day!

[hamilton9977]

We aren't sure why Ital Frank doesn't like Wyndance.
And somehow having played with Hamilton ,Ginrin & Focal, I'm betting we don't really care! It seems we all enjoy the course as we do enjoy many others.

Anyway, I'm not sure about flooding the course. But hats off to you Hamilton for getting not just one well regarded person from the Golf industry onto our course, but two I believe! And I appreciate the "Unofficial Spokesperson title " but I simply don't write in that well, so I
respectfully decline.
Perhaps defender against Ital would be a better title.
Internally at Clublink Wyndance has been a huge success. Solid participation from its membership and sold out tee-times right through the season. It will go Prestige and then then many will want to use a reciprocal day to play there, perhaps WY will appreciated more t by our friend Ital once this happens. I hope it doesn't go Prestige but everyone sais it will.
The reviews of Wyndance have been positive and favourably critiqued from Golf critics. Go to this months OG magazine as a recent example- or so I've heard. Mine somehow ended up in the recycle bin and only afterward I was told Wyndance has a very positive review. I will get to read it somehow.
Also gracing the cover of this months "Fairways" magazine is Hole 18 from Wyndance.

I think the high regard for Wyndance extends well outside its membership.


RB

Robert,

As it is written, so it shall be done. I nominate you "Defender against Ital". Good luck!!!

[Frank101]

Robert,

As it is written, so it shall be done. I nominate you "Defender against Ital". Good luck!!!

People really don't have many important things to do in life when they have to be and nominate people to defend a golf course against someone stating his opinion on a golf forum.

[hamilton9977]

People really don't have many important things to do in life when they have to be and nominate people to defend a golf course against someone stating his opinion on a golf forum.

Italfrank,

No need to get upset, just having a little fun. :D

[Frank101]

Italfrank,

No need to get upset, just having a little fun. :D

lol you think that was me upset?

[Golfing in Ottawa]

Italfrank,

No need to get upset, just having a little fun. :D

DO NOT P***off Italfrank.................this guy has the best "non paid" golf course reviews I have seen!!!

Keep up the great reviews, and look forward to many more in 2008 !!!:)

[Frank101]

DO NOT P***off Italfrank.................this guy has the best "non paid" golf course reviews I have seen!!!

Keep up the great reviews, and look forward to many more in 2008 !!!:)

hahaha...thanks...MUCH appreciated

[rbaker]

I will try not to be insulted by that comment. I am actually super busy but in Honour of Wyndance and my buddy Hamilton, I stand guard for thee.
Do you at least like Wyndance better then Station Creek Ital? We notice you haven't provided a comprehensive review or any review of your own club. I've heard enough negative talk from you about Wyndance, lets talk Station Creek now! I will try to not get you to upset since one day we will inevidably end up in the same foursome and I dont want to end up swimming with the fishes.

:rofl:



People really don't have many important things to do in life when they have to be and nominate people to defend a golf course against someone stating his opinion on a golf forum.

[Frank101]

Thats okay, I am actually super Busy but in Honour of Wyndance and my buddy Hamilton, I stand guard for thee.
Do you at least like Wyndance better then Station Creek Ital! We notice you haven't provided a comprehensive review or any review of your own club. I've heard enough negative talk from you about Wyndance, lets talk Station Creek now! I will try to not get you to upset since one day we will inevidably end up in the same foursome and you may want me to go swimming with the fishies.

:rofl:
ahhh how we forget so quickly....

I've talked much about Station Creek and how I actually don't like it....I even talked about it with you in another post earlier this year.

To make you happy however....if Station Creek and Wyndance were in the same spot, and cost was the same etc. etc. I would go with Wyndance. However, that is not the case. Wyndance is obviously a better course than Station Creek....but thats a pointless conversation because I hate Station Creek.

The difference between you and I is I don't go parading aroung as Station Creek's symbolic "spokesperson" just because it's my home course and I point out the positives and the negatives...plus....for me...your opinion on other matters in golf also seem to contradict some common held opinions from people whom I have come to find are usually right.

Anyway, you should be happy about your home club, its a good course and definitely one of the top 5 or so Clublink clubs, but it is not what I thought it would end up being and there are many courses better than it in the GTA alone and for every Wyndance post I will make sure to post my opinion as I sure you make sure to post yours.

[rbaker]

Oh alright then, you got me. I dont even hate Station Creek, your way to hard on the courses including Wyndance.
I haven't seen a review from you on Station Creek, you post big reviews on your website, on here- why not Station?
I don't parade around as anything! This recent nomination however, I truly feel honoured and will defend the allmighty Wyndnace from all those who oppose it! so far though only you Frank!
If your talking about my opinion of a green golf course, I do not stand alone.
If your talking about 4 hour rounds, I like them as well, but its not reality anymore.
Remember too as will I you know what they say about Opinions!

I'm sure we can agree to disagree.


RB


quote=italfrank]ahhh how we forget so quickly....

I've talked much about Station Creek and how I actually don't like it....I even talked about it with you in another post earlier this year.

To make you happy however....if Station Creek and Wyndance were in the same spot, and cost was the same etc. etc. I would go with Wyndance. However, that is not the case. Wyndance is obviously a better course than Station Creek....but thats a pointless conversation because I hate Station Creek.

The difference between you and I is I don't go parading aroung as Station Creek's symbolic "spokesperson" just because it's my home course and I point out the positives and the negatives...plus....for me...your opinion on other matters in golf also seem to contradict some common held opinions from people whom I have come to find are usually right.

Anyway, you should be happy about your home club, its a good course and definitely one of the top 5 or so Clublink clubs, but it is not what I thought it would end up being and there are many courses better than it in the GTA alone and for every Wyndance post I will make sure to post my opinion as I sure you make sure to post yours.[/quote]

[Frank101]

Oh alright then, you got me. I dont even hate Station Creek, your way to hard on the courses including Wyndance.
I haven't seen a review from you on Station Creek, you post big reviews on your website, on here- why not Station?
I don't parade around as anything! This recent nomination however, I truly feel honoured and will defend the allmighty Wyndnace from all those who oppose it! so far though only you Frank!
If your talking about my opinion of a green golf course, I do not stand alone.
If your talking about 4 hour rounds, I like them as well, but its not reality anymore.

I'm sure we can agree to disagree.


RB

I post what I call semi-reviews on my website. I don't really review courses I just post some comments along with the pictures I take. The main reason I have that blog is to post pictures of golf courses some people will not have the chance to play in their lifetime or haven't had the chance to play as of yet. Thats the sole purpose...it has nothing to do with actually reviewing the courses although I figure I may as well say something otherwise even the pictures are pointless.

Anyways, I agree that we will always disagree on most things :rofl:

[focal]

only trust worthy or honest reviews (positive or negative) are the ones from guys 2-3 years from now after a few pints of beer and the home member isn't around.

but given that we're protected behind a screen when we type our comments, this is a great alternative to the above...hence the debate that's raging on

Wyndance has great challenge around the greens (approach shots). the focus is on strong iron play and short game. LOVE run off areas instead of the usual bunkers ONLY approach to green sides...personally, except for a few holes, the tee shots aren't that challenging....which may be what modern players like (grip it and rip it), but I prefer challenges on all shots. NOthing like nerves on the tee box. I like and fear teeing off on so many holes at National Pines with OB stakes all over. This makes Wyndance an easy course for some on calm days, but a brutally hard course on windy days.

the conditioning is fabulous at Wyndance....I like the look of the course....

it's not the most walker friendly course, but it's definitely not torturous for those who usually walk. the hardest walking course in Club Link is the Country Club (Board of Trade) and Greystone.

[ginrin]

Every golf course has the potential to be a great course.I truly believe that Wyndance would be too tough for the average player and take too long to play if they tighten the driving areas.Even though they have multiple tees,ego always gets in the way.Reviews are just someone opinion and should be taken as that.I played a very exclusive club in the area and was disappointed but many raved about it.Unless you play a course 10 times and from different tees most reviews will only see the course from one side and at his golfing ability.Augusta could be the most open golf course from the tee,and no rough but everyone can play it and enjoy themselves.Some like to be heard and others not but time constraints are taking a toll on very good layouts.JMHO

[hamilton9977]

I will try not to be insulted by that comment. I am actually super busy but in Honour of Wyndance and my buddy Hamilton, I stand guard for thee.
Do you at least like Wyndance better then Station Creek Ital? We notice you haven't provided a comprehensive review or any review of your own club. I've heard enough negative talk from you about Wyndance, lets talk Station Creek now! I will try to not get you to upset since one day we will inevidably end up in the same foursome and I dont want to end up swimming with the fishes.

:rofl:

Thanks RB.

Nonetheless, Italfrank is entitled to his opinion. What I think would be more interesting (assuming he is up for it) is Italfrank's hole by hole assessment of Wyndance. I am curious to know what he likes and dislikes about the course.

As you know, I've stated often that I am a big fan of Wyndance and since, I myself, have not posted a full review of Wyndance I will do so now (based on the gold tees, 7000 yards).

#1 Par Five
Very generous driving hole that can be reached in two with a good drive but the smart play is to layup (because the green is very well protected with pot bunkers on the left and water on the right) and be happy with a par. Not an easy start.

#2 Par Four
Tee shot is not as intimidating as it looks but avoid the fairway pot bunker at all costs. After a good drive, you are left with a short iron approach that is challenging given the deep bunkers in the front and the collection area over the back. Seems like an easy short par four but is anything but.

#3 Par Three
230 or more yards off the golds. The green is huge so getting on is no guarantee of a par. Very challenging par three.

#4 Par Four
This is a relatively easy par four. The driving area is very generous and with a good drive you are left with a wedge in your hand. This is the easiest hole on the front nine.

#5 Par Four
This is an excellent par four which requires a good drive (left is waste area, right bunkers) and a well struck mid-iron to get there. The green is protected by a huge pot bunker (it has stairs, and must be avoided at all costs). Par is a good score here.

#6 Par Four
Another longish par four that has a very generous driving area but you need to avoid the mini waste area and trees in the middle of the fairway. Stay right. With a good drive you will have a mid to long iron approach to a green guarded by waste area in the front right and pot bunkers along the back. Another excellent par four.

#7 Par Five
What a beautiful hole. Depending on how the wind is blowing you can get home in two or will be fighting to get on in three. Once again very generous driving area, but the hole tightens up considerably as you get closer to the green. I could go on and on about this hole, it has to be played to be appreciated.

#8 Par Three
230 plus off the golds. This is probably what most would consider the signature hole on the golf course (along with 18). The hole is framed by deep pot bunkers on the left and the quarry pond/lake on right. You actually have to hit over the quarry with a carry of around 200 yards to get there. With a par go buy a lottery ticket otherwise take your bogey and run to #9.

#9 Par Four
Another drive that looks more intimidating than it really is. You need to avoid the waste area on the right and the fescue and bunkers on the left. The challenge on this hole is the approach shot. The green is very well protected with a huge and very deep bunker on the right and a collection/runoff area along the left and back. The pin always seems to be at the back so your approach has to fly the monster bunker. Excellent finisher for the front nine.

#10 Par Four
A shortish par four which requires a good drive to avoid the bunkers on the right and the deep rough and trees on the left. After that you are left with a short iron into a green well protected by pot bunkers. With a good shot birdie is a possibility here. A nice starter on the back nine.

#11 Par Four
Another shortish par four that has a quasi split fairway with a monster pot bunker right where the fairways split off. If you are feeling greedy you can try to hit driver to the upper tier/fairway and have a short pitch into the green. The smart play is to stay left and avoid that pot bunker. You will be rewarded with a short iron approach to a green that is elevated and protected by run/off collections areas (no bunkers). A fun hole to play.

#12 Par Three
Another 200 plus yards off the golds. This is probably one of the most unique par threes I've ever played. The hole has O/B all along the right with a pot bunker in front and a collection/runoff area on the left. What makes this hole very difficult is that is it very narrow and you have to come in from over the quarry (if you draw the ball). Great hole.

#13 Par Four
A midrange par four that with a good drive sets up a short iron approach to the green. The driving area is generous so this hole can be had with a good approach shot.

#14 Par Five
Now the fun starts!! This is an excellent risk/reward par five that requires a good drive but more importantly an excellent second shot to get there in two. Played as a three shot par five this is a relatively easy hole. Just avoid the pot bunkers.

#15 Par Four (or should I say five)
This is a long uphill par four that always seems to play into the wind. The driving area is very generous. The problem on this hole is that you have to clobber a drive and you still invariably have 190 plus coming uphill into a well protected green. Par is a steal here.

#16 Par Four (or should I say five again)
This is, in my opinion, the hardest hole on the golf course. It is a long uphill par four. The hole is framed by O/B all along the left and fescue mounds on the right. What makes the hole so difficult is that you need two excellent shots to get there. An excellent drive leaves you with (like 15) 190 plus coming uphill into a green that has O/B all along the left. It requires a high draw to stay on the green. If you land on, the ball runs off the green into either a deep pot bunker or a collection area. You got to land short and hope. What a hole!!!

#17 Par Three
Another 230 plus yards off the golds. This is a downhill par three coming into a green protected with pot bunkers all around. The green is also very large so if you are lucky enough to get on a three whack is not out of the question. Another strong par three.

#18 Par Five
What a finishing hole. Think of Pebble Beach without the water. The drive is crucial to avoid the forced carry over the quarry. With a big drive you can get home in two but need to thread the needle between O/B on the left and deep pot bunkers on the right. Played as a three shot par five this hole still has teeth given how tight the approach is. Be happy with par.

As many other have stated Wyndance is a very generous driving course (Greg Norman even stated this during the official opening ceremony). What makes the course so fun the play is the challenge of the approach shots and knowing where and when to go for the risk/reward par fives.

So that's my review of Wyndance. Just for the record I am a 6 handicap and have played many, many very good golf courses over the years. Wyndance for me is one of my favourite clublink courses (along with Grandview, Heron Point and National Pines).

So how about it Italfrank?

[Frank101]

Thanks RB.

Nonetheless, Italfrank is entitled to his opinion. What I think would be more interesting (assuming he is up for it) is Italfrank's hole by hole assessment of Wyndance. I am curious to know what he likes and dislikes about the course.

As you know, I've stated often that I am a big fan of Wyndance and since, I myself, have not posted a full review of Wyndance I will do so now (based on the gold tees, 7000 yards).

#1 Par Five
Very generous driving hole that can be reached in two with a good drive but the smart play is to layup (because the green is very well protected with pot bunkers on the left and water on the right) and be happy with a par. Not an easy start.

#2 Par Four
Tee shot is not as intimidating as it looks but avoid the fairway pot bunker at all costs. After a good drive, you are left with a short iron approach that is challenging given the deep bunkers in the front and the collection area over the back. Seems like an easy short par four but is anything but.

#3 Par Three
230 or more yards off the golds. The green is huge so getting on is no guarantee of a par. Very challenging par three.

#4 Par Four
This is a relatively easy par four. The driving area is very generous and with a good drive you are left with a wedge in your hand. This is the easiest hole on the front nine.

#5 Par Four
This is an excellent par four which requires a good drive (left is waste area, right bunkers) and a well struck mid-iron to get there. The green is protected by a huge pot bunker (it has stairs, and must be avoided at all costs). Par is a good score here.

#6 Par Four
Another longish par four that has a very generous driving area but you need to avoid the mini waste area and trees in the middle of the fairway. Stay right. With a good drive you will have a mid to long iron approach to a green guarded by waste area in the front right and pot bunkers along the back. Another excellent par four.

#7 Par Five
What a beautiful hole. Depending on how the wind is blowing you can get home in two or will be fighting to get on in three. Once again very generous driving area, but the hole tightens up considerably as you get closer to the green. I could go on and on about this hole, it has to be played to be appreciated.

#8 Par Three
230 plus off the golds. This is probably what most would consider the signature hole on the golf course (along with 18). The hole is framed by deep pot bunkers on the left and the quarry pond/lake on right. You actually have to hit over the quarry with a carry of around 200 yards to get there. With a par go buy a lottery ticket otherwise take your bogey and run to #9.

#9 Par Four
Another drive that looks more intimidating than it really is. You need to avoid the waste area on the right and the fescue and bunkers on the left. The challenge on this hole is the approach shot. The green is very well protected with a huge and very deep bunker on the right and a collection/runoff area along the left and back. The pin always seems to be at the back so your approach has to fly the monster bunker. Excellent finisher for the front nine.

#10 Par Four
A shortish par four which requires a good drive to avoid the bunkers on the right and the deep rough and trees on the left. After that you are left with a short iron into a green well protected by pot bunkers. With a good shot birdie is a possibility here. A nice starter on the back nine.

#11 Par Four
Another shortish par four that has a quasi split fairway with a monster pot bunker right where the fairways split off. If you are feeling greedy you can try to hit driver to the upper tier/fairway and have a short pitch into the green. The smart play is to stay left and avoid that pot bunker. You will be rewarded with a short iron approach to a green that is elevated and protected by run/off collections areas (no bunkers). A fun hole to play.

#12 Par Three
Another 200 plus yards off the golds. This is probably one of the most unique par threes I've ever played. The hole has O/B all along the right with a pot bunker in front and a collection/runoff area on the left. What makes this hole very difficult is that is it very narrow and you have to come in from over the quarry (if you draw the ball). Great hole.

#13 Par Four
A midrange par four that with a good drive sets up a short iron approach to the green. The driving area is generous so this hole can be had with a good approach shot.

#14 Par Five
Now the fun starts!! This is an excellent risk/reward par five that requires a good drive but more importantly an excellent second shot to get there in two. Played as a three shot par five this is a relatively easy hole. Just avoid the pot bunkers.

#15 Par Four (or should I say five)
This is a long uphill par four that always seems to play into the wind. The driving area is very generous. The problem on this hole is that you have to clobber a drive and you still invariably have 190 plus coming uphill into a well protected green. Par is a steal here.

#16 Par Four (or should I say five again)
This is, in my opinion, the hardest hole on the golf course. It is a long uphill par four. The hole is framed by O/B all along the left and fescue mounds on the right. What makes the hole so difficult is that you need two excellent shots to get there. An excellent drive leaves you with (like 15) 190 plus coming uphill into a green that has O/B all along the left. It requires a high draw to stay on the green. If you land on, the ball runs off the green into either a deep pot bunker or a collection area. You got to land short and hope. What a hole!!!

#17 Par Three
Another 230 plus yards off the golds. This is a downhill par three coming into a green protected with pot bunkers all around. The green is also very large so if you are lucky enough to get on a three whack is not out of the question. Another strong par three.

#18 Par Five
What a finishing hole. Think of Pebble Beach without the water. The drive is crucial to avoid the forced carry over the quarry. With a big drive you can get home in two but need to thread the needle between O/B on the left and deep pot bunkers on the right. Played as a three shot par five this hole still has teeth given how tight the approach is. Be happy with par.

As many other have stated Wyndance is a very generous driving course (Greg Norman even stated this during the official opening ceremony). What makes the course so fun the play is the challenge of the approach shots and knowing where and when to go for the risk/reward par fives.

So that's my review of Wyndance. Just for the record I am a 6 handicap and have played many, many very good golf courses over the years. Wyndance for me is one of my favourite clublink courses (along with Grandview, Heron Point and National Pines).

So how about it Italfrank?

I would love to, but dont have the time and don't care to make my case as I have said things about Wyndance many times before.

[hamilton9977]

I would love to, but dont have the time and don't care to make my case as I have said things about Wyndance many times before.

Italfrank,

I can respect that although I was hoping to get a little more insight as to why you are not a fan.

[RobertThompson]

I would love to, but dont have the time and don't care to make my case as I have said things about Wyndance many times before.

Okay, I'll take this one up. I think Wyndance isn't bad -- but it didn't lead me to change my opinion that Norman is the most overrated architect in the business today. For starters, the lack of use of the actual quarry -- when that was the big selling point -- seems like a lost opportunity. On the basis, only five holes play on the quarry and nothing plays down into it.

Hamilton -- I appreciate your comments on the course, but I don't think they are as much a review as a suggested way to play the individual holes. From my perspective, #1 is dull, just a long par five with a tricky green site. #2 was more intriguing, with a neat green that fell away hard to the back with short grass surrounds that provided a bunch of recovery options. Even the tee shot was interesting -- I hit 3-wood, my partner hit driver. But if you can find the right side the green becomes more receptive. Interesting use of strategy here.
#3 through #6 were not exceptional in any way other than to demonstrate the deep bunkering. And what's the deal with the deep bunkers 20 yards off the 6th green? Strange.

#7 once again was more about distance than strategy.

#8 is a good par-3 -- the best on the course, while #9 used the quarry but somehow seemed like a let down. I liked the long green.

#11 was the next interesting hole for me -- those willing to challenge it up the right side with a driver might get near the green. But the sloping fairway, kicks balls down to the botton, where one will have a blind shot. The left side allows a view of the green, but is a difficult approach to a narrow stretch of the putting surface.

#12 was obvious, and to #16 I found the course to be plain and not particularly exciting.

#16 is a good hole that once again relies largely on power. A long hitter still has to drive it straight, but the green is huge and receptive to just about any highly lofted shot.

#17 is a bit out of character, with its smaller green. As I mention on my blog, I don't understand why this hole -- with its ugly visible road -- comes at this point in the round. Wouldn't a better finish have been to reverse 12 and then head to 18 green?

#18 I really liked 18, and think it presents interesting options, especially given the ultra-wide fairway. Since the blowout bunker looks closer than it is, the visual trick works at least once. That said, someone is going to get killed on that short course when a snap hook heads their way.

Overall, I thought Wyndance was better than most of ClubLink's efforts, but not a truly exceptional course.

[rbaker]

Hi Bud,

Very good review. I think how to play the hole speaks like a proper review for the common man here!
Although I must say the Golds are out of my league!
I really dont think a review by Ital Frank again is necessary. I sure dont want to hear it,
It is totally negative & he has done it before, perhaps not hole by hole. Afterall he is just another average player.
Disappointing review from RT, but more favourable reviews are out there on WY, I understand.

Thanks RB.

Nonetheless, Italfrank is entitled to his opinion. What I think would be more interesting (assuming he is up for it) is Italfrank's hole by hole assessment of Wyndance. I am curious to know what he likes and dislikes about the course.

As you know, I've stated often that I am a big fan of Wyndance and since, I myself, have not posted a full review of Wyndance I will do so now (based on the gold tees, 7000 yards).

#1 Par Five
Very generous driving hole that can be reached in two with a good drive but the smart play is to layup (because the green is very well protected with pot bunkers on the left and water on the right) and be happy with a par. Not an easy start.

#2 Par Four
Tee shot is not as intimidating as it looks but avoid the fairway pot bunker at all costs. After a good drive, you are left with a short iron approach that is challenging given the deep bunkers in the front and the collection area over the back. Seems like an easy short par four but is anything but.

#3 Par Three
230 or more yards off the golds. The green is huge so getting on is no guarantee of a par. Very challenging par three.

#4 Par Four
This is a relatively easy par four. The driving area is very generous and with a good drive you are left with a wedge in your hand. This is the easiest hole on the front nine.

#5 Par Four
This is an excellent par four which requires a good drive (left is waste area, right bunkers) and a well struck mid-iron to get there. The green is protected by a huge pot bunker (it has stairs, and must be avoided at all costs). Par is a good score here.

#6 Par Four
Another longish par four that has a very generous driving area but you need to avoid the mini waste area and trees in the middle of the fairway. Stay right. With a good drive you will have a mid to long iron approach to a green guarded by waste area in the front right and pot bunkers along the back. Another excellent par four.

#7 Par Five
What a beautiful hole. Depending on how the wind is blowing you can get home in two or will be fighting to get on in three. Once again very generous driving area, but the hole tightens up considerably as you get closer to the green. I could go on and on about this hole, it has to be played to be appreciated.

#8 Par Three
230 plus off the golds. This is probably what most would consider the signature hole on the golf course (along with 18). The hole is framed by deep pot bunkers on the left and the quarry pond/lake on right. You actually have to hit over the quarry with a carry of around 200 yards to get there. With a par go buy a lottery ticket otherwise take your bogey and run to #9.

#9 Par Four
Another drive that looks more intimidating than it really is. You need to avoid the waste area on the right and the fescue and bunkers on the left. The challenge on this hole is the approach shot. The green is very well protected with a huge and very deep bunker on the right and a collection/runoff area along the left and back. The pin always seems to be at the back so your approach has to fly the monster bunker. Excellent finisher for the front nine.

#10 Par Four
A shortish par four which requires a good drive to avoid the bunkers on the right and the deep rough and trees on the left. After that you are left with a short iron into a green well protected by pot bunkers. With a good shot birdie is a possibility here. A nice starter on the back nine.

#11 Par Four
Another shortish par four that has a quasi split fairway with a monster pot bunker right where the fairways split off. If you are feeling greedy you can try to hit driver to the upper tier/fairway and have a short pitch into the green. The smart play is to stay left and avoid that pot bunker. You will be rewarded with a short iron approach to a green that is elevated and protected by run/off collections areas (no bunkers). A fun hole to play.

#12 Par Three
Another 200 plus yards off the golds. This is probably one of the most unique par threes I've ever played. The hole has O/B all along the right with a pot bunker in front and a collection/runoff area on the left. What makes this hole very difficult is that is it very narrow and you have to come in from over the quarry (if you draw the ball). Great hole.

#13 Par Four
A midrange par four that with a good drive sets up a short iron approach to the green. The driving area is generous so this hole can be had with a good approach shot.

#14 Par Five
Now the fun starts!! This is an excellent risk/reward par five that requires a good drive but more importantly an excellent second shot to get there in two. Played as a three shot par five this is a relatively easy hole. Just avoid the pot bunkers.

#15 Par Four (or should I say five)
This is a long uphill par four that always seems to play into the wind. The driving area is very generous. The problem on this hole is that you have to clobber a drive and you still invariably have 190 plus coming uphill into a well protected green. Par is a steal here.

#16 Par Four (or should I say five again)
This is, in my opinion, the hardest hole on the golf course. It is a long uphill par four. The hole is framed by O/B all along the left and fescue mounds on the right. What makes the hole so difficult is that you need two excellent shots to get there. An excellent drive leaves you with (like 15) 190 plus coming uphill into a green that has O/B all along the left. It requires a high draw to stay on the green. If you land on, the ball runs off the green into either a deep pot bunker or a collection area. You got to land short and hope. What a hole!!!

#17 Par Three
Another 230 plus yards off the golds. This is a downhill par three coming into a green protected with pot bunkers all around. The green is also very large so if you are lucky enough to get on a three whack is not out of the question. Another strong par three.

#18 Par Five
What a finishing hole. Think of Pebble Beach without the water. The drive is crucial to avoid the forced carry over the quarry. With a big drive you can get home in two but need to thread the needle between O/B on the left and deep pot bunkers on the right. Played as a three shot par five this hole still has teeth given how tight the approach is. Be happy with par.

As many other have stated Wyndance is a very generous driving course (Greg Norman even stated this during the official opening ceremony). What makes the course so fun the play is the challenge of the approach shots and knowing where and when to go for the risk/reward par fives.

So that's my review of Wyndance. Just for the record I am a 6 handicap and have played many, many very good golf courses over the years. Wyndance for me is one of my favourite clublink courses (along with Grandview, Heron Point and National Pines).

So how about it Italfrank?

[Frank101]

Hi Bud,

Very good review. I think how to play the hole speaks like a proper review for the common man here!
Although I must say the Golds are out of my league!
I really dont think a review by Ital Frank again is necessary. I sure dont want to hear it,
It is totally negative & he has done it before, perhaps not hole by hole. Afterall he is just another average player.
Disappointing review from RT, but more favourable reviews are out there on WY, I understand.

I would disagree with you here Rbaker, in my semi-review I stated the positives and the negatives...you just choose to focus on the negatives because nothing bad can EVER be said about your home course. Either way I don't really do reviews...if I did I would need to take notes while on the course and I never do. It's hard to analyze things based solely on memory.

Okay, I'll take this one up. I think Wyndance isn't bad -- but it didn't lead me to change my opinion that Norman is the most overrated architect in the business today. For starters, the lack of use of the actual quarry -- when that was the big selling point -- seems like a lost opportunity. On the basis, only five holes play on the quarry and nothing plays down into it.

Hamilton -- I appreciate your comments on the course, but I don't think they are as much a review as a suggested way to play the individual holes. From my perspective, #1 is dull, just a long par five with a tricky green site. #2 was more intriguing, with a neat green that fell away hard to the back with short grass surrounds that provided a bunch of recovery options. Even the tee shot was interesting -- I hit 3-wood, my partner hit driver. But if you can find the right side the green becomes more receptive. Interesting use of strategy here.
#3 through #6 were not exceptional in any way other than to demonstrate the deep bunkering. And what's the deal with the deep bunkers 20 yards off the 6th green? Strange.

#7 once again was more about distance than strategy.

#8 is a good par-3 -- the best on the course, while #9 used the quarry but somehow seemed like a let down. I liked the long green.

#11 was the next interesting hole for me -- those willing to challenge it up the right side with a driver might get near the green. But the sloping fairway, kicks balls down to the botton, where one will have a blind shot. The left side allows a view of the green, but is a difficult approach to a narrow stretch of the putting surface.

#12 was obvious, and to #16 I found the course to be plain and not particularly exciting.

#16 is a good hole that once again relies largely on power. A long hitter still has to drive it straight, but the green is huge and receptive to just about any highly lofted shot.

#17 is a bit out of character, with its smaller green. As I mention on my blog, I don't understand why this hole -- with its ugly visible road -- comes at this point in the round. Wouldn't a better finish have been to reverse 12 and then head to 18 green?

#18 I really liked 18, and think it presents interesting options, especially given the ultra-wide fairway. Since the blowout bunker looks closer than it is, the visual trick works at least once. That said, someone is going to get killed on that short course when a snap hook heads their way.

Overall, I thought Wyndance was better than most of ClubLink's efforts, but not a truly exceptional course.

Hey Robert,

I agree with you on all of your points.

I think 18 is one of the best holes on the course.

One of the things I couldn't understand is given all of the land and space, why couldn't the course be designed with shorter walks between 3 to 6 and the VERY long walk between 9 and 10. I understand there may be environmental restrictions and all that stuff I don't know much about, but there had to be a way.

To me it seems Wyndance has an identity problem. They hyped up the quarry so much and then didn't use it as well as I thought it would be and the stretch of holes from 3-6 feel as if they should be on another course (as well as 17)....they feel more wasteland than quarry if you know what I mean. Maybe it's just me, but I got the same feeling at Wyndance as I did at Glencairn where trying to squeeze in more holes (in the case of Wyndance the academy course) could have provided a better 18 hole course and they could have built the entire course in keeping with the hyped up Quarry theme.

Again this is just how I felt when I played it very early in the season. Maybe when I play it a few more times I may change my mind, but I doubt it. Like you said, most people comment on the course and the distance factor rather than it's strategy. Any course that is long and is exposed to the wind as much as Wyndance will be hard, why does that make it special or unique?

:confused:

[hamilton9977]

Okay, I'll take this one up. I think Wyndance isn't bad -- but it didn't lead me to change my opinion that Norman is the most overrated architect in the business today. For starters, the lack of use of the actual quarry -- when that was the big selling point -- seems like a lost opportunity. On the basis, only five holes play on the quarry and nothing plays down into it.

Hamilton -- I appreciate your comments on the course, but I don't think they are as much a review as a suggested way to play the individual holes. From my perspective, #1 is dull, just a long par five with a tricky green site. #2 was more intriguing, with a neat green that fell away hard to the back with short grass surrounds that provided a bunch of recovery options. Even the tee shot was interesting -- I hit 3-wood, my partner hit driver. But if you can find the right side the green becomes more receptive. Interesting use of strategy here.
#3 through #6 were not exceptional in any way other than to demonstrate the deep bunkering. And what's the deal with the deep bunkers 20 yards off the 6th green? Strange.

#7 once again was more about distance than strategy.

#8 is a good par-3 -- the best on the course, while #9 used the quarry but somehow seemed like a let down. I liked the long green.

#11 was the next interesting hole for me -- those willing to challenge it up the right side with a driver might get near the green. But the sloping fairway, kicks balls down to the botton, where one will have a blind shot. The left side allows a view of the green, but is a difficult approach to a narrow stretch of the putting surface.

#12 was obvious, and to #16 I found the course to be plain and not particularly exciting.

#16 is a good hole that once again relies largely on power. A long hitter still has to drive it straight, but the green is huge and receptive to just about any highly lofted shot.

#17 is a bit out of character, with its smaller green. As I mention on my blog, I don't understand why this hole -- with its ugly visible road -- comes at this point in the round. Wouldn't a better finish have been to reverse 12 and then head to 18 green?

#18 I really liked 18, and think it presents interesting options, especially given the ultra-wide fairway. Since the blowout bunker looks closer than it is, the visual trick works at least once. That said, someone is going to get killed on that short course when a snap hook heads their way.

Overall, I thought Wyndance was better than most of ClubLink's efforts, but not a truly exceptional course.

Robert,

Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback on the course. Upon further reflection, you are right, my review is more of a players guide than a review. While I may disagree with some of your comments about certain holes at Wyndance, I think we can agree that Wyndance is not a bad course and, in fact, is quite challenging for the average golfer. In the end, it boils down to personal preference. There will be those that love the course and others that do not particularly prefer it. As long as someone enjoys playing a particular course, does it really matter if someone else does not? I think not.

Once again, thanks for your comments, maybe in future our paths will cross and we can get a game in. I went to school with Bob Weeks, it would be fun to see if his game has improved or deteriorated since we played a long time ago.

Cheers

I would disagree with you here Rbaker, in my semi-review I stated the positives and the negatives...you just choose to focus on the negatives because nothing bad can EVER be said about your home course. Either way I don't really do reviews...if I did I would need to take notes while on the course and I never do. It's hard to analyze things based solely on memory.



Hey Robert,

I agree with you on all of your points.

I think 18 is one of the best holes on the course.

One of the things I couldn't understand is given all of the land and space, why couldn't the course be designed with shorter walks between 3 to 6 and the VERY long walk between 9 and 10. I understand there may be environmental restrictions and all that stuff I don't know much about, but there had to be a way.

To me it seems Wyndance has an identity problem. They hyped up the quarry so much and then didn't use it as well as I thought it would be and the stretch of holes from 3-6 feel as if they should be on another course (as well as 17)....they feel more wasteland than quarry if you know what I mean. Maybe it's just me, but I got the same feeling at Wyndance as I did at Glencairn where trying to squeeze in more holes (in the case of Wyndance the academy course) could have provided a better 18 hole course and they could have built the entire course in keeping with the hyped up Quarry theme.

Again this is just how I felt when I played it very early in the season. Maybe when I play it a few more times I may change my mind, but I doubt it. Like you said, most people comment on the course and the distance factor rather than it's strategy. Any course that is long and is exposed to the wind as much as Wyndance will be hard, why does that make it special or unique?

:confused:

Italfrank,

When we were at the official opening, someone asked Greg about the routing. He said that they actually had multiple course routings initially designed but settled on the existing routing so that the academy course would be seperate and enclosed from the 18 hole course. I think it would be very interesting to see what they looked like (maybe more use of the Quarry) who knows.

[RobertThompson]

Fair enough. What do you make of the bunkering? I quite like the deep grass faces, but wondered about their placement in some instances. Overall it is a better than average ClubLink course, but a step below the really great public and private courses in the area.

Robert,

Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback on the course. Upon further reflection, you are right, my review is more of a players guide than a review. While I may disagree with some of your comments about certain holes at Wyndance, I think we can agree that Wyndance is not a bad course and, in fact, is quite challenging for the average golfer. In the end, it boils down to personal preference. There will be those that love the course and others that do not particularly prefer it. As long as someone enjoys playing a particular course, does it really matter if someone else does not? I think not.

Once again, thanks for your comments, maybe in future our paths will cross and we can get a game in. I went to school with Bob Weeks, it would be fun to see if his game has improved or deteriorated since we played a long time ago.

Cheers



Italfrank,

When we were at the official opening, someone asked Greg about the routing. He said that they actually had multiple course routings initially designed but settled on the existing routing so that the academy course would be seperate and enclosed from the 18 hole course. I think it would be very interesting to see what they looked like (maybe more use of the Quarry) who knows.

[rbaker]

Frank,
Yes you are right you had some positive comments I cant recall. Truth is there isn't anything perfect, and I have been a member at Eagle Ridge, Caledon Woods , Heron Point, Glencairn. I have been around the block and would defend any number of Golf Courses besides Wyndance including your own.
I think you feel I'm a lot more focused on Wyndance then I really am. Yes its my home course and if I didn't like it ofcourse it would't be my home course. I've been around the block at Clublink and back again as has Hamilton.
Truth be told its the members at Wyndnace that I like the most, and ultimately made me stay instead of GlenCairn. A golf course is just a golf course, as long as its not a cow pasture and walkable, I will tend to like them. I play them all.
I can think of a few things I don't like about Wyndance.
#1 I don't like the shared green on 16 & 12 , shared green period- don't like them.
#2 The distance between holes- this was done deliberate to command cart revenue, and as a result slows the course down immensely for walkers.
#3 The bunkers are far to penal for the average player, and I wish they were even, not a mix of European and north american.

So there you go. It is in my top 5 clublink courses however, I do indeed love Wyndance all be it seasonal May-Oct.
I think you need to play it again I had GL members out in late June then brought them back in Late september, the same 3 pointed out huge differences I hadn't noticed, as I sort of bleneded along with the course, Oblivious to 3/4 of the things you and the others seem to notice.
Lets put an end to the silly argument.
Im the last person who should review a course. I played Caledon Woods 150 times and I still cant remember a numbered hole if someone was to ask me.
All this technical stuff you guys get into goes right past my brain. I'm to busy trying to figure out how not to 3 putt before I worry about the contours of the fairway.
I'm gonna head out now and play 3 holes at Greystone- now theres a course I cant stand.
RB

I would disagree with you here Rbaker, in my semi-review I stated the positives and the negatives...you just choose to focus on the negatives because nothing bad can EVER be said about your home course. Either way I don't really do reviews...if I did I would need to take notes while on the course and I never do. It's hard to analyze things based solely on memory.



Hey Robert,

I agree with you on all of your points.

I think 18 is one of the best holes on the course.

One of the things I couldn't understand is given all of the land and space, why couldn't the course be designed with shorter walks between 3 to 6 and the VERY long walk between 9 and 10. I understand there may be environmental restrictions and all that stuff I don't know much about, but there had to be a way.

To me it seems Wyndance has an identity problem. They hyped up the quarry so much and then didn't use it as well as I thought it would be and the stretch of holes from 3-6 feel as if they should be on another course (as well as 17)....they feel more wasteland than quarry if you know what I mean. Maybe it's just me, but I got the same feeling at Wyndance as I did at Glencairn where trying to squeeze in more holes (in the case of Wyndance the academy course) could have provided a better 18 hole course and they could have built the entire course in keeping with the hyped up Quarry theme.

Again this is just how I felt when I played it very early in the season. Maybe when I play it a few more times I may change my mind, but I doubt it. Like you said, most people comment on the course and the distance factor rather than it's strategy. Any course that is long and is exposed to the wind as much as Wyndance will be hard, why does that make it special or unique?

:confused:

[hamilton9977]

Fair enough. What do you make of the bunkering? I quite like the deep grass faces, but wondered about their placement in some instances. Overall it is a better than average ClubLink course, but a step below the really great public and private courses in the area.

Robert,

Like you, I do like the deep grass faces. And yes some of the placements (as you mentioned about #6) seem curious. Greg did mention that the reason the he made them so deep was to combat the fact that with the wedge technology these days bunkers were no longer playing like the hazards they were intended to be. Making them deeper was his solution to making them more penal (I think he may have went a bit too far as it relates to the average golfer).

If you get the chance again, you should try the "Shark" tees (just under 7500 yards). I've played them a few times and the course definitely shows its teeth (even when the wind ins't blowing too hard). Plus there are some really interesting and funs tee boxes (#12 & #18 particularly).

Frank,
Yes you are right you had some positive comments I cant recall. Truth is there isn't anything perfect, and I have been a member at Eagle Ridge, Caledon Woods , Heron Point, Glencairn. I have been around the block and would defend any number of Golf Courses besides Wyndance including your own.
I think you feel I'm a lot more focused on Wyndance then I really am. Yes its my home course and if I didn't like it ofcourse it would't be my home course. I've been around the block at Clublink and back again as has Hamilton.
Truth be told its the members at Wyndnace that I like the most, and ultimately made me stay instead of GlenCairn. A golf course is just a golf course, as long as its not a cow pasture and walkable, I will tend to like them. I play them all.
I can think of a few things I don't like about Wyndance.
#1 I don't like the shared green on 16 & 12 , shared green period- don't like them.
#2 The distance between holes- this was done deliberate to command cart revenue, and as a result slows the course down immensely for walkers.
#3 The bunkers are far to penal for the average player, and I wish they were even, not a mix of European and north american.

So there you go. It is in my top 5 clublink courses however, I do indeed love Wyndance all be it seasonal May-Oct.
I think you need to play it again I had GL members out in late June then brought them back in Late september, the same 3 pointed out huge differences I hadn't noticed, as I sort of bleneded along with the course, Oblivious to 3/4 of the things you and the others seem to notice.
Lets put an end to the silly argument.
Im the last person who should review a course. I played Caledon Woods 150 times and I still cant remember a numbered hole if someone was to ask me.
All this technical stuff you guys get into goes right past my brain. I'm to busy trying to figure out how not to 3 putt before I worry about the contours of the fairway.
I'm gonna head out now and play 3 holes at Greystone- now theres a course I cant stand.
RB

Robert,

We should try and setup a round next year with Italfrank (doesn't have to be Wyndance) and put a face to a name. We can agree and disagree on many things but luckily we have one thing in common. We love to play golf.

How about it Italfrank?

By the way, I am playing tommorrow @ 10:00 am @ Wyndance for what I think will be my last round of the year. Care to join?

[Frank101]

Robert,

Like you, I do like the deep grass faces. And yes some of the placements (as you mentioned about #6) seem curious. Greg did mention that the reason the he made them so deep was to combat the fact that with the wedge technology these days bunkers were no longer playing like the hazards they were intended to be. Making them deeper was his solution to making them more penal (I think he may have went a bit too far as it relates to the average golfer).

If you get the chance again, you should try the "Shark" tees (just under 7500 yards). I've played them a few times and the course definitely shows its teeth (even when the wind ins't blowing too hard). Plus there are some really interesting and funs tee boxes (#12 & #18 particularly).



Robert,

We should try and setup a round next year with Italfrank (doesn't have to be Wyndance) and put a face to a name. We can agree and disagree on many things but luckily we have one thing in common. We love to play golf.

How about it Italfrank?

By the way, I am playing tommorrow @ 10:00 am @ Wyndance for what I think will be my last round of the year. Care to join?

I would like to get a round out sometime. I'm actually going to be playing Wyndance on Friday at 12:30. I have classes on Thursdays and therefore its impossible for me to play. Lets hope theres no snow!

Thanks for the offer!

Next year for sure.

[ginrin]

I'm glad you guys did'nt review Oakmont with all those straightaway long par4's:rofl: .

[rbaker]

Hi Hamilton ( I wont say your real name to protect your identity)

I am out Wyndance was over for me Oct 29th until next year- Likely May.
Wow your a glutten for punishment, 10.00 A.M how will you swing with all those mits and scarfs on.
I played 9 by myself at Blue Springs today and it was COLD! Hail was hitting my face.
Call me if your in the WEST END before the season is over., I'm on the directory for WY.
I think though you said tommorow is your last day though.
I have CC west on Sat, and Highland Gate on Sun. Other then that I am open to Glencairn , Rattle , Greystone during the week, if its a little warmer then today- and maybe just 9 holes Mon-Thur, 18 if I can, but its hard now.


AS for ITAL, maybe Friday you will get a better feel the second time around, 6 months is a long time for a new course.


RB


I would like to get a round out sometime. I'm actually going to be playing Wyndance on Friday at 12:30. I have classes on Thursdays and therefore its impossible for me to play. Lets hope theres no snow!

Thanks for the offer!

Next year for sure.

[ginrin]

WOW RB, you really are a golfnut:rofl: .Enjoyed playing with you this summer at Wyndance.Hope to play again next year:D

[focal]

WOW RB, you really are a golfnut:rofl: .Enjoyed playing with you this summer at Wyndance.Hope to play again next year:D


same here...that round at Wyndance was a good prep for my CC at national Pines...

hopefully we'll get many more rounds before you turn PRESTIGE and we poor Gold members have to pay to play (not an issue for ginrin)..

[rbaker]

Sure, see you next year. Are you still playing at all?

WOW RB, you really are a golfnut:rofl: .Enjoyed playing with you this summer at Wyndance.Hope to play again next year:D

Ah ya git lots of tourneys lad, why ya thinkin like that, sides it aint goin prestege thats a lot of craaaapppp


quote=focal]same here...that round at Wyndance was a good prep for my CC at national Pines...

hopefully we'll get many more rounds before you turn PRESTIGE and we poor Gold members have to pay to play (not an issue for ginrin)..[/quote]

[Frank101]

Arite...so I had the chance to play the front nine at Wyndance today in the cold, windy, kinda rainy weather from the back black tees (shark tees i think they are called?...the furthest back). Anyways, to make it short, I still haven't changed my opinion on the course. Everything I have said remains the same even tho I moved back two sets of tees. The course although long doesn't really play as hard as you would expect it to or as everyone says. My playing partner felt the same (this with the balls flying shorter due to the cold). The only real difference I found from the back tees and the blue tees was the 8th hole today. It is a better hole, but even still, on a calm day the elevation change would make up for alot of the extra distance and the green is huge.

Although I played horrible, it wasn't cuz the course was hard but because my feel with my wedges and putter was totally gone (i.e. I don't think I had a two putt all 9 holes). Yes I know, pretty horrible.

[rbaker]

Wyndnace is clearly one of the strongest courses in the Clublink System, according to just about anyone who plays it.

RB

[Leftygolfer30]

Can you two just hug it out and let this go? :eek:

[rbaker]

Okay one big hug for ItalFrank:$


Can you two just hug it out and let this go? :eek:

[Frank101]

Wyndnace is clearly one of the strongest courses in the Clublink System, according to just about anyone who plays it.

RB

Clearly...I never said it isn't....you don't seem to read my posts very well rbaker

Even so...that doesn't mean TOO much