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DtwnGolfer
Aug 23, 2005, 09:17 AM
Our regular 4some decided to venture to Newmarket since we heard great things about Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club. We booked an early Sunday morning tee-time this past weekend - there was a tourney going on later that day...

Drive Up Impression :)
Seemed like a nicely manicured course - well maintained, friendly staff @ the clubhouse, Starter was very friendly and knowledgeable offering good tips. Was weird for the $$$ that range balls weren't included in the price.

On-the-course Impression :mad:
This is were it all changed...by the 3 hole the Marshall was "nicely" reminding us that they like to get the first ~10 groups out in under 4hours - thanks for the reminder. By the 5th hole and subsequent hole, he was out in each fairway to the right letting us know he was there watching. Pretty annoying and making us feel rushed but still not crossing the line. Back 9, new Marshall (aka, "annoying Marshall") starts to harass, bother, annoy...this was very frustrating seeing that we were a hole up on the group behind us. We finished our round in just over 4h15min, which for a first visit 4some, is a pretty good time and also is consistent with our past rounds.

FYI, the fairways were moist but no puddles (probably due to the storm that preceded), greens and bunkers (yes I played in a couple of them :p) were well maintained.

Drive-Away Impression :(
If the Marshalls are always like that...can't bother with the drive back for this course - ended up being an unpleasant experience. We consistently felt rushed, timed, and bothered. In my opinion, drive out that far from Toronto and for the $$$....St. Andrews Valley is basically the same distance and much more enjoyable, from the course layout and the golf experience point of views.

Hope other's had/have a better experience there.

under4hrs
Aug 23, 2005, 09:31 AM
I play Silver Lakes typically half a dozen times per season. I think it is a great layout, and I am lucky enough to be part of a group sharing some passes, so it is $60 to walk through the week.


I'll be honest about the marshalls - while I appreciate not wanting to be rushed, and wanting to enjoy the round, I am also a big believer in the 4 hour round. I think there should be more marshalls that are trying to keep pace of play up. I know exactly where he sits on 4&5 there, and while he can get in your head a bit, he is trying to keep the gaps from developing. If you are playing on time, he will leave you alone...

I've never had too much of an issue on the backside with a marshall though.

The one thing I do not like is they do try and cram in some morning rounds to accomodate afternoon tourneys. I think their tournament play is relatively high, which allows them to keep the rates up. I live north of Major Mackenzie, so the drive isn't as much of an issue, but you are right - they do overcharge, but if they are making money and getting their rounds, then supply/demand wins.

I think the course is a great test, and it is always in great shape - might be the best fairways n GTA. Range sucks (floating balls) and the clubhouse is OK...lockers & showers so you can zip to work after 18.

Can't go wrong at St Andrew's...just don't give up on Silver Lakes because of the pressure to play in 4 hours...I do not think it is outrageous at all. No big walks from green to tee, and relatively clear in the trees for ball hunting...except for 15 & 16...

BadBadGolfer
Aug 23, 2005, 01:08 PM
Earlier this year I played there and thought it was a great course. I was there as part of a tournament, so I never got harassed by the marshalls like you did. But I guess if it wasn't a tournament, our 4some would have been harassed each hole too.

golferboy
Aug 23, 2005, 02:19 PM
Only played there once, but thought it was a nice course, a lot of bugs when I went but a nice course...just too far from where I live now

kingbrown
Aug 26, 2005, 09:51 PM
Recently played and found not worth 97.50. I thought the starter was more interested in talking about fast play and 90 degree cart traffic on the fairways .However, I shall always treasure the ball marker and repair tool he handed out like Ihad just won the lottery:(