The Marshes or Loch March - Ottawa

[TerryFox88]

I'm heading to Ottawa for some golf (ClubLink courses) and want to add another round. I'll be staying at Brookstreet, which is a hotel that is joined to The Marshes golf course. Just want to know if anyone has played either/both of these courses. I've only got one extra day for golf. Which course would be better?

I love a challenge.

Heck, if there is another course that is in the Ottawa area (not too far a drive) let me know about it and I'll check it out on the net.

Thanks TGNers!

[Strategery]

Marshes is much better. Loch March is ok and cheaper. Neither are ClubLink courses.

[Big Johnny69]

We all know what Golfing In Ottawa will recommend. :p

Personally, you can't go wrong with either course. Both are highly regarded in the Ottawa area. If you want a challenge based on length, then go Marshes. Not too many courses around Ottawa that are longer from the tips. But if you want a challenge with a bit more of an emphasis on accuracy, then Loch March is the way to go. Both courses offer different challenges. Whichever one you choose, you'll have a great day on the links.

But others to consider:

Stonebridge

But if you don't mind driving a little out of the city limits (all within an hour's drive or shorter)

Outaouais
Renfrew
Whitetail
Le Sorcier

Just to name a few.

[Jeffc]

personally, I prefer LM. The Marshes you have to take a cart if that is of a concern. Both are excellent courses, the Marshes runs partly through high tech buildings, the Marshes has little but trees around it. Both challenging, the Marshes likely a bit tougher. You can't go wrong with either.

[Golfing in Ottawa]

I'm heading to Ottawa for some golf (ClubLink courses) and want to add another round. I'll be staying at Brookstreet, which is a hotel that is joined to The Marshes golf course. Just want to know if anyone has played either/both of these courses. I've only got one extra day for golf. Which course would be better?

I love a challenge.

Heck, if there is another course that is in the Ottawa area (not too far a drive) let me know about it and I'll check it out on the net.

Thanks TGNers!

I have played The Marshes about 50-70 times per yr, over the past few years.
Play Loch March a few times a year.
http://www.brookstreethotel.com/golf/index.htm

http://www.lochmarch.com/



Both are excellent courses. Since you are staying at The Brookstreet I believe they might offer you a preferred rate. Marshes also have a special on for after 12:00 noon tee-times on weekends for $75.00 (not advertised on website which lists $85.00)This cost also includes GPS cart, bucket of range balls, bottle of water.

With The Marshes you are getting a Robert Trent Jones 2 designed links course with best drainage in the City (important considering our wet summer). All the Trent Jones trouble (ie. strategic placed fairway bunkers, water, marsh....)You will also have the opportunity to tackle the 3rd hardest hole in Canada as ranked by CTVsportsnet a few years back. The Marshes #2 hole is a beast playing 640 yds from the tips; 615 yds from the Blues;581 yds whites. Should be a Par 6 or 7 hole..........


Loch March is a fine course and has some nice elevation changes. It plays more through the woods. Has a few challenging Par 3 holes. Nicely maintained course. One word of caution is while it is only a few kms from The Marshes, Loch March is on Canadian Shield which means it does not drain very well. I played it last month after some heavy rains the previous day and a number of the fairways were like sponges...........not too fun on many shots......
Loch March never has any specials and also have a NO Cancellation policy once you have booked. Their cost is $70, cart is extra $35.00 Standard Cart (NO GPS), range balls are $6.00.

Any more questions PM me.:)

[Andru]

You'll have fun at either. Scenery wise. Loch March has more to offer. Shot making. The Marshes hands down. if you play from the blues or Golds you'll use every club in your bag.

I don't really agree with an earlier assesment that you have to be more accurate at Loch March. yes it has trees but it's really wide open if you hit the right club off the tee. And although the marshes isn't framed by trees it has trouble on virtually every hole.

Again if you play The Marshes from the Blues or golds you'll see the course as it was meant to be played from the whites it can be a bit of a cream puff.

LM can play longer than the posted yardage if it's wet.

[TerryFox88]

I appreciate all the posts! Thanks, I think that I will give The Marshes a try. Golfing in Ottawa: My wife and I will be in town doing some work for ClubLink. If she isn't up for a round of golf are you interested in playing? I will be playing on the 16th of August. It would be great to get some insider information from someone who has played the course as much as you have!

Le Sorcier looks like a decent course. Maybe the worst Heli-guide I've seen on a webpage though!

[Tommy Armour V31]

Stonebridge is a great course. It's the course Ballantre wishes it was.

Loch Marshe is quite a challenge. I find it plays similar to Royal Ashburn. The green on 17 is a dastardly one.

Played the Marshes last year from the whites and found it quite easy on most holes except for the long par 5 on the front 9 that bends around water. As well, if you don't like the sound of gun-fire, stay away. There is a range right next door it seems.