View Full Version : It's my dad's b'day on Sat and I want to take him to a nice course
lumpycam
Sep 20, 2005, 08:27 PM
I need some advice from all of you as to where I can treat my old man on his 58th.
We usually play inexpensive courses to make golf affordable for us but for the special occasion I can spend upto $125.00 for each of us.
I would have really liked to have taken him to Copper Creek where I played in a corporate event recently and was blown away by the scenery and the quality but unfortunately they had no tee off times for a twosome at all for this Saturday.
Could you all please recommend some nice courses for around the $125.00 mark? We live in Mississauga so please keep that in mind when you make your recommendations. Also, my dad usually shoots in the high eighties and I shoot mid nineties so a medium difficulty course would be better. Lastly but not least, scenery is very important. My dad really enjoys the nature while out playing.
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for your recommendations.
akrus
Sep 20, 2005, 08:39 PM
I need some advice from all of you as to where I can treat my old man on his 58th.
We usually play inexpensive courses to make golf affordable for us but for the special occasion I can spend upto $125.00 for each of us.
I would have really liked to have taken him to Copper Creek where I played in a corporate event recently and was blown away by the scenery and the quality but unfortunately they had no tee off times for a twosome at all for this Saturday.
Could you all please recommend some nice courses for around the $125.00 mark? We live in Mississauga so please keep that in mind when you make your recommendations. Also, my dad usually shoots in the high eighties and I shoot mid nineties so a medium difficulty course would be better. Lastly but not least, scenery is very important. My dad really enjoys the nature while out playing.
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for your recommendations.
Eagles Nest is $125 each on weekends and very enjoyable. Put out an extra $30 and pick up an Eagles Nest billfold for him as well - it'll always remind him of the day you took him out and treated him on his birthday. A couple of drinks and lunch before the round in the pub and it's guaranteed to be a day that he won't forget.
There are loads of nice courses in Toronto that will fit your budget, but I'd go for Eagles Nest.
Albert
lumpycam
Sep 20, 2005, 08:49 PM
Tks Akrus.
I'll do a google on Eagle's Nest right now.
akrus
Sep 20, 2005, 08:54 PM
Tks Akrus.
I'll do a google on Eagle's Nest right now.
http://www.eaglesnestgolf.com/forefront/default.cfm
lumpycam
Sep 20, 2005, 08:57 PM
That is one heck of a nice clubhouse at Eagle's Nest from the picture!!!
Akrus: How does Eagle's Nest compare to Copper Creek?
iyah
Sep 20, 2005, 10:19 PM
If Eagle's Nest is a no go, I suggest Osprey Valley Hoot.
Greywolf
Sep 20, 2005, 10:45 PM
Whistle Bear in Cambridge is nice, I think it is $100 on weekends, it is the site of the CPGA championship on the Nationwide Tour, less than 1 hour from Mississauga.
Whistle Bear (http://www.whistlebear.ca/)
Big Shooter
Sep 21, 2005, 04:58 AM
Bond Head is Nice + New, and they Treat you like a King!! ;) :)
akrus
Sep 21, 2005, 07:01 AM
That is one heck of a nice clubhouse at Eagle's Nest from the picture!!!
Akrus: How does Eagle's Nest compare to Copper Creek?The clubhouse at Eagles Nest is above anything I've ever been in. It's a great sight, coming up 18 and seeing that stonework. The pub inside is a great place to be. Your dad will definitely feel special with a day there. I've taken a number of people to Eagles Nest, including an ex-girlfriend when she came back for a visit, and everyone has remarked what an incredible time they had. I know that none of them would have played the course on their own and it was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity - a time to be spoiled. When you pull up to the bag drop, be sure to ask to use the locker room. They'll tell you where it is and it just adds to the experience (it's free).
Copper Creek is a nice track (little behind the scenes info - Copper Creek and Eagles Nest owners are related - CopperCreek = TACC; Eagles Nest = ConDrain). This is how I would rank the two:
clubhouse - both are nice, but Eagles Nest is definitely the better of the two;
scenery - I think they are pretty equal here, in different ways. CC is nice for the trees and elevation changes; EN is a links style course with many interesting things going on. All depends on the style of golf you like. CC = trees changing colours; EN = rugged fescue with plenty of pot bunkers to keep one challenged; You'll be wowed by either course.
The golf itself - Both offer up plenty of challenge, and are accomadating to various skill levels due to the wide range of tee options. EN was in better shape overall when I visited the two courses. Keep in mind that I played EN 6 times compared to only 1 visit to CC;
staff - EN by far exceeds expectations with the way they treat you. The only other courses that are in the same league as EN for making a customer feel special are Angus Glen (can you see Swaaain's head now???? LOL!!!) and Whistle Bear; Wherever you go, tell them that you're taking your dad for his birthday and that you'd like the billfold (if you were to use my earlier suggestion) to be on the cart as a surprise, or to have it show up with a beer in the pub - these types of places cater to your every whim and love it when they get to do something extra for the customer. When I took the ex there, it was the first time she had been back to Ontario in 6 months and it was a belated birthday gift from me. I called the proshop to arrange the tee time and asked them to provide a gift bag containing a couple of items from me (EN shirt, and a gift that I had couriered to them, but didn't buy there). I had asked them to present the items after our lunch in the pub. After our lunch, not only did the items I purchased arrive at our table, but so did a goodie bag for her (nice divot tool, bag tag, towel, tees, etc all in a nice quasi-leather EN bag). She was just stunned by it all.
extras - EN has so many touches that say special. The helipad with club helicopter (if you really want to splurge on your dad, they'll fly the two of you to Vineland for some lunch/wine tasting and then back to play your round); the 6 ft tall bronze Eagle statue on 15 (I think it's 15); you're going to see Ferrari's there and maybe even Tony's Mercedes SLR;
proshops - both are very well stocked with lots of stuff to drool over;
As most here know, I'm biased towards Eagles Nest, but I also strive to be fair with any recommendations. In my opinion, Eagles Nest is just the sort of experience that a special occasion is perfect for. It will be remembered. My ex still talks about it when she calls (only about every other week - she moved away last year to the NWT to take a contract job).
As another individual mentioned, don't rule out Whistle Bear. They treat you like you own the place, have a great kitchen, awesome range, private club atmosphere (not rushed - only the group hitting goes to number 1 tee, others wait until the tee clears, etc). The only thing is that unless you're a long ball hitter and enjoy pulling the driver out on nearly every hole, I don't think it offers too much in the way of being special. The scenery is ok, but nothing to speak of. The course is in stunning condition this year. All this being said, the holes will blur into one another as far as variety goes. Pretty standard other than length. Oh, and if the wind is up - oh, boy...........
All three courses discussed here would be great to play. EN will be the experience that would standout 6 months down the road, if you played all three now.
Albert
golferboy
Sep 21, 2005, 08:13 AM
They do treat you like a king but the course conditions are a little iffy.Bond Head is Nice + New, and they Treat you like a King!! ;) :)
golferboy
Sep 21, 2005, 08:16 AM
I can only speak for Copper Creek....nice course, and very nice clubhouse Beautiful views...especially on 10 tee.
I hear Eagles's nest is super.
Would suggest The Club at bond head but the course conditions are not very good for the price you are playing....
Eagles Nest is $125 each on weekends and very enjoyable. Put out an extra $30 and pick up an Eagles Nest billfold for him as well - it'll always remind him of the day you took him out and treated him on his birthday. A couple of drinks and lunch before the round in the pub and it's guaranteed to be a day that he won't forget.
There are loads of nice courses in Toronto that will fit your budget, but I'd go for Eagles Nest.
Albert
Bellyhungry
Sep 21, 2005, 08:30 AM
Eagle Nest is a great venue with great service. Plus, the drive is relatively short if you live in GTA.
The quality of food of the clubhouse restaurant Lago can rival the top restaurant in T.Dot. You can have dinner there with your dad after your round.
lumpycam
Sep 21, 2005, 10:18 AM
Not very good news here gents!!!
I called Eagle's Nest, they can accomodate us but the rate is $175.00 per person plus taxes. I just can't afford that.
Then I called Whistle Bear and they have no availability for a twosome this Saturday.
In case I didn't mention it earlier, Copper Creek has nothing either.
I'll try Bond Head and Osprey Valley next.
I knew I shoudn't have left this till the last minute!!! Aarghhh!!!:mad:
golferboy
Sep 21, 2005, 10:35 AM
I would pass on Bond Head due to course conditions....and if you're thinking of having a beer with your dad at the course...pass on Osprey...no license......what about Woodington Lakes?
akrus
Sep 21, 2005, 10:39 AM
Not very good news here gents!!!
I called Eagle's Nest, they can accomodate us but the rate is $175.00 per person plus taxes. I just can't afford that.
Then I called Whistle Bear and they have no availability for a twosome this Saturday.
In case I didn't mention it earlier, Copper Creek has nothing either.
I'll try Bond Head and Osprey Valley next.
I knew I shoudn't have left this till the last minute!!! Aarghhh!!!:mad:
Eagles Nest is $125 after 12pm on weekends. How about bringing him along for the trip to Thundering Waters? PM rocknronny if you want the details without spending a week reading about cheese curds...
Albert
laxgolf
Sep 21, 2005, 10:39 AM
I need some advice from all of you as to where I can treat my old man on his 58th.
We usually play inexpensive courses to make golf affordable for us but for the special occasion I can spend upto $125.00 for each of us.
I would have really liked to have taken him to Copper Creek where I played in a corporate event recently and was blown away by the scenery and the quality but unfortunately they had no tee off times for a twosome at all for this Saturday.
Could you all please recommend some nice courses for around the $125.00 mark? We live in Mississauga so please keep that in mind when you make your recommendations. Also, my dad usually shoots in the high eighties and I shoot mid nineties so a medium difficulty course would be better. Lastly but not least, scenery is very important. My dad really enjoys the nature while out playing.
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for your recommendations.
Hunter's Pointe in Welland. About an hour drive and less than $70 each. You won't be disappointed.
DubRepublic
Sep 21, 2005, 10:41 AM
What about Royal Ontario or Lionhead?
Pingnut
Sep 21, 2005, 11:08 AM
Roayl Ontario is very forgetable - but for $100 after 12PM Lionhead Legends course is fun.
Willow Valley in Hamilton isn't to far and has excellent greens and nice scenery.
Hockley Valley is a beautiful course on the escarpment, but likely 40 minutes from Miss. $99 prime time.
lumpycam
Sep 21, 2005, 12:46 PM
Albert: Eagles Nest said the $125.00 deal is no more!!!
As for thunderingwaters, what is the tee off time? Also, considering the fact that my dad are not very good golfers, would you all mind a couple of hackers joining in? I hope we don't spoil your game!!!
Anyway, I'll contact Rockronny and see if there is still any room left.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far, it's much appreciated.
Aziz.
westbeach
Sep 21, 2005, 01:37 PM
Hey Aziz,
Try Legends at Niagara, Battlefield. Stunning golf course.
akrus
Sep 21, 2005, 01:41 PM
Albert: Eagles Nest said the $125.00 deal is no more!!!
As for thunderingwaters, what is the tee off time? Also, considering the fact that my dad are not very good golfers, would you all mind a couple of hackers joining in? I hope we don't spoil your game!!!
Anyway, I'll contact Rockronny and see if there is still any room left.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far, it's much appreciated.
Aziz.Hey Aziz. Hmmm, I would point the clown in the proshop to their website, where the rates are posted clear as day. They must be pricing according to weather.
I think that the first time at Thundering Waters is about 11. Ronny posted it in the Thundering Waters trip thread.
No worries about being "hackers". I've golfed with a number of these guys and they are all great guys with a fond memory (ok, Ronny may not remember much...:D ) of where we all once were and some still are. The outings I've been on so far have been about enjoying a day out and meeting new people (there's been some gambling, but that's all been optional). I think I can speak for Ronny here and say that you and your dad would be very welcome to come along (you only have to buy Ronny and me beer for the entire weekend...:D )
Hopefully you can join us.
Albert
lumpycam
Sep 21, 2005, 02:36 PM
Albert: It would be my pleasure to buy you a round of beer after all the help you've been as I'm trying to work this weekend out for my old man.
I've sent Ronny a PM. I haven't heard back from him yet.
I also called Lionhead and they can accomodate us on the legends course on Saturday. The rate is $125.00. What's your thought on that? Just in case Ronny can't accomodate us.
Westbeach: I'll look into your suggestions right now.
Thanks again everyone!!!
Aziz.
alien270
Sep 21, 2005, 02:42 PM
for somthing different if you cant find a tee time or somthing
http://www.handsfromheaven.ca/ (http://www.handsfromheaven.ca/careers.html) :rofl:
golferboy
Sep 21, 2005, 02:54 PM
Lionhead Legends is a nice course, a lot closer to you, but you wont have as good a time as if you come to TW....:D Albert: It would be my pleasure to buy you a round of beer after all the help you've been as I'm trying to work this weekend out for my old man.
I've sent Ronny a PM. I haven't heard back from him yet.
I also called Lionhead and they can accomodate us on the legends course on Saturday. The rate is $125.00. What's your thought on that? Just in case Ronny can't accomodate us.
Westbeach: I'll look into your suggestions right now.
Thanks again everyone!!!
Aziz.
lumpycam
Sep 21, 2005, 03:05 PM
Golferboy: We'd love to come to TW. I am waiting for ronny to get back to me.
golferboy
Sep 21, 2005, 03:07 PM
Hope to see you there.....and the bonus is the entertainment is thrown in for free.........:rofl:
Rocknronny
Sep 21, 2005, 06:48 PM
What about Royal Ontario or Lionhead?Royal Ontario? What are you thinking? Its a RIP OFF would not send anyone there its total CRAP. Anyway they are going to join us on saturday.And they wont be disapointed..:cool:
iyah
Sep 22, 2005, 01:59 AM
Just out of curiosity, I was wondering how many people here have played the Hoot as Osprey Valley.
IMO this is one of the most enjoyable courses to play in Ontario.
The golf experience at Osprey is far superior to Willow Valley, Hockley Valley, Royal Ontario and Lionhead.
I also thought they had a liquor licence now, but I could be wrong
pudubny
Sep 22, 2005, 08:17 AM
Just out of curiosity, I was wondering how many people here have played the Hoot as Osprey Valley.
IMO this is one of the most enjoyable courses to play in Ontario.
The golf experience at Osprey is far superior to Willow Valley, Hockley Valley, Royal Ontario and Lionhead.
I also thought they had a liquor licence now, but I could be wrong
Iyah,
I have played the Hoot many times and I love it. One of the toughest decisions for us is what course to play when we go to Osprey because all three are quite good. But the Hoot has so many holes where you have tempting risk/reward options that is difficult not to try some of high risk shots. The "S" shaped fairway on one of the par 5's (15?) is worth the price of admission alone. The only downside to the Hoot is the 17th hole waterfall which is cheesy. The hole itself is fun.
I agree it is better than anything you list there. I think Willow Valley is fun and Hockley is beautiful but not a great course. Royal Ontario is playable and a huge improvement over Lionhead, which should be turned into government housing.;)
I have no idea about the liquor license, but I usually bring my own beer anyways.
Cheers.
Pud.
DubRepublic
Sep 22, 2005, 10:13 AM
Royal Ontario? What are you thinking? Its a RIP OFF would not send anyone there its total CRAP. Anyway they are going to join us on saturday.And they wont be disapointed..:cool:Sorry, I have never played there and never hear much about it. It's near my parents and so is Lionhead. People always talked great things about Legends at Lionhead and I figured since they are both Kaneff courses it would probably be on the same par.
Apparently not.
Pingnut
Sep 22, 2005, 10:36 AM
Just out of curiosity, I was wondering how many people here have played the Hoot as Osprey Valley.
IMO this is one of the most enjoyable courses to play in Ontario.
The golf experience at Osprey is far superior to Willow Valley, Hockley Valley, Royal Ontario and Lionhead.
I also thought they had a liquor licence now, but I could be wrong
I played it many times and am playing it again on Sunday. The first few times I played it I thought I liked it better than the Heathlands - now I'm not sure but they are both awesome courses. The Heathlands can really bite you in the butt if your not hitting it straight off the tee. I've only played the Toot once and with the other two options there, don't think I'll ever try it again. I was there the end of July and they still weren't serving on the course - must be why I shot an 81. :rofl:
golferboy
Sep 22, 2005, 10:38 AM
Played there early august, and there was no license...I think that the township is roadblocking the owners attempts at getting a license, as payback for building without the proper approvals.......Its too bad, as those courses are awesome, and now that they have a half decent clubhouse, and a range and practice green, the only thing missing is a cold pint after(or during) the round.:( I played it many times and am playing it again on Sunday. The first few times I played it I thought I liked it better than the Heathlands - now I'm not sure but they are both awesome courses. The Heathlands can really bite you in the butt if your not hitting it straight off the tee. I've only played the Toot once and with the other two options there, don't think I'll ever try it again. I was there the end of July and they still weren't serving on the course - must be why I shot an 81. :rofl:
lumpycam
Sep 22, 2005, 11:00 AM
As Ronny mentioned earlier, my dad and I shall be there for Thunderwaters. I am really looking forward to it.
Special thanks to Albert and Ronny for recommending and accomodating us.
See you all day after.
iyah
Sep 22, 2005, 11:06 AM
. I've only played the Toot once and with the other two options there, don't think I'll ever try it again. :rofl:
I don't think I will play the Toot again either. Not that it is terrible, but I think the other two courses are better.
I have to play Heathlands again. I haven't played there for about 5 years as I enjoy the novelty of the Hoot. It is unlike any other golf course around here.
I guess I will just have to go play 36:).
Bellyhungry
Sep 22, 2005, 03:03 PM
I don't think I will play the Toot again either. Not that it is terrible, but I think the other two courses are better.
I have to play Heathlands again. I haven't played there for about 5 years as I enjoy the novelty of the Hoot. It is unlike any other golf course around here.
I guess I will just have to go play 36:).
I can not agree more....Heathland and Hoot is noticeably superior to Toot (which I played twice).
BadBadGolfer
Sep 23, 2005, 08:47 AM
Royal Ontario? What are you thinking? Its a RIP OFF would not send anyone there its total CRAP. Anyway they are going to join us on saturday.And they wont be disapointed..:cool:
what's the deal with Royal Ontario ? looks like a nice course from their website.
Big Shooter
Sep 23, 2005, 05:51 PM
what's the deal with Royal Ontario ? looks like a nice course from their website.
I had the same problems Ronny had, and we happened (by co-incidence since we've never met) to play the SAME DAY! (there is a complete re-cap on the thread "Courses that you boycott"
p.s., Kaneff courses don't seem to be held in the same 'high esteem' that they used to be!:cool:
canoehead
Sep 25, 2005, 01:10 AM
Royal Ontario,
You guys seem to have bad luck. I've played there 3 times this year. Enjoyed it every time.
Most recently in early September with my 3 golfing neighbours - we held our annual "Woodside Invitational". Great day. 4.5 hour round. No hassles from marshalls, nobody hitting up our rear ends, and no significant waiting.
The course was well maintained, the staff friendly, and the design is interesting and often challenging.
It is slightly overpriced, but not outrageously. And it is reasonably accessible if you live in the West End of Toronto.
Just one man's opinon.
iyell4
Sep 25, 2005, 08:17 AM
As Ronny mentioned earlier, my dad and I shall be there for Thunderwaters. I am really looking forward to it.
lumpycam, hope you & your dad had a great bday outing. you guys certainly had the great weather for it!
iyell4
Sep 25, 2005, 08:19 AM
The outings I've been on so far have been about enjoying a day out and meeting new people (there's been some gambling, but that's all been optional). I think I can speak for Ronny here and say that you and your dad would be very welcome to come along (you only have to buy Ronny and me beer for the entire weekend...:D )
Hopefully you can join us.
Albert
LOL! nice 'fine print' ... 2 funny.:D
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