Hidden Gems

[Stablefordvet]

We've all heard or even played the awesome course in Toronto (i.e Royal Woodbine, Angus Glen, Glen Abbey, Wooden Sticks) but through everyone's experience which course would you classify as a "hidden gem"? Meaning really good course (challenge, conditions and facility) for a reasonable price.

[Focker Singh]

Nice thread Stablefordgeek...one hidden gem I like is Pines of Georgina in Pefferlaw, Ont. About 30min, NE of Newmarket. Its not a long course, only 5900 from the back tee's but requires target golf. Fairways are lined with pine tree's and all the par 3's have water and small greens. I don't recommend a driver on this course except for the par 5, 2nd hole and maybe one of the more open par 4's. Cheap! only $42 prime time.

[Stablefordvet]

Hey Focker...do I know you?

Pines of Georgina is 6007 yards...not that 107 yards really count.

[Ego Woods]

We've all heard or even played the awesome course in Toronto (i.e Royal Woodbine, Angus Glen, Glen Abbey, Wooden Sticks) but through everyone's experience which course would you classify as a "hidden gem"? Meaning really good course (challenge, conditions and facility) for a reasonable price.
I've heard of a course called Coral Creek somewhere in Hamilton....really good price...like 40 bucks and voted in the top 18 by the Bogey Man (Toronto Star golf critic).....

[Focker Singh]

I will be playing at Grey Silo next Sunday. Its owned by the municipal of Kitchener and is Research In Motion's (RIM) home course. Check it out. www.greysilo.com $54 fall rate.

[Stablefordvet]

It's a drive but I always wanted to play Coral Creek. I heard it's fairly inexpensive too!:D

[Ego Woods]

It's a drive but I always wanted to play Coral Creek.
Most hidden gems we've mentioned thus far are that....HIDDEN!...ahaha...very far and priced really well....other courses include Wolf Run in Port Perry and Trillium Wood in Belleville.....

[speedoodler]

I've heard that twenty valley in vineland is an old but very nice course.:cool:

[Ego Woods]

I've heard that twenty valley in vineland is an old but very nice course.:cool:
Wow, must be a really hidden gem...never heard of it before!:)

[Mule56]

Most hidden gems we've mentioned thus far are that....HIDDEN!...ahaha...very far and priced really well....other courses include Wolf Run in Port Perry and Trillium Wood in Belleville.....
Hey Ego,
Good to hear you folks from the west have heard about Trillium Wood. It's my home course. Take a look. http://www.trilliumwood.com/ Full membership $1595.00. $44.86 to play anytime on the weekend, $24.30 to play the twilight anytime.
Mule

[Focker Singh]

Hey Ego,
Good to hear you folks from the west have heard about Trillium Wood. It's my home course. Take a look. http://www.trilliumwood.com/ Full membership $1595.00. $44.86 to play anytime on the weekend, $24.30 to play the twilight anytime.
Mule

I heard its a great value for the course. I'll definately try any course in the GTA if its a good course and good price.

[floggerboy]

A great course, Lowville. Guess where, Lowville. Brittania Rd in the Milton area. Terrific course built right into the side of the Niagara escarpment, and run by people who really like golf. Not expensive and not hard to get to. You'll really like the challenge, the view and the price.

[floggerboy]

A beautiful course cut into the forest, municipally run and one where it pays to book in advance. I very nice day's golf at a nice price. You'll like it.

[Mok]

A great course, Lowville. Guess where, Lowville. Brittania Rd in the Milton area. Terrific course built right into the side of the Niagara escarpment, and run by people who really like golf. Not expensive and not hard to get to. You'll really like the challenge, the view and the price.

here's the website for lowville: Lowville Golf Club (http://www.lowvillegolf.com)

A beautiful course cut into the forest, municipally run and one where it pays to book in advance. I very nice day's golf at a nice price. You'll like it.

here's the website for King's Forest: King's Forest Golf Course (http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/Visiting-Here/golf/Kings_Forest/default.htm)

[THEBIGSMOKE]

Nice thread Stablefordgeek...one hidden gem I like is Pines of Georgina in Pefferlaw, Ont. About 30min, NE of Newmarket. Its not a long course, only 5900 from the back tee's but requires target golf. Fairways are lined with pine tree's and all the par 3's have water and small greens. I don't recommend a driver on this course except for the par 5, 2nd hole and maybe one of the more open par 4's. Cheap! only $42 prime time.
I've played that one before ... Don't they call it the "5 fingers of death?"

It's a fun course ... but hackers beware!!!

I nominate the Newcastle golf club. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to play there this year, but last year it was 30 bucks to play. Some real challenges out there. If you're not fit ... take a cart!

[THEBIGSMOKE]

We've all heard or even played the awesome course in Toronto (i.e Royal Woodbine, Angus Glen, Glen Abbey, Wooden Sticks) but through everyone's experience which course would you classify as a "hidden gem"? Meaning really good course (challenge, conditions and facility) for a reasonable price.
I'd also like to nominate Heather Glen (North Pickering) ... 9 hole ... incredible views ... impecably kept, Go around twice for $54.00 including a power cart.

[laxgolf]

I've heard of a course called Coral Creek somewhere in Hamilton....really good price...like 40 bucks and voted in the top 18 by the Bogey Man (Toronto Star golf critic).....
Coral Creek is a great place to play. The guy that runs the course is a little eccentric, but he runs a tight ship. Example: you can't book more than one foursome. I've seen a group of 8 guys (two foursomes) be turned away because they knew each other. They were told to leave. To make the drive out there and be turned away would make me absolutely crazy. Then there's the one beer per 9 rule. I'm not saying that I advocate people getting hammered on golf courses, but this rule is enforced with an iron fist. That being said, Coral Creek really is a hidden gem.

[Focker Singh]

Coral Creek is a great place to play. The guy that runs the course is a little eccentric, but he runs a tight ship. Example: you can't book more than one foursome. I've seen a group of 8 guys (two foursomes) be turned away because they knew each other. They were told to leave. To make the drive out there and be turned away would make me absolutely crazy. Then there's the one beer per 9 rule. I'm not saying that I advocate people getting hammered on golf courses, but this rule is enforced with an iron fist. That being said, Coral Creek really is a hidden gem.
Now thats what I call being "anal"...sucks to hear this...my golf group always consists of 2 or more groups...guess we can't talk to each other on the course...:nono:

[laxgolf]

Now thats what I call being "anal"...sucks to hear this...my golf group always consists of 2 or more groups...guess we can't talk to each other on the course...:nono:
No, at this place you really can't. He does this to keep the pace of play at 4 hours. I have to say that it's still worth heading out there though. It's truly a hidden gem.

[GP64]

A beautiful course cut into the forest, municipally run and one where it pays to book in advance. I very nice day's golf at a nice price. You'll like it.
Ditto :)

[Andru]

I heard its a great value for the course. I'll definately try any course in the GTA if its a good course and good price.Timberridge in Trenton. Fantastic elevation changes. Challenging greens. I really enjoy playing that course. It's a hidden gem.

[marc757]

I've played that one before ... Don't they call it the "5 fingers of death?"

It's a fun course ... but hackers beware!!!

I nominate the Newcastle golf club. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to play there this year, but last year it was 30 bucks to play. Some real challenges out there. If you're not fit ... take a cart!
Haha, never heard the "5 fingers of death" one before but my buddy almost lost two boxes of balls on that one!

Marcus.

[Ego Woods]

Haha, never heard the "5 fingers of death" one before but my buddy almost lost two boxes of balls on that one!

Marcus.
Is that a Chinese saying? :) .......beware of Hole #6! Especially from the back tees.....

A couple of buddies of mine played in severe T-storms on that course....the storm subsided by the 14th hole and then 3rd holy phenomena was the swarms of mosquitos that come out to chew you to death!!

[Mule56]

Timberridge in Trenton. Fantastic elevation changes. Challenging greens. I really enjoy playing that course. It's a hidden gem.Timber Ridge is between Brighton and Trenton. If your coming from the Big Smoke get off the 401 at Brighton, head south and follow the signs. If your coming from Ottawa get off at the Wooler Road (just past Trenton), head south and follow the signs.
If you want a real putting challenge, go on a Monday after a Canadian Open qualifying tournament. You'll be hard pressed not to 3 putt at least a few holes. They can place the pins on the side of more than one hill on any green.
Beautiful course to look at. Priced at about $50.00 on the weekends. Don't mind the staff. It's privately owned and they can be a little stuffy. Once you get out on the course your okay.
http://www.timberridgegolf.net/


Mule

[mikejb]

King's Forest is a fun course to play for the price. I was amazed the first time I played there. You get what you pay for, a lot of Geese.

[Dormie]

9 hole semi private
short, narrow with small greens
located along the lake in old town

established in 1875

-------------------------------------------------------------

speedoodler recommended twenty valley in vineland on mud/fly road
was my 1st home course as a junior member

good track, currently 15th hole under construction
nice layout
many water holes
good variety of doglegs/lengths and elevation changes

13th hole par 3 200 yards over water to an elevated green into prevaling wind
great finishing par 5 with narrow tee shot, elevated green over water

highly recommended

[pudubny]

I enjoy reading these comments.
I have played Twenty Valley and it is a great layout. A few really intresting holes that you won't see everyday. The par 3's are especially strong. Really enjoyed it.
Also I would recommend Kings Bay near Port Perry which is only 9 holes but some of the most beautiful nine holes in Ontario. Built right on Lake Scugog.
http://www.kingsbay.ca/golf_course.htm I would play it every day if it wasn't a 90 minute drive from my house.
Hope that helps.

[Mok]

I enjoy reading these comments.
I have played Twenty Valley and it is a great layout. A few really intresting holes that you won't see everyday. The par 3's are especially strong. Really enjoyed it.
Also I would recommend Kings Bay near Port Perry which is only 9 holes but some of the most beautiful nine holes in Ontario. Built right on Lake Scugog.
http://www.kingsbay.ca/golf_course.htm I would play it every day if it wasn't a 90 minute drive from my house.
Hope that helps.
hi pudubny, welcome to the forum! glad you enjoy reading the comments...a lot of people on this board are very experience golfers and have lots of insight on the various topics!

[Golftool]

Most hidden gems we've mentioned thus far are that....HIDDEN!...ahaha...very far and priced really well....other courses include Wolf Run in Port Perry and Trillium Wood in Belleville.....

I would agree about Wolf Run - Played there many times - good conditions at a good price. Another one in the area is Olivers Nest - fast becomming one of my favourites - especially on Wednesdays - All you can play for $38!!! - The owners are FANTASTIC! - One day I went to play there and only had my bank card with me. The debit machine was down and they said to check back after 9 holes or 18 and pay then. I finished and went back in to pay - machine was still down & was told not to worry. How great is that! The next time I went back I told them what happen the previous time and wanted to pay-i'm just a honest guy! The guy behind the counter was so pleased with my honesty that he gave me 2 free rounds! Hows that for customer loyality! I have gone back as much as possible ever since and have told as many people as possible about this wonderful "hidden gem"

Another one on my list is in north Oshawa - Keedron Dells. This course plays long from the back. The first couple holes are O.K. but after that there is a wonderful mix. And if you have the Golf Access Book or call for daily specials you can get on for $35 with a cart! Great for early spring warm-up rounds or late fall hacking - or even for the tight budget - well worth it!

[Golftool]

I have a couple more "Gems" ! - One is Oak Ridge - near the old "Thunderbird" course. It has holes all over the place! What a great mix. You will truly use "every club in the bag" here and more than once! Fairways and greens always are in great shape when i play there and for $60 give or take (I forget how much exactly as I haven't played there since 2003) its a good deal! :cool:


:D Silver Lakes is another that I play at least 3 - 6 times a year (its close to my house in Newmarket) and its ALWAYS in great shape! Only problem is no twilight rates! It can be soggy in spring as the whole course is built on top of a swamp - but still worth the play. Proshop and employees are friendly and service is good. Marshalls keep their eye on play and 4 - 4 1/2hours is average! They will continue to get my business!:cool:
:) And last but not least is The Highlands (in Bradford) - $38 with cart is a good deal - I like the front 9 better than the back as the holes are spread out more and scenery is better - back 9 are close together and balls from other fairways are likely to pass by you. But for the price and location (to me anyways) its a good experience.:rolleyes:

[chiantibro]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this or not, but Century Pines in Flamborough is a gem (in my opinion). They have good rates, and challenging holes, but the key there is to play early in order to avoid the slow-pokes. Tony Mandarich is the GM. I almost broke 80 there last year. Almost. #%$##!!

[golferboy]

Savannah Links in Cambridge. Super condition, newer clubhouse, a real challenge, as it is target golf...really only need driver on the par 5s...lots of water and tight fairways and small greens...plus its under $50 on weekends.

[East Coast Golfer]

I almost got a job @ Trillium wood for this summer. I have only heard great things. But the 2 pros there are CGTF and not CPGA pros, so it would not have worked. Greg seemed like a nice guy though.

Another gem I find is Rivendell. Its 20 minutes outside of Kingston in Verona. only 27$ a round and the course is really well layed out and each hole gives you a different look.

[Mule56]

I almost got a job @ Trillium wood for this summer. I have only heard great things. But the 2 pros there are CGTF and not CPGA pros, so it would not have worked. Greg seemed like a nice guy though.

Another gem I find is Rivendell. Its 20 minutes outside of Kingston in Verona. only 27$ a round and the course is really well layed out and each hole gives you a different look.ECG,
Yeah Greg and Bob both are real nice folks. For that matter the team at Trillium are great. One of the reasons I joined the club was because of the top shelf treatment I got treated before I was a member.
When my dad passed on he I took over his shares at the Bay of Quinte Golf Club and all though they all knew him and me, I got was treated better as a stranger at Trillium.
Mule

[Dormie]

glen cedars
nice tree lined mature course
reasonable green fees

[jcggolfer]

Hi all,

As a new member of this forum, and former Toronto resident I could not agree more with the postings about Pines of Georgina. It has been about 10 years since I last played there, but back in the early -mid 90's it was a great deal and a nice challenge. At $20.00(then) a round plus on a Saturday or Sunday you could phone in the am and be told to come up around 1 pm. and it would be wide open, it could not be beaten.

[countclub]

hi boys&girls ...heather glen ...durham 23 north of hwy 7 west side just before the train tracks ...nice par 5 dog leg left 1st .....&....243 yd 3 well gaurded with water/bunkers 9th / only 9 very senic ....most exellent greens ..good prices...a small chipping area/putting green....no driving range:confused: bring your b+ /a game & enjoy

[Jaydog]

hi all. just played the ridge course at nottawasaga inn resort. what a great course! :D beautiful and a steal at 36 bucks with cart for twilight. i love to walk usually but take the cart; trust me it's pretty hilly.

they also have another twilight deal for the nottawasaga course at 22 bucks but you have to walk. nice course and a very pleasant walk.

thanks to scottybaby and floggerboy for the tip.

hopefully the foursome of guys that let us play through on hole 10 will find their way to the forum. they seem to know some other deals that they did not share with us......yet. ;)

btw, the course is near highway 400 and highway 89.

click here (http://www.nottawasagaresort.com/) for details

has anyone else played there?

[yuggy]

hi all. just played the ridge course at nottawasaga inn resort. what a great course! :D beautiful and a steal at 36 bucks with cart for twilight. i love to walk usually but take the cart; trust me it's pretty hilly.

they also have another twilight deal for the nottawasaga course at 22 bucks but you have to walk. nice course and a very pleasant walk.

thanks to scottybaby and floggerboy for the tip.

hopefully the foursome of guys that let us play through on hole 10 will find their way to the forum. they seem to know some other deals that they did not share with us......yet. ;)

btw, the course is near highway 400 and highway 89.

click here (http://www.nottawasagaresort.com/) for details

has anyone else played there?
Playing there tomorrow with Mok...$36 twilight rate!

[247golfing]

A great course, Lowville. Guess where, Lowville. Brittania Rd in the Milton area. Terrific course built right into the side of the Niagara escarpment, and run by people who really like golf. Not expensive and not hard to get to. You'll really like the challenge, the view and the price.Lowville will also be my 1st pick. It is be beautiful from #9 or one of the back 9's downhill Par4's (I think is #13 but I'll not sure) and will oversee the entire Niagara escarpment. Especially beautiful in late September or October when the leaves are red.

There is another 9-hole course called Allandale in the Barrie area. The entrance is really hidden. The course is built in 1928 by Stanley Thompson, and based on what I know the layout is more or less maintained the way it was back then. I think green fee is around $40 (weekend prime time) if you play 18 holes. You are surrounded by century-old trees. It has 3 Par3's, 3 Par4's and 3 Par5's. Don't expect much from the clubhouse.

[boo1]

Owen sound G&CC is a nice track if you happen to be in the area

[Mok]

Playing there tomorrow with Mok...$36 twilight rate!
yah, can't wait to play...should be awesome sunny long weekend weather!

[duffer_devon]

One of my favourite courses that I think falls into the hidden gem category is Willow Valley in Hamilton. It's a challenging course that requires accuracy off the tee and into the green. It is a visually stunning course too.
Check out www.willowvalleygolf.com (http://www.willowvalleygolf.com)

[duffer_devon]

Just thought of another one, Innerkip Highlands, great prices, excellent layout and the Par 4 island green hole is a must play.
www.innerkiphighlands.com (http://www.innerkiphighlands.com)

[Big Shooter]

Just got back from an 'Eastern Ontario' mini-trip...Upper Canada G.C. in Morrisburg was the "hidden gem" of the 4 courses we played, OK, it's 3+ hours away from Toronto, but, if you like WHIRLPOOL G.C. in Niagara Falls, it will remind you very much of it, except the price! ($56 incl cart);) [b]ParksCanada [/color]courses!]

We also played Timber Ridge in Brighton (which if FANTASTIC, but I wouldn't consider this a "Hidden Gem" anymore, since MANY have recommended it!

We also went 'south of the border' to play Ivey Hill in Watertown, NY ($24 US$ includes Cart & BREAKFAST!!)

Another brand new course Smuggler's Glen near Gananoque, which will be GREAT in 2-3 years (like Black Diamond between Oshawa and Peterborough, they BOTH need to 'Mature!!!':( )

[ninja_guy]

Savannah Links in Cambridge. Super condition, newer clubhouse, a real challenge, as it is target golf...really only need driver on the par 5s...lots of water and tight fairways and small greens...plus its under $50 on weekends.Second Hole - 600+ yards from the golds, tight fairway with slight dog left and water behind green

Nuff Said :D

[ninja_guy]

Wild Winds in an area Fergus/Guelph

http://www.wildwinds.ca/

Elevated greens with 100000+ stimp readings :eek:

Well kept course and excellent bang for the buck :cool:

[Sir Thomas Guns]

I can think of a few decent priced Gems:

Conestoga - $40 or so
Innerkip - $40 or so
Savannah - $45

I just played Brant Valley too... cheap twilights ($20), regular is probably around $40. Good course layout and dynamics... greens were a little rough in spots though.


Tommy Guns

[carlos]

I agree with the post on Newcastle golf course. Very inexpensive for some great golf. I grew up playing that course and I still enjoy it.


cjb

[247golfing]

Has anyone played a track called CFB Borden? I guess about 20 to 30 minutes drive west of Barrie. I think they have a 9 holes course that you pay one all-you-can-play green fee. It is run by the military.

[tjhayko]

I would agree about Wolf Run - Played there many times - good conditions at a good price. Another one in the area is Olivers Nest - fast becomming one of my favourites - especially on Wednesdays - All you can play for $38!!! - The owners are FANTASTIC! - One day I went to play there and only had my bank card with me. The debit machine was down and they said to check back after 9 holes or 18 and pay then. I finished and went back in to pay - machine was still down & was told not to worry. How great is that! The next time I went back I told them what happen the previous time and wanted to pay-i'm just a honest guy! The guy behind the counter was so pleased with my honesty that he gave me 2 free rounds! Hows that for customer loyality! I have gone back as much as possible ever since and have told as many people as possible about this wonderful "hidden gem"

Another one on my list is in north Oshawa - Keedron Dells. This course plays long from the back. The first couple holes are O.K. but after that there is a wonderful mix. And if you have the Golf Access Book or call for daily specials you can get on for $35 with a cart! Great for early spring warm-up rounds or late fall hacking - or even for the tight budget - well worth it!


I've got nothing but good things to say about Wolf Run. I've never had a bad experience there. Always enjoyable, and I never ever feel rushed.

[Big Shooter]

Wild Winds in an area Fergus/Guelph

http://www.wildwinds.ca/

Elevated greens with 100000+ stimp readings :eek:

Well kept course and excellent bang for the buck :cool:
6110 yards from the tips?!!!!

...waaaay too short:nono: , then again, if yer going by Motorbike (as per your avatar) maybe yer only carrying a few clubs!!!:D :rofl:

[tjhayko]

6110 yards from the tips?!!!!

...waaaay too short:nono: , then again, if yer going by Motorbike (as per your avatar) maybe yer only carrying a few clubs!!!:D :rofl:

Hey Big Shouter, never judge a course by length alone. Short does not always equal easy.

[Big Shooter]

Hey Big Shouter, never judge a course by length alone. Short does not always equal easy.
Agreed, but, I'm simply not a big fan of 'tricked-up-target-golf!'
(see, I can post withoug shouting, just like you!:) )

[focal]

Agreed, but, I'm simply not a big fan of 'tricked-up-target-golf!'
(see, I can post withoug shouting, just like you!:) )

actually that's the opposite. shorter target golf requires better shot making. that's more traditional golf than modern golf

there's so much talk about lengthening courses but in reality a solid dogleg 380 yd par 4 is much more challenging. you have so much choices how to play it off the tee..risk and reward comes into play with ever shot.

maybe that's why I like Highland Gate (Aurora east) when everyone cannot get over all the houses that line the course.

[TpBoomer]

I'd like to put out 2 different courses like I really enjoy.

The first is BraeBen in Mississauga. Very much a links style course that actually makes you use your head. Don't go here expecting to "Grip it and Rip it"

The other course that I love to play is up in Huntsville...called Huntsville Downs.
The par 5 17th hole alone is worth the greens fee.

[Big Shooter]

We played a New Course called Heritage Hills, just north of Barrie.

Very nice, Very playable....like many new courses, needs maturity, but it's farther along than, say, Black Diamond---Greens were in Very Good Shape!!

No clubhouse yet, and website doesn't do the course justice...maybe one of you IT guys could re-design it for them?!

Overall worth the drive up, we thought many of the holes on the back 9 were reminiscent of Timber Ridge!

p.s., they have joined www.LastMinuteGolf.com (http://www.LastMinuteGolf.com) :)

[golferboy]

You must have played it, like me after they aerated the greens...I love this course, as it requires every club in the bag...it is short, but you still have to hit good golf shots......but $39 during the week is still pretty goodsavannah links

super short course, even for a short hitter like me

greens are terrible.

holes are very close together.

service was great though.

hidden gem? is there such a thing.

[Bellyhungry]

Some hidden gems played this year:

- Coral Creek (nice rustic place, great greens)
- King's Forest (nice rolling hills course)
- Kedron Dells (Still can not find glaring faults for the value)
- Grey Silo (perfet conditioning this year)

Coral Creek is $39, and the other three are around $50 on WEEKENDS.

[duffer_devon]

Here are my hidden gems, although they are getting more well known:

Innerkip Highlands - www.innerkiphighlands.com (http://www.innerkiphighlands.com) (South of Woodstock on the 401)

wildwinds - www.wildwinds.ca (http://www.wildwinds.ca) (Just north of Guelph, towards Fergus)

[Big Shooter]

Some hidden gems played this year:

- Coral Creek (nice rustic place, great greens)


Coral Creek is $39, and the other three are around $50 on WEEKENDS.
We (finally) got our chance to play there, and all I can say is WE WILL NEVER BE BACK!!! :nono:

This is an overrated Hidden Gem, and you guys who "LOVE IT", can 'keep it a secret":hush:

The only positives that I can say about this course is "the greens are nice", and we walked/played in 4 hours flat, and there were No Marshals (then again, it wasn't busy either!) :)

$39 to walk on the weekend may seem like a 'great deal', but it's a long drive to the middle-of-nowhere!
We could have played Grey Silo for $60 including a cart!!! :rolleyes:

Serene? It's within earshot of Toronto Speedway (in Cayuga)...there were Drag Races! Also, there must be some sort of Gun Range nearby!:nono:

[Grass Roots Tour]

Double D is right about Innerkip. Love it, prob cause I played great there.

Belly, Silo is NOT hidden but good.

Golferboy, if you LOVE Savannah you ain't seen nothin yet. I love target golf but that course ..... just nothin good to say here. You'd love Oaks Of St. George way more. A lot better course for not much more dough, if any.

[westbeach]

Same designer for Oask of St Georges as Savanah. Guelph Lakes G&CC is also designed by the same architect. Guelph Lakes is somewhat a hidden gem.

[mikejb]

I do not know if this weekend is going to be a gem or a bust but I will be playing The Ferns near Markdale this weekend. It is 7005 yards from the tips and a Par 71 with $40 green fees on weekends.

The course looks quite nice even from the web site.(www.fernsgolf.ca (http://www.fernsgolf.ca)) I think this may be one of those course's we do not want to tell people about, and thankfully it is just far enought away from Toronto that it cannot be over run. It is only 100 KM's from Guelph to Markdale for you Westenders. (Straight up Highway 6 from Guelph).

I will post my reviews on Tuesday.

[mikemakeitso]

6110 yards from the tips?!!!!

...waaaay too short:nono: , then again, if yer going by Motorbike (as per your avatar) maybe yer only carrying a few clubs!!!:D :rofl:
Anything around 6500 Yards is a good test...

[Wannabepro]

Same designer for Oask of St Georges as Savanah. Guelph Lakes G&CC is also designed by the same architect. Guelph Lakes is somewhat a hidden gem.
David Moote, who did Oaks and Savannah also did Silver Lakes and The Rock (although it has Faldo's stamp on it).

I would say the Oaks has a way better course layout than Savannah, however, Savannah is usually in better condition. Both courses are the say price (+/- $1) and both the same driving distance from Toronto.

If you go to the Oak's website, you can get subscribe and they will send out periodic specials via email only. Got a 2-for-1 last Saturday (or was it the Satuday before)...

[garygolf]

hey guys, try out olivers nest near lindsay
sometimes ive seen greens in bad shape, but if they are ok its a steal of a deal, andu can shoot good too as it is surpisingly easy, for a duffer like me (how can i get rid of that label?????)

[mikejb]

Well I experienced The Ferns on Saturday. So here is the deal. The course opened in May 2005. At this time they have only opened the back 9, which you play twice for $40. Next spring they will be opening the front 9.

As for the play, the fariways were in pretty reat shape and the greens are tough. They will be charging $47 for the full 18 next spring and I intend on going back to play again. Friendly staff and service. This is no Angus or anything, but for the area it is a great track to go out and play.

[TourIQ]

We've all heard or even played the awesome course in Toronto (i.e Royal Woodbine, Angus Glen, Glen Abbey, Wooden Sticks) but through everyone's experience which course would you classify as a "hidden gem"? Meaning really good course (challenge, conditions and facility) for a reasonable price.
The Oaks, Deleware, ON [just outside of London, Ontario].
A private club. I played it a couple of time about 6 years ago.
Daley and Couples have both played this track of land.
That was the course I enjoyed the most.

Thanks Harry S
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