Just what it says. My top five and I've listed them in alphabetical order. No attempt has been made to rank these five. Main criteria are course condition (greens particularly), level of difficulty and playability. To a lesser extent, the scenery, the practice facilities and the 19'th hole are factors.
Course |
Comments |
| Gander Golf Club | Epanded to 18 holes in 2001. Doug Carrick design. Average sized greens, large bunkers. At 6137 yards, the shortest of my top five by 400+ yards. But, after the uphill par 4's, you may not care. Great views of the lake. |
| Harmon Seaside Links | The closest we have in the province to a North British/Irish-style links course. A flat course with well-positioned bunkers and average-sized greens. The course's defence is the rough. Miss one of the seemingly wide fairways and you may be wedging it back. Bordering the sea, wind is always a factor. The second nine, added by Graham Cooke, has preserved the character of the original. |
| Humber Valley Resort | A Doug Carrick design which opened in 2006. Although the resort part foundered in December 2008, the course is under new management and in great shape. With bent grass throughout, very good greens and large bunkers, HVR deservedly earned a Golf Magazine award for "best new international course of 2007." It plays mostly down and along the side of a mountain so a power cart is required. |
| Terra Nova Golf Resort (Twin Rivers) | Some spectacular views from tee boxes. Four of the five par 3's play over water. On the three shortish ones (#8, #12, #18), hit the green or else head straight to the drop area. To score you need to pick the right club on those holes. Try one of their sausages at the turn. |
| The Wilds at Salmonier River | Always in very good condition and feels like it plays longer than its 6700+ yards. Lots of subtle elevation changes that make club selection difficult. Some tough par 4's, especially #9. You won't forget this hole after you've played it. Average sized greens that putt true. |