Golf Course Review: Dundarave - Red Sands of PEI

The third course I got to play on my East Coast vacation was Dundarave Golf Course. I'd always wanted to play the course because of the appeal of Dundarave's red sandstone bunkers. The red dirt or sand is one of the things I think of when I think of PEI. Dundarave opened in 1999 and was designed by award winning architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. The course hugs the Brudenell River for many holes and shares Rodd Brudenell River Resort 36-hole complex with Brudenell River Golf Course. The course I was surprised dropped out of ScoreGolf.com's Top 100 Canadian Golf Courses from 54 in 2014 to not even making the top 100.

 

 

 

Dundarave starts out with a fairly easy par 4 in #1 with a nice large landing area. Immediately when you land on the green you'll notice the many tiers on the green. This is a theme that's prevelant at Dundarave and three putts can come quick and often if you're not careful with your putts.

 

 

The tricky greens at Dundarave. Lots of breaks and undulations as noted from the Par 5 2nd hole. Defintiely a three shot hole.

 

 

You'll have amble opportunity to hit out of the beautiful red sandstone bunkers. Here's Dave getting acquainted with one of the many bunkers on the Par 5 4th hole.

 

 

The first par 3 on the front 9 at Dundarave. The 5th hole is not long but the bunkers will give you fits.

 

 

Did I mention tough greens at Dundarave.

 

 

The picturesque par 4 8th hole with Brudenell River in the background. There's more of a landing area then it looks, although beware of bunkers.

 

 

 

Par 4 9th hole short hole but lots of bunker trouble by the green.

 

 

 

Made this putt for my first eagle ever, it's a short par 5 #10 but you still need two great shots and then drain the putt. I'll have a separate post for this to come with video so stay tuned.

 

 

Dundarave has many shorter par 4s including this hole #11 where you can unleash your driver and be rewarded.

 

 

#14 A nice par 3 with a tough green.

 

 

A perfect risk reward hole. The 16th hole Dave drove the green and ended up with birdie. I drove it a little shorter then Dave and landed in a bunker, got up and down for par. One of my favourites at Dundarave.

 

 

 

Another scenic hole at Dundarave, the downhill 17th. Tough depending on wind conditions.

 

 

Drove it in this bunker on the finishing hole at Dundarave a real beauty par 5. I had to play away from the hole and was happy with a bogey. A great finishing hole.

 

 

 

It was great to finally play Dundarave and I can now cross it off my bucket list. Defintely a must play if you're in PEI and near the Brudenell River area. Prices can vary but PEI Golf can set you up with a deal depending on when you play and how often. The course will challenge you from any tee decks and the greens will keep you honest. The course conditions were great and the staff were super nice. Island hospitality as its finest.

 

 

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Pre-Order Arnold Palmer's New Book Receive A Free Sleeve Of Balls

Arnold Palmer's new book is scheduled for an upcoming release on 10/25/16 from St. Martin’s Press. A Life Well Played: My Stories will be the perfect book for those golfers seeking to read some of Palmer's great stories pulled from the 86 year olds life. Regarded as one of the greatest golfers in the world, how could any golfing fan not be intrigued by his life both on and off the course.

 

 

If you pre-order his book now you'll receive a free sleeve of custom Callaway golf balls.

 

 

 

 

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Cobble Beach Unlimited Golf

Had the pleasure last year of playing and staying at Cobble Beach Resort just outside of Owen Sound. A bit of a hike from Ottawa but well worth the picturesque golf, amazing food, and the relaxed accommodations. They have an amazing deal on right now for unlimited golf Monday to Wednesday for $99. Worth checking out if your looking for a golf resort that has it all.

 

Recently Cobble Beach was awarded spot 62 on ScoreGolf.com Best Golf Courses in Canada up three spots from the last time they were awarded.

 

Also Canadian Golf Magazine selected Cobble Beach #21 on their top 50 Best You a Can Play 2016.

 

 

 

Press Release

 

Cobble Beach Announces ‘Unlimited Golf’ Special

Play the Exceptional Doug Carrick-Designed Layout All Day for $99

(KEMBLE, Ontario) – Cobble Beach – Georgian Bay’s extraordinary waterfront golf resort community two hours northwest of Toronto – announces a “$99 Golf Special” for unlimited daily play (Mon. – Wed.) on its acclaimed Doug Carrick-designed golf course.

The offer also includes use of a power cart with GPS for the initial round, complimentary bottle of water and driving range privileges. After 4 p.m. the offer goes down to $69.

Ranked No. 17 in SCOREGolf’s “Best Public Golf Courses in Canada,” Cobble Beach Golf Links features mesmerizing water views from most every hole along its 7,134-yard routing. Pure-rolling fescue greens with challenging pin locations emphasize strategically-placed approach shots. Closely mown chipping areas, small pot bunkers and hollows surrounding greens provide for the classic bump-and-run opportunities associated with links-style courses.

“This unlimited special is ideal to play our classic Doug Carrick course from sunup to sundown,” says Rob McLeese, President of Cobble Beach. “The layout has become a ‘must-play’ for golfers of all abilities as player after player tells us how much they enjoyed the experience after holing out on 18.”

The resort also features two outstanding “play-and-stay” packages. Starting at $135 per night (per person, double occupancy) the Inn Play and Stay features one round (or a soothing treatment in the resort’s tranquil spa), luxury accommodations in one of the Inn’s individually-decorated suites and “Grab and Go” breakfast for two.

Starting at $144 per night (per person, based on quad occupancy), the Cottage Play and Stay also features one round of golf (or a spa treatment). One night of accommodations is included in a comfortable private cottage as well as a “Grab and Go” breakfast for four.

Each cottage sleeps six to eight and provides an open concept living space and waterfront views of scenic Georgian Bay. Containing all the conveniences of modern living, each unit is outfitted with two bedrooms, two washrooms, living room area with queen size sofa bed, wet bar with under counter fridge, and three flat screen televisions. Select cottages have gas fireplaces.

Enjoyment of the resort’s myriad amenities – first-class practice facilities, Jacuzzi, steam room, pool, 14 kilometers of hiking trails, beach club and more – is also included in both packages.

Another highlight is Cobble Beach’s chef-driven Sweetwater Restaurant & Bar. Conveniently located at the Inn, it features classical cuisine with modern innovation highlighting organic, local and seasonal ingredients for all appetites. Lunch and dinner are enjoyed in the dining room, or fireside lounge with an intimate gastropub ambiance.

For more information: www.cobblebeach.com, 888.278.8112.

About Cobble Beach

Just outside the city of Owen Sound, two hours northwest of the Greater Toronto Area, Cobble Beach is one of Canada’s top golf destinations and most sought-after residential enclaves. The 600-acre development on Ontario’s stunning Georgian Bay opened in 2007, anchored by a thrilling, Doug Carrick-designed, links-style course with omnipresent water views.

Cobble Beach’s diverse mix of year-round and seasonal detached homes includes villas, townhomes and luxury estates linked by a pedestrian friendly network of streets and sidewalks. More than 14 kilometers of hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing trails promote symmetry between work, play, indulgence, health and wellness.

A Nantucket-style clubhouse features a five-star restaurant, bar, resort-caliber spa and fitness center, and 10 tastefully-appointed guest suites at The Inn at Cobble Beach. Guests also have access to The Cottages at Cobble Beach, each with two bedrooms, wet bars and living rooms. The Cottages offer the luxury of an all-inclusive resort with the relaxation and privacy of home.

The pedestrian-friendly, stress-free Cobble Beach environment features roof lines, site-positioning and strategically-placed windows encouraging residents to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of their home. Even the outdoor lighting follows Dark-Sky guidelines promoting privacy and stargazing. Landscaping complements the natural setting by using native plants and trees.

 

 

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Golf Also Means Online Gaming

Golf also means online gaming for a lot of people. Golf is a popular sport all around the world, and many online gaming websites recognize this. They are careful to provide a lot of different sports betting opportunities for the people who are interested in betting on their golf games. People who have a great deal of knowledge about golf are going to be able to turn their fondness for golf into a minor source of income in some cases, and the very best of the online casino gaming websites are going to offer them the opportunity to do so.

 

However, golf also means online gaming for other reasons. The All Slots Casino slot machine games come in many different varieties. However, many of the All Slots Casino slot machine games specifically have sporting themes for a number of different reasons. Some of these slot games specifically have golf themes. People can enjoy the experience of playing slot games without having to compromise on their interests at all. Golf also means online gaming in the sense that people can feel as if they are playing golf and enjoying their online casino slot games all at the same time.

 

 

Golf also means online gaming for the people who are truly passionate about both golf and online gaming. These are the people who are going to be interested in making sure that they are able to compartmentalize as much as possible. Indeed, the developers of online games try to provide people with those options as well. They are well aware of the fact that people are going to find some online casino slot games more appealing than others on the sheer basis of the themes of the games.

 

 

The gaming mechanics of many online casino games will certainly vary. However, most of the variation between one casino slot game and another will concern the graphics and the themes. A golf theme is going to be much more appealing to many people than a mythological theme, just like the reverse will be true for many other individuals. Casino gaming developers are going to try to reach people however they can, and adding a golf theme can make a huge difference for them.

 

 

Golf also means online gaming due to the rise of e-sports. E-sports have become popular all around the world in a way that has shocked many of the industry professionals. In some areas, e-sports are actually more popular and more common than the traditional sports, and the people in the e-sport world are starting to become more well-known in certain areas than the people who are in the world of professional athletics. Golf also means online gaming, and this is partly because the e-sport version of golf has started to become a very popular subject for online gaming and gambling.

 

 

Golf is a smart sport that requires a knowledge of physics at some level, and knowing the odds involved with golf can give people a strong edge with gambling and golf. Golf also means online gaming for many different reasons.

 

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Golf Course Review: The Links At Crowbush Cove - Finest Island Golf

 

 

I've been to PEI to golf a few times but haven't had the chance to play The Links At Crowbush Cove. A little over a week ago I finally had the chance to cross off Crowbush off my bucket list. Just recently named #33 on ScoreGolf.com Top 100 the Thomas McBroom designed course has always been in the spotlight since its inception in 1993.

 

 

Right from the get go Island hospitality at its best as Theresa gave us the low down on the course at the bag drop plus she even had time to clean Dave's clubs. Complimentary range balls are part of your green fee so Dave and I partook in a few practise swings. After talking to the starting and looking at the scorecard Dave and I decided to play from the white tees.

#1 Sally Forth 348 yd. Par 4

A fairly straightforward hole to start with, a good drive will net you good results. You'll notice right away the greens at Crowbush Cove are tiered with various undulations depending on the green. Some more severe then others. Spoke to maintenance staff and they said they only change hole positions every two days due to these not so subtle undulations.

 

#3 East Neuk 467 yd. Par 5

You'll notice on hole #3 the beautiful bunkering at Crowbush. Strategically placed for any wayward shots. Also notice the undulating fairways and rough. Uneven lies are common so take note when hitting your shot.

 

#4 Ship Shape 334 yd. Par 4

Due to some dry conditions in PEI the rough in some spots wasn't to bad at Crowbush, like here for Dave's second shot on #4.

 

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#5 Forerunner 567 yd. Par 5

The long par 5 runs back to the clubhouse hinting at views of the water. With two good shots here you'll set up a short wedge in. Smart players will play this par 5 as a three shot hole. Don't be greedy.

 

The staff was awesome at Crowbush Cove including Jen the beverage cart girl who informed us they begin serving adult beverages at 9am. Man I love Island hospitality.

 

#6 Cattails 156 yd. Par 3

Aptly named, the cattails on #6 hide and make the green look smaller than it actually is. Get your yardage and play your shot there's green for you to hit.

 

 

#7 Breakers 331 yd. Par 4

This is where the holes get a little more scenic, some PEI ocean and sand dunes views will appeal to all who golf Crowbush. You'll also notice the wind a little more so clubbing up or down will now enter into the equation.

 

#8 Pinnacle Dune

A beautiful par 3 with the highest dune visible to the right of the hole. Usually plays into the wind so beware of club selection. Very intimidating.

 

#10 Nor' Wester 407 yd. Par 4

A fade will serve you well on this long par 4, the back tees are real "ole crows".

 

#11 548 yd. Par 5

Probably my favorite hole at Crowbush a risk reward par 5 from an elevated tee. Be sure to take in views from back tee, they are spectacular. Birdies or eagles can make it on your scorecard, but doubles or worse can too. Good luck!

 

#12 Wee Toonie 153 yd. Par 3

A tough green to hit looks real narrow from the tee and is plus bunkers left and right. Par is a good score here.

 

#14 Seaward Bound 481 yd. Par 5

Another example of the beautiful bunkering at Crowbush Cove. Fourteen is a shorter par 5 but trouble is everywhere including the undulations on the green.

 

#16 Heron Lookout 349 yd. Par 4

A great hole with a spectacular view of the ocean in all its splendours. Dave was rather excited on this wind swept hole and I think it was for a double. A long carry over water your tee shot has to be accurate because it will be into a wind more than likely. Your second shot will be uphill to a tricky green, pars will be golden here.

 

Got a chance to talk to Crowbush Cove's Golf Course Superintendent Dwain MacAulay. Gave him praise for his staff as Crowbush was in great shape for summer time.

 

#17 Flying Jib 97 yd. Par 3

A fun little par three that will be a wedge for most. Tough green to stay on with drop offs and bunkers surrounding the hole. Pitch and putt with teeth.

 

#18 400 yd. Par 4

A good finishing hole that takes you back to Crowbush's clubhouse. The trouble on this hole is around the green with a slightly elevated green guarded by bunkers. A great way to end your round.

 

 

After your round be sure to savour some PEI mussels like Dave here on the clubhouse patio. Great views of the course plus you can talk about your round.

 

Crowbush is a must play when you visit PEI, its layout will challenge ever level of golfer. The views of the ocean, beach, dunes and general topography are world renown especailly on the back nine.

 

Golf PEI can set you up with green fees which vary in price depending on when you play as well as if you play any of their other signature courses. Contact them to work out a PEI golf package.

 

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Top Trio of Golf Courses Played: Cabot Cliffs, Crowbush Cove and Dundarave

After returning from a two week vacation feeling refreshed. I've had time to compile my thoughts on my golfing adventures. This stint had me golfing at Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, Nova Scotia and at Crowbush Cove and Dundarave Golf Courses in PEI. Upon reflection I tried to figure out if I've played a better trio of courses before since I started to write about my golf shenanigans.

 

So far I've played courses in Europe, Canada and the USA. My trip four years ago to Cape Breton where I played Cabot Links, Highland Links and The Lakes at Ben Eoin would be a close second to this years trip and here's why this year was the best.

 

With all the talk, Cabot Cliffs truly is a beautiful golfing experience. The true links feel is real on an amazing piece of property in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Recently name #1 Golf Course in Canada by ScoreGolf.com golfers will be flocking to Cliffs to try and tame its beauty.

 

 

The Links at Crowbush Cove has always been a course that I've wanted to play. Having been the top course to play on PEI it didn't disappoint. The panaramic views on any of the ocean holes are epic with beautiful sand dunes accenting those views. The course can challenge all levels of golfers and truly was in great shape considering PEI had not got much rain. Crowbush came in at 33rd in this years ScoreGolf.com top 100 Golf Courses in Canada.

 

 

 

Dundarave was a pleasant surprise. A more modern layout its bunkering style with red sandstone bunkers was visually intimidating on a few holes but very playable from any of the tees. Dundarave Green's are semi crowned with shaved edges and with the different tiers can be tricking getting your ball close to the hole. Dundarave was ranked #107 just outside of ScoreGolf.com top 100 Golf Courses this year.

 

 

 

 

So what's your top trio played?

 

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Golf Course Review: Cabot Cliffs - Gods Country Cape Breton

 

 

There was something all to familiar as I drove up Highway 19, Ceilidh Trail towards Inverness this past Thursday. Although it had been four years since I had been to Cape Breton with my wife. The clouds, light rain, sunny breaks and winding roads that twisted through the hilly Cape Breton seaside reminded me of the beauty of playing Cabot Links for the first time 4 years previously. Today I knew would be a special day once again as I was playing Cabot Cliffs the widely acclaimed Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore designed course. Recently making its debut in the Golf Digest World Top 100 Courses at #19 needless to say I was excited to play the Cliffs.

 

The entrance to Cabot Cliffs is pretty non descipt and you might miss it but it's just a km or so past Cabot Links. The minimalist feel prevails but that's the way golf is played at Cabot.

 

Although there's no clubhouse yet the perfect yurt tents are set up to get you started for the day. Spoke to Joe MacDonald Head professional at Cliffs and he says one will be built soon. Design still to be determined if it's anything like Cabot Links it will be perfect.

 

The course starts off with a beautiful forgiving par 5. Which can play even tougher depending on wind conditions but that can be said for any holes at the Cliffs.

 

Cliffs has 6 par 5s and for me they really were the strength of the course. All very scenic especailly the par 5s by the sea, #10 and #18 will test you from any tee box and make sure you have your camera for the vistas are amazing. The inland par 5s like #7 and #8 are a challenge as well and long tee shots will reward those good shots with birdies or even an eagle. Each different in there own way you'll love the par 5s at Cabot Cliffs.

 

 

 

Hole 18 Par 5 528 yards Don't be mesmerized by the beach right!

 

 

Hole 10—Par 5 557 yards Very hard second shot after a good drive.

 

Hole 7—Par 5 589 yards The intimidating tee shot.

 

 

 

Hole number two at Cabot Cliffs, Ben Crenshaw's favorite is a picturesque hole with an elevated tee shot where your second shot into the hole is intimidating with a mammoth bunker in front of the green. This hole will test all your shot making capabilities. But that's true for all holes at Cliffs.

 

Right off the bat you'll notice you might have to play a few more different shots at Cabot.

 

Putting from far off the green might be the more prudent shot as your pitch shot may come up short in the wind, welcome to true links golf. Using a lower trajectory on your irons like a knockdown shot will defintelty have an advantage on occasion. Cabot Cliffs will have you thinking on all your shots.

 

As you come to each hole you'll just be in awe of the design. Every hole is different at Cabot Cliffs and you begin to notice this pretty quickly. I've never taken so many pictures and videos at a golf course before, good thing I had my iPad backing up my iPhone for the round.

 

Where I said earlier the par 5s are the strength of Cabot Cliffs, the 6 par 3s are the pillars. With the most photographed hole #16 being the most stunning of the bunch. Hole 16 will test your golf will and strength to choose the right club and swing for the task. Designed beautifully out of the Cape Breton cliffs this hole will have you wanting to play again the second you sink your putt.

 

Hole 16—Par 3 176 yards

 

Hole 14—Par 3 184 yards. Notice the large rock hump that sits surrounded by bunkers. Another challenging par 3 at Cabot Cliffs.

Hole 12—Par 3 245 yards A long par 3 from any tee. Wind would seem to always play a role on this tough hole.

Hole 17—Par 4 331 yards A daunting tee shot

Can be real rewarding once you get to your ball.

Hole 5—Par 4 345 yards Beautiful spot for the green

Golf writer's perfect view for writing in journal #18

 

If you love golf you have to experience golf at the Cabot Cliffs course. A true links golf experience subtly carved out of the majestic Cape Breton landscape. The cost varies depending on the time of the golf season and also depend if you're a local or staying at the resort. Well worth the money considering Cabot Cliffs recently topped ScoreGolf's Top 100 Best Golf Courses in Canada 2016. I recommend staying at the resort and playing Cabot Links too.

 

 

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