Golf Course Review - Hockley Valley Resort Golf Course

It's not often during these times of Covid-19 that you get a chance to get away for a few days and relax with family. Recently I was lucky enough to be able to spend some time at Hockley Valley Resort and of course play a couple of rounds at the Thomas McBroom designed golf course.

I was travelling down from the Sudbury area after spending a guys weekend golfing 72 holes on Manitoulin Island so got there in under 4 hours. The ladies were travelling from outside Ottawa and took them a little under 5 hrs. So getting to the resort will take you a bit of time depending where you're coming from so I'd suggest if you're headed to the resort stay at least a couple days to make your time more enjoyable.

As far as Covid-19 safety, both at the golf course and at the resort Hockley Valley Resort got top marks. Social distancing was easy with staff and other guests and protocols were always in place. At no time time did we feel unsafe. Great job Hockley Valley Resort.

Having played a few Tom McBroom designed golf courses before including Crowbush Cove, Camelot, and Deerhurst Highlands). I knew to expect some McBroom signature tiered greens; some longer carries from tee boxes as well as fairways that finish before they get to the green. 

Built in 1990 I was definitely excited to finally play the Hockley Valley Golf Course.

This write up is geared towards the golf side of Hockley Valley which started off great from all the helpful staff that made the rounds go smoothly including Luc in the Pro Shop, Bill the starter and the two cart girls that keep my bubble family hydrated over two days. Thanks.

This is a mountain resort golf course so no walking here as you'll need a cart to get you up the many mountainous passes that traverse the 18 holes at Hockley.

The golf course starts out with a pretty flat and mundane dogleg par 4 and basically blasts out of the gates from there with an uphill climb that includes one of the many downhill par 3s at Hockley Valley.

#4 The first par 5 at Hockley requires two precise shots to get close.

Most of Hockley's par 3s are downhill so picking a club will have you thinking especially if the wind is also swirling. Hole #3.

There's a variety of tee combinations you can play at Hockley from the tips at 6358 yds. to the forward tees at 4678 yds. We played a Gold/Green combo that measured 5582 yds. On a few holes there were long carries to the fairway. If I was Hockley I'd almost think of either extending some fairways or adding tee blocks to make it easier for beginner golfers or golfers who don't hit it far. Being a resort course you get quite the variety of golfers. So I think it would be beneficial for those type of golfers.

Every hole is so different at Hockley including #16 where your blind 2nd shot funnels down to a narrow landing area. Another design feature of Tom McBroom designed courses is that risk/reward element.

Spectacular views will have you in awe of this beautiful area of Ontario.

The highest point at Hockley is a fun risk/reward par 4 the 9th has some great views and some undulating rough. Birdie or double bogeys 

One of the best parts of staying at a Golf Resort is that you usually get pretty pampered by all the great food, accommodations, spa treatments and of course the golf course. 

We just happened to be playing our two rounds at the start of Fall but Ted and Jack who we played with our 2nd round gushed about how at the height of the Fall colours. Hockley is a must play if you're in the area. I think anytime of the season Hockley is a must play with the Resort offering so much to keep you happy and wanting to come back.

Hockley offers many Stay and Play packages be sure and check out their website for details to satisfy all levels of golfers.

Playing with family and new friends at a beautiful place like Hockley Valley Resort. That's what golf is about.