Farewell to the 2013 Golf Season

Yesterday, as we strolled the fairways of Deer Ridge GC in Kitchener, Ontario on a crisp autumn day, it hit me like a ton of bricks that the golf season here in Southern Ontario is coming to an end. Every year, I fight that sinking feeling that soon the clubs will go into hibernation, but there was no mistaking the sure signs of another season coming to a close. The smell of damp leaves on the ground, the greens that looked about ready to be put to bed, the notable lack of people on the links...

All of this had me reflecting on the season that was and being thankful that I am privileged to play many great courses around the world. As a full-fledged golf geek, all rounds played are recorded in a spreadsheet and scorecards tucked away in photo albums (which btw are getting harder and harder to find in stores). I pulled the album out last night and it was full of great memories from 2013. Beginning with an incredible tour of Ireland and southwest Scotland in April, it's been a beauty. Here are a few highlights:

Ireland and Scotland - Arriving in Dublin, we booted over to the southwest to begin a 15-rounds-in-10-days saga. The weather was very 'Irish' to put it mildly, but the golf was sublime. Ballybunion, Lahinch, Portrush and Royal County Down are all world class, however many other 'hidden gems' such as Ballyliffin, Portstewart, Carne, and Enniscrone are all well worth the effort to play. 

The incredible 9th hole at Royal County Down

After a relaxing ferry ride from Larne to Troon, we enjoyed rounds at Turnberry, Royal Troon, and Prestwick. All three courses are must-plays in Scotland and are very different despite their close proximity.

Craigowan GC - Back here in Ontario, TJ and I had the pleasure of being hosted at Craigowan GC by Rick Young, long time golf journalist with ScoreGolf. The course, on the outskirts of Woodstock, is beautifully maintained and has a very interesting set of greens. 

Scarboro GC - TJ is lucky to be a member at this excellent club on the east side of Toronto. The only AW Tillinghast design in Canada, Scarboro is a blast to play and has perhaps the best collection of short par 4's anywhere. More than anything, Scarboro is a vibrant club that embraces the game and a few drinks and laughs afterward.

Wildfire GC- Although not in Muskoka, Wildfire is one of the best 'Muskoka-style' courses, full of the epic rock formations and white pines that are the hallmark of the area. I love the low-key feeling of the entire place and the golf course is stellar. 

The par 5 finishing hole at Wildfire (yes, that's a motorboat parked in the water)

Toronto Golf Club - TGC is 5 minutes from my driveway and I am known to take a detour down the club's entranceway on my way to get groceries. It has to be best entrance in Canada as you get a glimpse of at least half the golf course before you arrive in the small parking lot at the foot of the historic clubhouse. Of all the great courses in the Toronto area, TGC offers the most unique experience. It's like stepping back into time on the heathland courses west of London, England.

Stafford CC - As a Walter Travis enthusiast, I try to see as many of his designs as possible. This is made easier by the fact that most of his designs are along a line from Niagara to Albany. I recently made the trek to east of Buffalo with fellow golf architecture enthusiast, Mark Saltzman (he has played 800+ different courses !!!) to check out Stafford CC. We were not disappointed as the course had at least a half dozen vintage Travis greens and his signature mounding is found throughout. I still prefer the two Travis courses here in Ontario (Lookout Point and Cherry Hill) but it was worth the drive and hassle at the border from a guard who found it hard to believe we were driving all that way to play golf in Stafford!

Lakeview GC and Anderson Park - I'll save my sentimental favourites for last. I consider Lakeview my 'home club' even though it is municipal and does not have memberships. It is just a few minutes from the house and embodies what golf should be; accessible, walkable, and engaging to play. From 100 yards into the green, I would put Lakeview up there with any of the private clubs or high end public courses in the GTA. 

Anderson Park is a new cult favourite amongst those that seek out interesting golf architecture. A sleepy little Military 9-holer an hour from Toronto, Anderson Park is a gem. For $20, my 6 year-old son, Calum, and I enjoyed a beautiful early afternoon on a course that fits naturally on the sand-based land and harkens back to a time when golf was a simple game without the need for fancy clubhouses and fine dining. The only downside was the target shooting practice going on adjacent to the course, but at least Calum got a kick out of that.

My boy, Calum, on the 4th green at Anderson Park