Muskoka ON Golf Trail
2 hours north of Ontario
Golf Magazine, 8/03
Golf Magazine Guide: 2 hours north of Toronto is "cottage country" known as Muskoka, renowned for the vein of the earth's rocky crust covered by a thin layer of topsoil, known as the Canadian Shield. Modern course design techniques have finally overcome The Shield with a host of 6 great courses.
Where To Play: Mike Weir has a membership at semi-private Taboo GC (www.tabooresort.com) if that's any indication, saying, "It's unlike any other course I've seen." Set on Lake Muskoka and paved through rock, it's a rugged, brawny track carved through thick conifer and birch forest. Showcases The Shield, but not a forced or indifferent hole on it. Try the upscale fare at the on-site Elements, and a spa name Indulgence. Check www.mikeweir.com for stay-n-play specials.
Rocky Crest GC (www.clublink.ca) on Lake Joseph incorporates The Shield like no other course on the trail. A wilderness links framed by old-growth woods and skirting wetlands. Each hole occupies it's own wooded compartment, and a pickax might be a good 15th club. Walker-friendly, with a wilderness lodge clubhouse.
Deerhurst Highlands (www.deerhurstresort.com) near Huntsville put this trail on the map. Sculpted from a forested granite ridge and the first in the area to embrace the hills, cliffs, creeks, and wetlands. A wilderness tour de force with giddy 100-foot drops from tee to fairway. 14 of the topsy-turvy greens have AT LEAST 2 levels. Nerve-racking finish with water on the final 5 holes.
Grandview GC- O'Meara Course (www.clublink.ca). O'Meara's first solo design on a spectacular, hilly, rocky, wooded site. Grandview is a rugged but refined American-style design. A roller-coaster ride around a boreal forest, rock outcrops, and wetlands. A fair layout, but requires a 2nd look to learn it's nuances.
Lake Joseph Club (www.clublink.ca) is a visually intimidating track with narrow, hilly fairways. Framed by "Muskoka rough"--loose rock, brambles, steep slopes, and granite outcroppings.
The Rock (705-765-7625) is a Nick Faldo/David Moote/Brit Stenson effort at Minnett Landing on Lake Rosseau. The Rock is a compact, well-bunkered granite overlay showing plenty of Shield, and was named Golf Digests' Best New Canadian course of 2004. Undulating greens and closely-mown chipping areas.
Bigwin Island GC (www.bigwinisland.com, $118+) is a 5-minute ferry ride from the mainland, and was an exclusive high-society getaway back in the 1920's. Recently reclaimed from 30 years of ruin. A long, rolling, wooded layout with minimal exposed rock and majestic views. Golf packages at www.ultimategolf.ca , and mind the exchange rate.
Where To Stay: Best value @ Delta Grandview (2 night deals from $335), circa 1911 and overlooking Fairy Lake. OR Deerhurst Resort's 800 acre complex (2 night deals from $371), Taboo Resort's new & renovated lodge rooms (2 night deals from $431), or Delta Rocky Crest's newly-remodeled all-suite property (2 night deals from $460).