Fairwinds Golf Club

Every time I've played Fairwinds, I enjoy myself. If it were less expensive, I'd play it more, however, if it were less expensive it probably wouldn't be as good as it is. It's not the longest course but the hole design keeps you thinking and no two rounds have felt the same (which could say something about my shot dispersion pattern). Tiered greens, beautiful vistas, aggressive bunkers, water hazards, long uphills, short downhills, long downhills, doglegs, lots of variety on this course. Hole 2 is my favourite. Downhill par 3 with a fountain filled water hazard behind. This visit the pond had a swan in it who decided to moon me while he dove for food. The jerk. If you're from off the island, get ready for an up close experience with the local wildlife. I've yet to have a round with less than 5 deer. This trip had 5 baby deer to the left of the 18th tee box alone. The staff have never been rude, nor have they been excited. All transactions have been quite matter-of-fact. Small, short driving range to warm up up the road, and a decent putting green near the Pro Shop. Even for late fall, the course wasn't soggy and the greens were great. If you want to play a high end course that makes you think and doesn't always reward long hitters, this could be your course.

Enjoyable course with elevation changes and lush greens

The course offered challenging holes, was well maintained and was fun to play.

A few days ago I had the misfortune of dealing with a person named Ryner at the Fairwinds Proshop. He was very unhelpful and rude. Not going back to Fairwinds.

I live in Ladysmith so it was a bit of a drive but well worth it. The course is an amazing condition and the staff couldn’t be friendlier. It’s a fantastic the layout and I found myself just standing there looking at the beautiful scenery around me sometimes.
There was a little snack bar by the 10th tea, I think that’s where it was. My dad and I got a smoky and it was delicious too!
The finishing touch were the deer around the 18th green. I swear if I had a handful of feed they would’ve come right up and eaten it out of my hand!
Far superior to many courses I’ve played and I will definitely be back!

This golf course is a huge rip off. They charge green fees that don't include a cart but you'd think they do based on the prices! On top of that, they seem to still be on the GolfNow network but NEVER offer a Hot Deal and NEVER have any decent tee times - specifically at affordable rates. Even at 3pm, their twilight rate is basically 60 bucks without cart. I used to enjoy playing severla rounds a season at Fairwinds but haven't been back for two summers now, as they decided to discontinue offering any deals and instead dfocusing on ripping off Islanders. They act like they're something special when in fact, they're just one of many local golf courses, all of whom offer much better value.

get your heads out of your collective you know what, Fairwinds management! Start offering fair green fees and cart rental rates. Otherwise, you'll never grow your golf business.

The conditions of this course and the scenery around you during play is phenomenal, however I played on a Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and there were no confections available beyond coffee and chips until 11am, no cart person - nothing. So be sure to have breakfast before morning play.

Yes, I booked on golfnow at a discounted rate. Yes, I was the first tee time. Yes, I am an average player who would rather play than practice. Yes, the course was in relatively good shape. But, that is no excuse for the grounds crew to act in such a manner. I was having a great round by my standards. I had 3 birdies coming to the 12th tee box and that's when it all came unravelled. The grounds crew had been working the greens and fairways on the back 9. My approach shot on number 12 was to a flag-less green where they had left the flag on the ground and moved on to the next hole. As I moved past that hole I let the grounds crew know politely that it would have been nice to take a shot towards a pin. He laughed and responded with a smug "well did you make the putt". From there it only got worse. I understand that these people have to prepare for the day of play. But on the 13th tee box the guy mowing the fairways looked right at me and just kept mowing away. So, I had no choice but to hit away. Not going to lie the arrogance and stupidly of the guy kind of got in my head. I hit a decent drive and by the time I reached my 2nd shot he had moved into my next hitting area. He ended up moving over and turning the mower throttle down this time. But now I was frazzled. I ended hooking my next shot into the trees. Walked up shaking my head, dropped my ball and shanked the next shot into a creek. Decided I had had enough and moved to the next hole. Luckily a free and clear par 3. But onto 15 and again the same no mind treatment from the next guy. Again on 16. By this time I was ready to walk right off the course. I am generally not one to complain. But was infuriated and decided to make a mention in the proshop. Two young kids behind the desk apologizing. So, I asked if there was anything they could do for me. No no sorry nothing we can do sir. Asked to talk with the manager as I felt this needed to be handled in a professional manner. Kid walks back and says our manager is in a meeting and offered me a couple range tokens. WOW, I was in appalled. I own a business and understand the importance of addressing customer concerns and the value in great customer service. If anything, I hope this review helps the next guy make a more informed decision to play here or not for that matter.

What a great way to spend a day in mid February
This is our 5th trip to Fairwinds, and the course was in great shape. Greens were a bit slower than we were used to, but in great shape. Drainage was good, and overall not too wet for this time of year. Alot of Hills here, and I recommend a power cart. Good luck and happy golfing!
Cheers

Course was in great shape for playing in January. Only downside was the greens. Fairwinds usually amazing greens, but we got there after they had just sanded and the ball was not rolling and breaks were unreadable.

However, the course was fairly dry and we played 22 holes in 4 hrs. (yeah we sneaked a few extra cause it was so quiet on the course)

Having just gotten back into playing golf i had forgotten how beautiful this course is .The surroundings with the deer , ducks, trumpeter swans and fountains make for a very nice round.Considering it is almost November the course was in immaculate shape.

Nice course, great shape, great staff. The only negative is not being able to use driver off a couple too many holes at the start. But then you just have to play a little smarter.

Was a really nice course, but they had way too many on course at the same time, pace of play was terrible.

Enjoyed the course, even though we got a drizzly morning
Good Valve on Golf Now .com

For the green fee rates that this course charges during peak season I was extremely disappointed with the speed of the greens they run at around 7-8 on the stimp very slow. The layout is finicky the par 5 3rd hole has to be the worst design to a par 5 ive ever seen the landing area is ridiculously small for the driver I hit a 6 iron laid up with an 8 iron and hit a pw on the green. its comical they charge as much as the premier courses and its not even close to as nice of a course. Fairwinds is the most ticky tack Les furber design ive ever seen he butchered this one. This course would be better off offering an all day 35$ rate. its a very almost boring redundant course narrow with small greens I only hit driver twice and still had 13 holes I hit a wedge into. if you've played this one once trust me that's enough.

Even in drought conditions the course was in good shape. We got a single added to our group. Our pace of play was a tad slower than usual. Enjoyed the course. Nice course to walk. Holes were challenging and made you pay attention. I would play again. Definitely the Golfnow saving helped.

Be forewarned. This course is greatly affected by wind! Beautiful course Though incredible short. Consider using your three wood many of the holes. Accuracy should prized over distance.