CanadianGolfBaller

The Greywalls course at Marquette exceeded already very high expectations. In a word, it was incredible. The routing is so well done around all of that rock with interesting greens on every hole. Mike DeVries worked his magic here because as difficult as the course is (see approach to #2 and green on #17) it still feels playable. I never felt like I didn't have an option or enough room except maybe the tee shot on the par four 8th. The contrast between nines is nice as well. You get a bit of a break after hanging on for dear life on the front. Even if you took away the view of Lake Superior, the approach to #9 might be my favourite in all the courses I've played; the green sits perfectly into the hillside. I am looking forward to getting back again next year.

Standing on the first tee I knew I was going to have a good time at Diamond Springs. The starter was incredibly welcoming and very proud of the course. I was a single and got paired with some great people. It was a fun adventure from start to finish. The one cut height from tee to green is the best thing I've seen on a course in a while and it works so well here as you transition to the next tee; everything just flows so well. Mike DeVries used the land so well throughout the property and the greens are so well done that you can't wait to play the next one to see what's in store. Just a wonderful experience at a fair price. Loved it so much I ponied up for a second round the same day. Can't wait to get back.

Another great experience at Seaforth. Best greens I’ve played this year by far. Overall course in great shape as well and always great value for the green fee. Had a good chat with Cam while I was there. He is passionate about the course and proud of what they’ve built. Will be back again this summer.

I recently played The Bridges at Tillsonburg and have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I had been avoiding the course because they decided to open during the lockdown but decided to give them a shot. The positives: A challenging layout, nice mix of the old traditional nine and the new holes. Greens were great and lots of character with slopes and movement. Very scenic course on the back nine. Price was a great value at $56 to ride on the weekend. The negatives were few but should be noted: the course is not walkable; I usually walk so this was a disappointment. Fairways were a little thin in places which was a surprise given the wet summer we've had. Routing is a bit jammed on the front nine and my last complaint is the 16th hole. I never like hitting a six iron lay up on a par four although I did like the the green site on the hole with it benched into the side of a hill. All in all a good day and I would be back to play again, especially with a little course knowledge the next time around.

Played Port Dover this morning for the first time and was glad that I did. Good value at $38 to walk on the weekend. There was a lot of rain overnight so I won't get into those conditions in this review. It's clear that ownership has done a bunch of work to the course and drainage in key areas would be another need to address. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it is definitely not an up and back type of layout. A good variety of holes over some hilly terrain in parts and greens were in good shape. Holes that stood out to me were the par three 4th, par 5 8th and par 4 14th. I liked the character of the old barn clubhouse and the expanded patio is a nice addition. Will definitely be back this summer

Played Rockway today for the first time. What a treat! Started off with friendly staff at the parking lot, in the pro shop and the starter. That kind of greeting helps put you in the right state of mind on the first tee. Now for the course; a great little track. Not very long, but a great variety of holes and use of the land to test your game. Yes, there's a bit of a walk to 4 tee but it's unique and I think just adds to the character. A walkable course with holes and up and down hills, but no crazy climbs where you're gasping for breath at the top. I prefer classic courses like Rockway and many others from Thompson and that era. You can see the Thompson stamp throughout. Course was in great shape. Course and greens were firm but I love that. Nothing to complain about other than my less than stellar start. Am coming back for sure and that view from 18 tee with the clubhouse in the background is how every great course should end...

Played Dundee CC this past weekend for the first time. Overall, an okay experience. THE GOOD: On the short side, but nice variety of holes with character. Uphill par 5 12th and long tough par 3 15th were memorable. Fairways were nice. Small, interesting greens that rolled well and were in great condition. THE BAD: Tee times were already 20 minutes behind at 11:00am.
Tight layout with lots of close calls during the round from other fairways and tees. Not much sand in many of the bunkers, just hard packed dirt. Tees had not been cut for several days. I hate to say this but I am not surprised at the level of course maintenance given that it's a GolfNorth property. Have seen the same at many of their other courses, but I do have to give them credit with the greens. All in all, an okay course; fun to play but it's not on my repeat list.

I should start by saying that I have always been a fan of Echo Valley. Normally play it a couple of times a year and have enjoyed it. A good variety of holes with character, but I don't remember it being so expensive to play. I walked and payed $57 incl tax this past weekend. With a cart I'm sure its more than $80. That is on the high end for courses in London and in line with the likes of Firerock and Forest City. The problem is the conditioning just isn't there for the amount they are charging in a green fee. The course isn't in terrible shape, but it wouldn't be anywhere near either of those two courses. The single biggest complaint is the firmness of the greens. On a 120 yd wedge shot the ball would bounce 10 feet in the air before rolling out well beyond its pitch mark. That just isn't right; well executed shots from that close should come to rest a few feet from where they hit. I want others to know about my experience. I'm not sure if this is a cash grab by management due to the late COVID start, but either way it's not worth the money.

First the good. The course is short, but an excellent lay out. Good variety of flat and hilly terrain and a great mix of holes with some long par threes (not expected on a short course). Used every club in the bag which is a sign of a good test of golf. Need to hit driver on a few holes given how long they are. Fairways and tees were in good shape; which is saying something given the Summer we've had. Attendant in the pro shop was very nice and even said thanks for coming on my way out.

Now the bad. When I arrived the pro shop attendant informed me that all the greens were damaged. Some form of chemical mishap that killed large sections of all greens. She was right, they were in bad shape. This was news to me as this important detail was not on their website. She then said because of the damage the rates have been adjusted. She gave me $5 off my green fee! $40 to walk and play unplayable greens on every hole. I was shocked. I had driven almost an hour to play; if I was closer I would have walked out the door. Even if the course is in terrific shape the $45 price tag to walk is on the high side. Courses like Oxbow and Ingersoll stand out as comparisons. Bothe are better courses and you can walk both for about $30. Arkona's pricing is off the mark. With the greens the way they are they should be charging $20 per round. My ratings were obviously very critical of the conditions and value for money but I'll give them credit where credit is due on the rest. This post is mostly to make people aware of the green issues and let management know about the pricing. I think this is a fair review and I truly look forward to getting back when the greens issue is resolved; I hope the restoration work goes well for the club.