EDITOR’S NOTE: This year’s series of stories is geared to giving tourist visitors insights into activities Manitoulin has to offer and will focus on unique experiences available to everyone.
Until today, what I knew about golfing could be written on the head of that little white thing that holds the ball in the ground, which, I can tell you now with some certainty, is the tee. That’s just one of the terms I’ve learned, as you shall see from the following in-depth investigation of Manitoulin’s unique and excellent public—no membership required—courses!
While the golfers I met were all friendly and helpful, sometimes what they told me was like water under the bridges, the ones that cross the pretty ponds known as ‘water obstacles’. I observed early on, though, that they were happy to be golfing, despite hazards like sand traps (excuse me, bunkers) and doglegs; they insisted it was relaxing. So, pen and notebook in hand, I determined to find out why, and also where, these smiling folk were finding their bliss.
Seriously though, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a novice, you’ll find plenty of challenge on Manitoulin, as well as clean air, full amenities and a convivial atmosphere. If mini-putt is more your speed, or you’d just like to drive some balls, read on! All the clubhouses welcome drop-in visitors who are more interested in cuisine than in clubs and carts. It’s a great way to ponder golf from the face-saving security of the sidelines.
‘Manitoulin’s Old Course’, Brookwood Brae Golf Course, was built in 1964 by Jack Seabrook on the northern edge of Mindemoya in Central Manitoulin. John Seabrook took over from his father in 1980; this year marks the course’s 50th anniversary, “same as Tim Horton’s and the Big Nickel!” John jokes. [pullquote]“Being the Island’s first course, a lot of Islanders learned how to play golf here, and they still play here today.” [/pullquote]On Thursday mornings, Seniors’ Day, as many as 90 to 100 seniors will play the 9-hole par 36 course.
You can rent clubs, or bring your own; become a member or pay as you play. Green fees “are the same as in 2013”: $24.86 for 9 holes, and $21.60 for a power cart; $38.92 for 18 holes, and $32.40 for a cart, tax included. Children 10 years of age and under are half-price and must be accompanied by an adult; seniors get a 10 percent discount.
The licensed Club House has rustic pine walls with sports trophies and a stone fireplace; “home cooking” is served from 11 am until 7 pm and there’s a full-sized pool table upstairs. “The whole course is licensed,” adds John, “and a cart comes around with beer and burgers” for golfers who need to replenish their energy while never leaving their game.
Brookwood Brae has a “play and stay” program in association with their six nearby Pirate’s Cove cabins, usually rented by returning guests year after year. The lucky residents have the use of a cart for their stay and go from cabin to golf course in minutes. [pullquote]“That way,” says John, “they can fish at their front door and golf at the back!”[/pullquote]
Brookwood Brae Golf Course is open seven days a week through the summer, from 7 am “until the last golfer leaves, sometimes when it’s dark.” For more information, phone 705-377-4979 or visit the website at www.manitoulin-island.com/brookwoodbrae.
Perhaps this is why these sportsmen and women are often described as ‘avid’ golfers. Who wouldn’t be, with these amenities? Get in a cart with Arthur Pummell, grounds superintendent of the Manitoulin Island Country Club for 27 years, as he points out the trees he planted back then and explains that ‘par’ is the standard score for a hole or a course, and what that thoughtful-looking golfer is doing over there is ‘addressing the ball’, and you’ll start to get the hang, or swing perhaps, of it. His enthusiasm for the game and pride in the meticulously groomed course and natural areas that he created are infectious. Golfers smile and wave, ah yes, it feels like we’re getting somewhere in our investigation. Note the “Wood Shed” as you spin past, open during tournaments for snacks and beverages and several small wooden boxes with roofs, like little houses, that hold water for parched players.
The Manitoulin Island Country Club (MICC) is three kilometres from the West End of Gore Bay, at 25 Golf Course Road off Hwy 540 in the Township of Gordon/Barrie Island. Established in 1981 as a 9-hole, par 36 public golf course and now operated by the township, this course is popular with a contingent of regular golfers who participate in weekly Ladies’ and Men’s Nights, tournaments, children’s golf clinics and fundraisers for local charities. Take Lynne and Sam Sanmiya, for example: the long-time members come out three or four times a week. When asked why: “It’s fun!” they chorused. “Every hole’s different,” adds Sam, conclusively.
The licensed clubhouse has free high-speed Internet and the restaurant and patio overlooking the greens offer an all-day breakfast menu, sandwiches, burgers and salads; Wednesdays after 5 pm there is a 15 percent discount on food. The clubhouse often hosts community groups for dinners, weddings and anniversary parties. A pro shop stocks golf supplies.
Golfing rates for non-members are: 9 holes, $25 plus tax, gas-powered cart rental $20 plus tax; 18 holes $38 plus tax, cart rental $30 plus tax. Hours are 8 am to 8 pm until the beginning of August; check for updates after that.
Visit the website (www.micc.gordonbarrieisland.ca) for more information, or call MICC at 705-282-2282.
Before heading to the course, practice your driving skills nearby at the Gore Bay Driving Range, 12218 Hwy 540 just west othe OPP station, a professionally equipped range with distance targets, benches, sun shelter and a solar-powered ball dispenser. Tokens are available at the H&M Mini Mart at the intersection of Highways 540 and 542, a few hundred yards east of the range: $10/bucket of 60 balls; $50/6 buckets.
In the east, 20 minutes from Little Current, Rainbow Ridge Golf Course is two kilometres from Manitowaning on Clover Valley Road on the way to Wikwemikong, in the heart of Manitoulin’s two oldest communities. Designed by Kevin Holmes, course architect, Rainbow Ridges’ 18 holes were completed in 1999 and the course features large greens, nine water holes and several sand traps. The public course and adjacent driving range are owned and operated by the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. Manager John Dubé explains that this is the only championship 18-hole par 72 golf course in the Manitoulin region, capable of hosting major golf events in future.
There are special deals for seniors, a six-pack golf pass, season passes and stay and play packages with local accommodations. Mr. Dubé is particularly proud of the Rainbow Ridge kids’ programs, such as Golf in Schools, and Take a Kid to the Course, featuring a Family Open House on Monday, July 7. For newcomers to the game, the Get Golf Ready program offers five-days of basic skills instruction on the game’s rules, techniques, etiquette and values, all for $99.
Ridges Restaurant in the clubhouse is licensed, serving wings, nachos and sandwiches, and is open seven days a week. The popular Sunday breakfast buffet is from 9 am to 1 pm. There is free wireless Internet. The Pro Shop offers a range of clothing, equipment and accessories and the online pro shop sells over 30 brands of golfing merchandise.
Rainbow Ridge Golf Course also offers boardroom rentals for up to 75 attendees and a minimum of 40 people also can be accommodated for parties and dances with DJ’s, bands, servers and security.
For more information on fees and events, visit the website www.rainbowridgegolfcourse.com or phone 705-859-2990; toll free at 1-888-959-6372.
Looking to inject a little hilarity into your golf experience? Try Gordon’s Park’s 18-hole mini-putt course, a few minutes north of South Baymouth on Hwy 6. “Weaving through a shaded cedar grove, around 3D animals, rocks, through tree trunks and down tunnels,” this course should have family and friends bogeying and birdie-ing in no time! Bookings accepted for groups, birthday parties and family reunions. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, rates are $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for children under 16. On Tuesdays in July and August, there’s a two-for-one mini-putt deal; mini-putt also can be combined with swimming in the solar-heated pool. Free wireless Internet.
For many more activities, rates and packages, visit www.gordonspark.com or telephone 705-859-2470.
Marvin Assiniwe, of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, is described by many as another ‘avid golfer’, who says he plays “at least once a week in summer,” though he adds, [pullquote]“I’m still a hacker who plays just to have fun”[/pullquote]. One of his boys started golf at age five, and both boys now “beat me all the time.” Each of Manitoulin’s golf courses has “its own characteristics, its own challenges,” he notes, and he couldn’t a pick a favorite if he had to. Luckily, he points out, since Men’s Night is on three different nights of the week at each of Manitoulin’s courses, he’ll never have to.
