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Destination: IN THE MUSKOKAS
Golf in the Muskokas: It rocks!
Canadian Shield makes for unique courses, majestic views
By TIM BAINES, Ottawa Sun
IN THE MUSKOKAS -- This is golf heaven, a true Canadian treat. No fake majesty here. Surely the golf gods, in their infinite wisdom, decided that the Muskokas would become one of the premier meccas not only in Canada, but perhaps in North America. The Canadian Shield and its distinct natural rugged beauty make this area unique. Instead of burying the massive rocks, course designers have integrated them into the mosaic. There are some wonderful golf courses in the Ottawa area, but the Muskokas offer up an unforgettable experience. Located less than four hours northwest of Ottawa, the Muskokas boast a smorgasbord of golf activity. The Muskoka Golf Trail includes Deerhurst Highlands, The Mark O'Meara Course at Grandview, Taboo, The Rock, Rocky Crest Golf Club and The Lake Joseph Club. It's an experience like no other. Deerhurst Highlands Robert Cupp teamed up with Tom McBroom to map out Deerhurst Highlands, located on Peninsula Lake near Huntsville, in the late 1980s.The course winds through dense woods of maple, oak and pine, with plenty of granite in view. The front nine features a wondrous stretch of links holes. The blue tees play at 6,506 yards. Rocky Crest Golf Club The Tom McBroom-designed Rocky Crest Golf Club is framed by giant forests of pine, white birch and hemlock, with the fairways dotted by menacing deep bunkers. With its plentiful wildlife, you're taking a walk on the wild side on this course, which overlooks Lake Joseph. The blue tees play at 6,720 yards. Taboo Golf Course Designed by Ron Garl, Taboo is awesome. Can I emphasize that again: Awesome! And did I mention it's Mike Weir's home course? Located near Bracebridge, the course blends with the environment. There are plenty of majestic tee areas that make you want to stand back and yell at the top of your lungs: "I love golf!" The course plays at 6,677 yards from the tips. The Lake Joseph Club The Tom McBroom-designed Lake Joseph Club slices through thick woods and winds over wickedly undulating terrain. It is said the views are to die for. The blue tees play at 6,616 yards. The Mark O'Meara Course at Grandview Golf Club The Mark O'Meara Course at Grandview, on the shores of Fairy Lake near Huntsville, was the PGA golf star's debut in signature golf course design. Featuring several elevation changes, the course can be daunting, yet not overwhelming. Wide fairways, shallow bunkers and gently sloping greens make it a good experience for golfers of all abilities. The blue tees play at 6,635 yards. The Rock Golf Club Designed by Nick Faldo, this course is a challenge, carved tight with narrow fairways and snug greens. You need to be at your best for this course. The course, which opens soon, will play at 6,730 yards from the tips. Be prepared to pay to golf in the Muskokas. It isn't cheap. But the golf and accommodations are one of a kind. A two-night package this summer is $495 at Delta Grandview, $547 at Deerhurst, $638 at Muskoka Sands Resort and Conference Centre and $678 at Delta Rocky Crest Resort. But if all you want to do is golf, there is plenty of other lodging. GETTING THERE - Grandview and Deerhurst are both near Huntsville. From Ottawa, take Hwy. 417 West to Hwy. 17 West. Take Hwy. 60 West through Algonquin Park. Turn left on Deerhurst-Canal for Deerhurst. The next left is Grandview. For more information on these courses, check out www.ultimategolf.ca.
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