Mark it Down

Mark down this date in your calendar, day-timer, blackberry, cell phone, personal information device, the back of your hand or whatever else it may be that you choose to keep reminders. On July 21, yet another new south-western Ontario golf course will drop in the flags, line up the carts, and open its doors to the public for the inaugural divot. And in an age when many golf course owners, associations, media types, and general golf pundits would suggest that the supply may be eroding the demand we, the players, will have just another place to play – well, not just.

Designed by acclaimed architect Graham Cooke, Piper’s Heath is truly a links inspired lay-out. The course, at a glance, takes on a fairly minimalistic approach with respect to the given topography, but don’t let the word minimal deter you – this is very much part of the allure. There is a little over 200 acres of old world charm here at ‘The Heath’ which it is already being monikered and the overall attention to detail will certainly make the experience unique and, that in itself, very refreshing.

Close to 650,000 cubic metres of earth were moved to create a series of distinctive hilly razor backed mounds that define the site and separate the fairways. No less than four-hundred-year-old stately Oak trees, which Cooke calls ‘Friendly Giants’, greet golfers along the way. The fairways themselves are wide, rolling and strategically routed so that never do more than two holes consecutively run in like directions. Long and difficult tee shot carries are few. The rough, which still required some grow in, is cut at a manageable length and the fescue, which needs a little time to stiffen, is visually appealing without being overtly hazardous. Then there are pockets of severe jagged cuts that consciously restore that sense of true highland golf. And, like most historic links courses, the challenge will be governed by weather. Wind will make a difference over this stretch of open land and the battle will be as much with the elements as with the course itself. All of which make the course appear to be a very honest links experience, yet at the same time a very player friendly design.

Piper’s Heath is a well thought out, nicely crafted,  golf course. There is a peaceful serenity here.

Should the above paragraph suggest it will be benign – not at all. The putting surfaces are small and well guarded with many of the features you’d expect in a links style design. Players will need to both creative and skilled around the greens to score well here as bunkering, undulation, and fall offs will offer up plenty of the adored havoc links enthusiasts tend to desire. Beneath the serenity, lurks more than a little Piper’s angst.

When the daily-fee facility opens on Trafalgar Road, just south of Britannia Road in July, enthusiasts of the stick and ball game will quickly notice that Piper’s Heath is a golf course that’s different from most being built today. Cooke, who is a three-time winner of Golf Digest magazine’s ‘Best New Course in Canada’ in 2001, 2003 and 2005, has cleverly handcrafted a very walkable and enjoyable 5,200 to 7,054-yard. par-72 layout that has its own Old World charm.

“The great challenge of Piper’s Heath is the ever changing nature of the course,” says Cooke. “It’s a course to be played with imagination and enjoyed for its challenge and beauty.”

Piper’s Heath will cater to players of all skill levels and there are 5 tee decks to accommodate. This, coupled with a pretty much guaranteed wind factor, will make Piper’s Heath a true test, or pleasure, for players of all skill levels, egos, and the like. Golfers will also find a full driving range. putting green, and practice facility.

During my tour of the course, part owner and General Manager, Marc Gruehl talked frequently about how much he and the management team have listened when making decisions with respect to what to build. Grandiose visions were toned down and the plan derived from the input of the most influential stakeholders – the players. “I want this facility to be customer friendly and we have asked a lot of questions to try and find out what exactly the area golfer looks for in a public play facility,” Marc offered.

And as my tour and our conversation continued I certainly believe they are on the right page. Case in point, a very nice albeit modest clubhouse was in its final stages of completion when I was on the property. Modest until I was informed that this will someday become the halfway house. (which eventually will make it one of the nicest & largest area) “We decided to wait until we had a better understanding what the area required before we started construction on the main clubhouse” Marc added as we passed by the land set aside for the incumbent construction. Once again, Piper’s Heath is listening.

And I don’t see any reason the golf course couldn’t function quite well with what will be there come opening day. It’s simple business acumen to do a little sampling, a little research before investing in something as large as a golf course or clubhouse, yet I am often surprised by the ‘if we build it, they will come‘ attitude too often prevalent in the golf industry.

On the notion that perhaps there is some trepidation with respect to getting spikes on the fairways, Piper’s Heath has already sold multi-game packages in the hundreds and, while I was there, were also hand deliver re-purchased Father’s Day packs to area residents well over a month in advance of opening. If the customer is King, surely sound marketing must be Queen.

A very astute and proactive management team armed with a very respectable lay-out, an ideal location, and a solid price point should make even the cynics see their respective glasses pints as half full. Prime time green fees will be $79, a number that was carefully thought out and charted as to fill a gap in the area’s price points when it comes to public play.

“A green fee that below a $100, with this location, and the course we have built, we believe is an exceptional value to the core golfer. And that is who we are focused upon.” Marc added as we continued to cart around the expansive 300 acre property which has the space to build an additional nine holes should the market bear the need.

Now back to those calendars. If you’ve never had the chance to play a links style course it’s lime that you did and here is your chance. And, if you’re anything like me, the opportunity to play a new course, especially one as special as Piper’s Heath appears to be, is always a welcome indulgence.

So plan to play as I know I will, if I have not done so already. And be sure and let them know what you think. My guess is, they’ll be listening.

For more information visit www.pipersheath.com

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• Who Makes the Rules