Places to Play – Eagle’s Nest

If it weren’t for the tops of the roller coasters, I would have driven right past the once clearly visible landmark that is Canada’s Wonderland. The area has certainly changed and the same can be said for another ‘should be’ landmark but a few minutes away, Eagle’s Nest Golf Course. (the roller coaster sighting turned out to be a bit of an omen)

Where does one begin with a facility like this? Seeing as I will try to keep it short and in kind with our techno-shortened attention spans.  With a name like Eagle’s Nest, the metaphors are obvious and I will do my best to avoid those writing pitfalls, but suffice to say that the course is very aptly monikered for all of the visceral reasons which should now be, hopefully, fueling your imagination.

The Nest is a formidable test, yes that means tough, yet fair.  What it will do is examine your fortitude and perseverance from the very first swing to the very last tap in – what it won’t is offer much salvation.  She will require every club in the bag including a few you wish you did have and command your attention she does – as there is very few, if any, places to hide here. (this is where you should be thinking of the Eagle’s predatory nature because even though the tangible may be securely underfoot you will instinctively feel a little uneasy over every shot – let the hunter become the hunted)

Architect, Doug Carrick has crafted something pretty special out of what was originally a sand and gravel pit alongside a landfill. The environmental revitalization of what was once an eyesore is truly remarkable and in many ways, in a not so unfamiliar twist of time and fate, is now being, at least in my opinion, tarnished by the construction and ‘progress’ that has begun to surround the links style lay-out. To be fair and clear, there are no houses or structures that in any way impede or hamper play it’s just that when playing a course that has the terrain to literally transport you across oceans it is a shame that at times the old world panorama is marked by the blemish of logos, wordmarks, and the like. Then again, the location is ideal and the aforementioned minor detail only becomes evident by the fact that everything else seemed so inherently flawless.

So, if you’re a player’s player, a claw gripping thrill seeker, some cavity backed hedonist, or perhaps a good old fashioned blade touting masochist this is a must play.  It will cost you a few bucks but don’t let that deter you as there is probably as much experience value here as at any three courses combined you will play for lesser fees. And while the course is the undeniable highlight, the facility is also one of the best around. How many courses can you drive in, park alongside a Ferrari, be given the option to have your vehicle detailed while you play, hit Titleist XTs on the range, peruse one of the trendiest golf shops around, drive a cart with two-tone leather seating and chrome rims, enjoy a truly foot long hot dog at the turn, quaff a pint on the patio overlooking the 18th green, or simply wander the majestic 36,000 square foot clubhouse that is opulent without being arrogant and grandiose on a cozy scale.  There is also a Titleist fitting facility, the only one in Canada, along with the Henry Brunton Academy.  It is not a wonder why they do a very good business selling corporate memberships to a public facility that very much looks and feels like it should be private.

As stated in our spring magazine (hope you have yours) one of the absolutes on this summer’s ‘to-do’ list was to play a few more of the world class golf courses right here in Ontario. We are very fortunate in this province to have some spectacular topography which lends itself to outstanding designs yet as proven by Eagle’s Nest that need not always be the case.

Here are a few things of note that I took from my round. (I will try not to say too much as after having played it I think that it is better experienced without too much knowledge or expectation. I suppose you could keep the expectation as it will not disappoint – I just wouldn’t want to give away too much of the plot line so to speak.)

• It all starts with the very first swing. Make it a good one as you will not have very many, if any, opportunities here to play a poor shot.
• Pay attention. This is as good a mental test as you will find. It really is the beauty of links golf where each shot requires an attention to detail and keen course management.
• The par 5s & 3s are probably your best chances to score. (does not mean any are easy)
• There is no such thing as an average hole. Every hole is unique and challenging and interesting – not a bad triumvirate when it comes to a golfing wish-list.
• Take a look around. The views from all angles have a certain allure – this is a subtle reminder to enjoy the experience while it is in the making.
• Cool spots to remember are the tee shot on 3 into the valley, the view of the Toronto skyline from 8, and the view of the 12th etc from the Eagle Tee perched high above the snarling fairways below.
• Pot bunkers, sod walls, fescue, elevations, undulations and wind. Do make sure you have enough loft to get out of the fairway bunkers as greed will only set you back, literally. Outside of the tee boxes, you’ll be hard pressed to find a level yard of real estate anywhere.

• The greens are very fair and even a little on the docile side, but getting onto them is a lesson in peril and the collection areas around them tend to accomplish precisely what they were designed to do.

And there it is one more to cross of the wish list. From the moment you drive in, Eagle’s Nest is a golfing experience one won’t soon forget. It is the type of course where a round in solitude would be equally as enjoyable as a round amongst friends. It is a great test and can be frustrating as I continuously found myself wondering which of the two, the rust on my early Spring game or the challenge of the relentless design, was most playing havoc with my score – knowing that either way the only practical answer would be to return for a chance at redemption.  Another chance to ride the rollercoaster that lasts for a full 5 hours. Let’s get back in line.

---

DETAILS
Location: 10,000 Dufferin Street, Maple Ontario (NE corner of Dufferin & Major MacKenzie)
Scorecard: 6 sets of tees – 7476 thru 5183 yards
Green Fees: $115 – $185 (includes shared cart & use of practice facility) – check for other Specials
Fine Dining: Lago
Pub: Jim & Garry’s
Instruction: Henry Brunton Golf
Pro Shop: latest trends in apparel including; Paul and Shark, Zegna Sport, Hugo Boss, J. Lindeberg, Nike, Footjoy, Hollas, Cross, and Ian Poulter – and for the ladies; Puma, Quagmire, Second Skin, Bette and Court, and Lija.

Head Pro Jamie Trenholme’s top reasons you should come for a visit:

1. The vistas of the Toronto Skyline from the Par 3 8^th Hole
2. Test your “Knockdown Shot” over the often wind swept property
3. The patio at Jim and Garry’s Pub overlooking the 18^th Green
4. The Elevated Tee Shots on the Par 4 3^rd and 12^th Holes
5. The footlong hotdog or sausage at the Talon Grill between nines.

May Also be of Interest:

• Places to Play : FireRock
• Places to Play – Dragon’s Fire
• Places to Play – Turtle Creek
• Three New Courses Ready for Play
• Place’s to Play – Fescue’s Edge