Golf Course Review: Cobble Beach Golf Links | 7.9 Score
Location: Kemble, Ontario
Course architect: Doug Carrick
Opened: 2007
Par: 72
From the tips: 7,174 yards
Rating: 74.6
Slope: 138
Saturday morning green fee: $$$$ (Over $150 Cdn)
Caddie service: Yes
Walker friendly: Yes
Fairways: Creeping bentgrass with fescue
Greens: Velvet bentgrass with fescue
THE REVIEW
Starter: Cobble Beach is nearly a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto, right on the shores of Georgian Bay, a gigantic lobe of Lake Huron often called “the sixth Great Lake.” Not surprisingly, the course has a linksy feel that is enhanced by the presence of 95 bunkers.
Play because …: Architect Doug Carrick laid out Cobble Beach so Georgian Bay can be seen from every hole. The course is always in pristine condition and the resort is a true destination, ideal for a stay with friends. The course is forgiving off the tee and the challenge is appropriate for a resort scenario.
Takeaway: Exchange a couple of letters in “Cobble Beach,” and you’ve got “Pebble Beach.” Yes, one will never be mistaken for the other, but there are similarities. Great coastal golf, to start with. This is an exceptional full-service resort with top-notch accommodations, cuisine and spa. And all for a comparative pittance to Pebble Beach.
Photo: Cobble Beach | Clive Barber
RATINGS [1 to 10 scale, 10 being the highest]
Food | beverage: 9
Pro shop: 8
Clubhouse: 9
Difficulty: 8
Pace of play: 7
THE COURSE | Scorecard
Best par 3: No. 17 (156 yards). With its view of the lighthouse, this is the signature hole.
Best par 4: No. 15 (343 yards). A drivable hole appropriately called Temptation.
Best par 5: No. 12 (546 yards). A classic risk-reward opportunity with water tracing the hole’s left side.
INFO
Website: cobblebeach.com
Phone: 800.278.8112
Twitter: @cobblebeach