Cape Breton Highlands

« **on:** August 04, 2005, 05:22:52 PM »

I'm going in two weeks...What should I look for...RHE

« **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2005, 05:46:13 PM »

If it is in season you must try the Snow Crab at the Keltic Lodge. The course is fabulous - read the write-up on this web site and you will get a good idea. T

he conditioning may not be ideal as there is controversy as the maintenance crew are government employees and earn government civil service wages which are much higher than your average course worker. That means that the budget doesn't go as far.

« **Reply #2 on:** August 04, 2005, 09:00:07 PM »

I'd suggest the lobster at the Keltic Lodge, but that's just me.
As for what you can expect -- consider Highlands the Canadian version of Dornoch. There are some exceptional holes on the course, which features some of the lumpiest fairways going. The second hole, and the two par fives on the front are amazing, as are the fives on the back and the 13th, which is an incredible four.
Conditions are more likely akin to what you'd see in Scotland, as opposed to Myrtle Beach. But when the golf is this good, what difference does that make?
There are some minor drawbacks -- the cart paths are awful, there's no range and Graham Cooke's bunker job is terrible in spots. But these issues fail to detract from the overall course.

Enjoy it -- and make sure you walk, at least the first time.

RT

« **Reply #3 on:** August 04, 2005, 10:12:03 PM »

....the best fairway contours in golf.

....the best set of fives in golf (the 11th is still a par four despite Graham's change to a par five)

I agree with Robert, walk, and walk the river route from 12 to 13.

I was lucky enough to play there with the old swinging bridge between 10 and 11, that was a great walk that is now gone.

« **Reply #4 on:** August 04, 2005, 10:26:43 PM »

I'd recommend the Cabot Trail...it's one hell of a drive.

« **Reply #5 on:** August 05, 2005, 07:28:47 AM »

This place is in my personal top 5 must play list! As for accessibility, it's the "Bandon Dunes" of Canada!

JC

« **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2005, 09:50:49 PM »

Just returned from a two week family vacation in the Maritimes and was able to drag everyone out to Cape Breton so that I could play this course. What can I say.... I absolutely loved it. It is unlike anything I have ever played before (which is admittedly not a lot compared to most other posters here).

The humps and bumps on the fairways are incredible. The first drive by of the course on the road to our cottage where you see the mound in front of the 15th fairway heightened my anticipation and I was not disappointed. I loved the challenge of Killiecrankie (made bogey with a smile on my face), a total misread of the green on 4th still has me scratching my head and the walk (all 7 miles of it) was surprisingly easy. Missed the scenic route from 12 to 13.

The highlight of the round was being able to play with my father and my son (can't wait until he truly realizes the opportunity he had). The lowlight.... only getting to play once. Can't wait to be able to return.

Dave

« **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2005, 09:25:13 AM »

Highlands Links is one of my favorites! The fairway undulations have already been well documented. I had a funny thing happen to me on the first hole that should highlight this for you. I hit a three-wood right down the middle of the fairway and it took me several passes by with the cart before I finally found my ball. That’s because the ball was sitting at the bottom of a swale…right in the middle of the fairway! I almost had to re-tee.

One other thing, think about taking a cart. I know that I’m risking GCA crucifixion, but some of the distances between holes are legendary. I was “encouraged” by the staff to take a cart and I’m glad I did. However, don’t treat it like usual cart-golf zipping from hole to hole. Slow down (especially on the drives between holes) and enjoy the bald eagles flying above, salmon swimming up the Clyburn Brook, moose shuffling through the woods, etc.

The only bad thing about playing Highlands is the longing to play it again once you return home. Enjoy and post some pictures when you get back, as I haven’t been there since 2000. Thanks!

« **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2005, 09:28:33 AM »

Chris: There is nothing difficult about the walk at Highlands, which didn't even allow carts until 1997. For suggesting one ride, instead of walk, I suggest a roasting over hot coals....

« **Reply #9 on:** August 23, 2005, 09:45:00 AM »

Chris,
I have to back up Rob on this one, walking is the only way to play Highlands.

Otherwise, you miss the legendary walk between 12 and 13, which is worth the price of admission.

Dave,
I am happy you enjoyed Canada's best course, though I had little fear you would.

How was the condition?

« **Reply #10 on:** August 23, 2005, 09:48:12 AM »

Rob and Ben beat me to it, Chris.

Walking is essential, especially at Highlands Links. There's so much to miss riding in a cart there, including the walk from twelve to thirteen, along the Clyburn.

« **Reply #11 on:** August 23, 2005, 10:06:34 AM »

Ben,

The condition of the golf course was fine. Not manicured to the level of some courses but that was what I expected and was quite willing to accept. Some brown spots on the fairways and probably not as hard and fast as they could be, greens rolled fine. Oh yeah the woods were thick too.

I am glad I walked it as I was originally supposed to ride as part of a package deal they have on Sunday afternoons. However my son was a last minute addition to our group so I let him ride with his grandfather and I walked. I am kicking myself now after reading these messages about the walk from 12 to 13. I did not take the river route as I was not aware of it. Should have paid closer attention to the course guide as it is shown there. Oh well another reason to return.

Dave

« **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2005, 10:16:42 AM »

How'd you like that halfway house on the 10th tee? It's up there with PV's in my all time favorites.

I was lucky enough to be playing in the late PM with the Saturday PM church bells at St. Anne's while coming down that fairway. Golf heaven!

Only problem is that I needed to drive the Cabot Trail in the dark back to Cheticamp (not a fun drive in the dark for a guy from PA)

« **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2005, 10:29:13 AM »

Glad you made it to Cheticamp in the dark, Dan! That is a dangerous drive. Nice work!

« **Reply #14 on:** August 23, 2005, 12:02:58 PM »

It was great...My wife and I were able to play it twice last week and had a great time...First day with no wind we had a lovely walk, second day with a hard wind blowing we rode...The routing seemed to work well as you continue to anticapate the next hole...The fairways as said before are world class...the greens were wonderful with great contours....course conditions were ok, greens were mostly good with the tees and fairways spotty...Keltic was wonderful and the oysters and lobster were perfect...RHE

« **Reply #15 on:** August 23, 2005, 02:03:08 PM »

Dan,

Be thankful you did not see any moose (or is that meese

) on the drive to Cheticamp. We drove around the next morning and saw a cow and her calf grazing in the ditch. They stayed around long enough for us to watch and snap some photos for the album.

Dave

« **Reply #16 on:** August 23, 2005, 02:44:36 PM »

Quote from: Jeff_Mingay on August 23, 2005, 09:48:12 AM

Rob and Ben beat me to it, Chris.

Walking is essential, especially at Highlands Links. There's so much to miss riding in a cart there, including the walk from twelve to thirteen, along the Clyburn.

I completely agree! Personally, I haven't ridden in a cart in about three years. I walk every opportunity I get. Like I said in my original post, I was basically coerced into taking a cart by the clubhouse people. When I went to pay and identified myself as "walking", they told me that the "tenth tee is X [I forget the number] miles from the clubhouse" and that I would be playing with "a gentleman in his 80's". My hands were tied! Damn it...now I have to go back and walk it.

I would like to formally recant my cart recommendation...take a pull cart instead

My apologies to all that I've offended.

« **Reply #17 on:** August 23, 2005, 02:58:51 PM »

Isn't that amazing. For almost 60 years there were no carts at Highlands Links. Now, the pro shop staff is encouraging the use of carts because the course is supposedly a long walk.

Amazing

« **Reply #18 on:** August 23, 2005, 06:00:59 PM »

Jeff,

That should not come as a surprise because carts = $$$. I can't imagine Highlands Links does a lot of rounds each year, and the added revenue that carts bring in will help to offset the limited play. I don't agree with the premise in principal, but economics of it is sound. Each cart rented is probably another 1/2 green fee, so it adds up pretty quickly.

TK

« **Reply #19 on:** August 23, 2005, 07:14:37 PM »

I know, I just didn't want to put it that way, Tyler

Nothing's ruined Highlands Links more than the addition of cart paths. They're very poorly located, and a huge scar across an otherwise beautiful landscape.

News:

Robert Emmons

Wayne_Kozun

Robert Thompson

Ian Andrew

T_MacWood

Jonathan Cummings

Dave Kemp

Chris Pike

Robert Thompson

Ben Cowan-Dewar

Jeff_Mingay

Dave Kemp

Dan Herrmann

Jeff_Mingay

Robert Emmons

Dave Kemp

Chris Pike

Jeff_Mingay

Tyler Kearns

Jeff_Mingay

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