Out and Back does it again; This time...Cape Breton's Highland's Links

[Adam Clayman]

http://www.out-and-back.net/?p=2589

Here's a picture of the third hole. It's from a teeing ground that was not original. (OOPs I may have this tee confused with the 6th hole) Ian Andrew has over seen the removal of trees around the 2nd green and this 3rd tee. The opened views of the Atlantic are priceless.




With the opening process of Cabot Links about to commence, Highlands Links has no greater opportunity than to show itself off to the sophisticated world traveling golfer. Few journey's in golf can compare to this unique design. And, with putting surfaces that are virtually untouched, the fun factor is extremely high.

[Tom Dunne]

Thanks for the link, Adam. I was so glad that Geoffrey Cornish took the time to set down a few of his recollections of the project. He had a few great lines to offer, and a funny/heartfelt toast to "STAN THOMPSON, person of Canadian significance."  Sometimes my favorite stuff doesn't exactly fit into the piece I'm writing, and that's why it's great to have a blog.

[Ronald Montesano]

I'm certain that they are not priceless; ask Ian how much it cost to rip out the trees...

[Ian Andrew]

I'm certain that they are not priceless; ask Ian how much it cost to rip out the trees...

They are being removed within the Parks Canada budget. This is done in house with existing members of the staff using larger equipment borrowed from Parks Canada used to grind trees down to mulch.

Is there a cost? Yes, but not really.

This spring brings another round of clearing. They will have a much larger crew than normal and the goal is to open the views of the ocean from the 2nd through to the 5th hole. I will be out there to assist with some of the repair work.

[brad_miller]

this will be some place when the tree work and other is done. one of the best walks in golf, Ian how far along is the restoration plan ? is the storm damage a issue for the upcoming season? thx

[Ian Andrew]

How far along is the restoration plan ? is the storm damage a issue for the upcoming season?

The storm damage will delay the opening a little as they remove the silt left on the fairways. Greens were cleaned up last fall. The plan is to open the nine hole loop first and then the eighteen hole after. This will affect local play for a short while, but everything will be up and running for quite some time before the visitors come to play.

There will be a lot more tree clearing this spring, mainly along 2 - 5 to open up the ocean views. Some of the bunkers will get restored during the repair work. I'll have a better sense for where we are very soon, but I will be out this spring to assist with the repairs.

[Adam Clayman]

Tricks. Costs are minimal compared to the priceless views. Just ask Keiser.

[Dan Herrmann]

I can't wait!