BIGWIN ISLAND GOLF CLUB (800-840-4036)
Ontario Golf Course Review 7/26/05
NOTE - THIS COURSE IS PRIVATE BEGINNING IN 2008.
Bigwin Island - situated in Lake of the Bays in the Muskokas, is one of the most unique golf experiences one will find anywhere in the world. Originated in 1922 by Stanley Thompson and redesigned in 2000 by Doug Carrick,
this par 72 championship facility provides visitors with breathtaking scenery, excellent golf, superb amenities,
and outstanding service - earning it 5 stars from the Toronto Star Golf Guide guru - The Bogey Man. Score
Magazine ranked Bigwin # 6 of Canada's Top 100 Courses in 2004, and the 6th and 18th holes have been
honored as the Best Par Four and Best Par Five in Canada! For the two guys who golf - this was simply one of the most memorable golf experiences of our young web lives!
Visitors reach the island via a short and comfortable boat cruise from Norway Point to the clubhouse docks.
Player assistants handle the golf bags and set up the carts while golfers register in the nicely stocked golf shop.
This is a perfect time to take a stroll to witness the beautiful clubhouse which includes and outstanding
banquet/event room, fine dining restaurant and outdoor patio which serves excellent cuisine, and wonderfully
appointed locker rooms with showers, towels and all the toiletries one needs to refresh after a round and
prepare for lunch or dinner. We had an opportunity to take in a world class meal, and can only say that dining here is also a "must play"!
A putting green is situated near the dock, and a short game area with practice bunker was being built during our
July 2005 visit. The complimentary grass range is spacious, providing golfers all the balls and room they need
for a good warm up. The golf carts feature weather covers to protect clubs on rainy days - an amenity we
appreciated during the beginning of our round when a light precipitation fell. The tee boxes on all holes provide
measurements to the center of the green, as do yardage markers on the fairways and cart paths at 100, 150 and 200 yards. The scorecards contain green diagrams with depths and pin placement info provided.
Golfers will appreciate the wide, finely manicured bent grass fairways which provide ample landing areas on
most holes, affording golfers of all abilities an opportunity to enjoy a rewarding round. There are four sets of
tees measuring 7166 yards/136 slope, 6742 yards/129 slope, 6287 yards/124 slope for men and 139 for
women, and 5346 yards with a 115 slope for men and 126 for the ladies. We found that driver could be used on
all the par fours and fives if played to the correct landing areas. Doglegs bending in either direction are frequent,
and are defined by well conditioned sand bunkers and mature pines and hardwoods. Frequent slopes can lead
to lies with the ball sideways or below/above your feet - and the putting complexes can be quite challenging.
Most are well bunkered and many are protected on the sides by sand traps, slopes and undulations. A wide variety of chips and short game shots can be utilized.
Elevation changes from tee to green are common, with some of the elevated tee areas providing scenery of
north woods and lake views that we have not often encountered. The vistas available from the back tee boxes on
the par three 2nd, par four 6th and par five 18th are extraordinary and worthy of a photographer's eye. We were
often awestruck, and had to gather ourselves and remind each other that we were playing golf. While we would
classify this course as extremely player friendly - it is important to focus on the approaches as the bunkers,
mounding, swales, false fronts and collection areas greenside can create some tricky up and downs.
The undulating terrain means that uphill tee shots to raised fairways and greens are also common. The
contoured playing surfaces are usually wide enough to provide some measure for error, although a few of the
holes are thickly wooded or slope towards bush and natural areas. In all, seventy eight sand bunkers are located
greenside or are strategically positioned along the fairways. Their intricate design and sweeping dimensions make it seem like there are many more!
The most gorgeous 18th is an incredible finishing hole, and one that will stand etched in the memory of all who
play it. From high atop the hill, golfers can observe the ample fairway, flanked on the right by the Lake of the
Bays with the clubhouse situated directly behind the well bunkered green complex. This is a spectacular finish to
superbly enjoyable round of golf. From there, players can drop off their clubs at the boat dock, and prepare
themselves in the wonderful locker rooms for a delightful meal and a great ending to an outstanding experience.
From the moment golfers arrive at Norway Point to the moment they leave, attendants are happily awaiting to
attend to their needs, and to make sure the excursion is a memorable one. We cannot recommend this
experience highly enough. With the great golf, fine service, wonderful amenities and spectacular location, Bigwin
is the perfect spot for weddings, banquets, outings or corporate events. Want to impress someone - take them
here! For more information on new exclusive resort community opportunities, corporate or business packages
and other features of Canada's Most Unique Golf Experience - visit our page for Bigwin, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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