COPPER CREEK GOLF CLUB (905-893-3370)
Review 8/14
WOW! We anticipate that first time golfers at Copper Creek will be uttering that expression repeatedly. This is
one incredibly beautiful golf course. In fact the entire environment is quite spectacular - from the wonderfully
rolling terrain with surprising elevation changes from tee to green, to the exquisitely appointed 40,000 square
foot clubhouse. On our visit, a wedding was taking place, utilizing the spacious ballroom that can accommodate
over 600 people, and the outdoor terrace which affords panoramic vistas of the golf course. There also is a fine
dining restaurant plus a lounge with more casual fare. A full service pro shop is complimented by an outstanding
practice facility, complete with a grass range, large putting green and short game area with sand bunker. Locker rooms with showers are available for both men and women.
Copper Creek was voted the Best New Course for 2003 by Ontario Golf Magazine. Designed by Doug Carrick,
this layout which is situated in the Oakridges Glacial Moraine amid the hills and forests of the Humber River
Valley, is destined to be recognized as one of the top courses in Canada! Located just 30 minutes from
downtown Toronto, Copper Creek has the capabilities to mesmerize visitors with splendid scenery and natural
beauty. Four sets of tees will afford golfers of all skill levels the opportunity to choose a distance that suits their
game. The copper tees play to 7097 yards with a 131 slope, the blues measure 6629/124 slope, the whites
6100/117 slope for men & 128 for women, and the forward tees play to 5271 yards with a slope of 107 for men
and 118 for women. The course is well marked with 150 yard stakes visible on par fours and fives plus yardage
blocks in the center of the fairways at 100, 150 and 200. Cart paths and sprinkler heads are also measured to
the center of the green and pin placements with green depths are indicated on the scorecards with three rotating
hole locations. Additional, weather covers are standard on all carts, providing protection for golf clubs during rainy periods.
The opening hole doglegs left around a lake, with a row of white sand bunkers helping to define the landing area. A tree blocks
entry from the right side and the water hazard sits precariously close to the putting surface on the left. The long par four second
presents perhaps the widest fairway on the course. From the undulating landing areas, golfers will have to negotiate numerous
bunkers and greenside mounds that make the approach a challenging one. The third is a par five of reasonable length, but the
sloping topography and proximity of water to the right and dense bush immediately behind the green makes this a three shot hole
for most golfers. A lay up to the 100 yard area on the second shot will leave the most advantageous positioning for the tight
approach to a two tiered putting surface. From an elevated tee golfers will have to negotiate a triad of fairway bunkers along the right on the par four 4th. The approach from here is uphill.
The par four 5th also plays from an elevated tee, and bends to the left around a thick strand of trees. A marsh and river are
situated just past the red tee boxes, and should not be in play. The approach on this gorgeous golf hole is also uphill. Number six
is a par three to a raised green guarded by bunkers in front on both sides, and is followed by another elevated tee shot to a
fairway that shapes right to left. Like # 5, this hole also plays over the river that this time is situated between the white and red
tee areas. There is more room for error near the green than it appears from the landing zones.
The par three eighth is another beauty that plays over a pond to a green fronted by a single bunker, with plenty of
room all around. This hole beckons for birdies. Number nine presents a stunning view of the clubhouse - which
forms a postcard perfect backdrop. The image of lush green fairways, plentiful white sand bunkers, and the luxurious clubhouse situated on top of the hill is a memorable one!
Thank God for digital cameras, as by this time we would have run out of film…the back side is nearly as
photogenic at the front, beginning with the long par four 10th situated on the hill near the clubhouse. From an
elevated tee golfers will be confronted with a narrow fairway bordered by water that runs the length of the hole
along the left, and dense forest tot eh right. Land on the fairway and there is still work to do, as the hazard
extends immediately left of the green complex, making this approach one of the tightest on the course. Wow
Again! Number 11 is an extraordinary par three that begins from terraced tees, and plays over a deep ravine that
is home to a river and natural area. Take a breath and let er rip .Long is better than short here, as the slope in front creates tough recoveries.
The wide fairway on 12 leads uphill to an undulating green complex, and precedes a long par five that also plays
uphill off the tee. There is water in play along the right side from about 250 yards in, and the contoured fairway
that narrows on the approach makes this a three shot hole. The further back the tees are, the more the pond on
the right is in play on the par three 14th. From the ladies tee areas, the water only comes in play on shots mis-hit
to the right. On 15, golfers can cut off as much distance on the dogleg right four par, as their abilities will allow. A
row of bunkers protects the right side to within 60 yards of the green, and awaits any shots that "miss the cut".
The rolling fairway on 16 slopes left to right in the direction of the hole, and depressions in the landing areas may
funnel balls angling that way towards the high grass and bush on the right. The approach is uphill to a well bunkered green complex.
A left to right shot shape may benefit golfers on the long par four 17th. The lake on the right encroaches towards
the fairway near the 130 area, and this hazard is also in play on that side of the putting complex. The finishing
hole is a par five with an ample fairway and 6 sand traps that line the left side. Approaches landing long or to the left will find difficult up and downs in the greenside mounding and bunkering.
If you have the opportunity to play this course, do not pass it up. Copper Creek received the "Top 25 Golf Courses in Canada"
award from Score Golf in 2006 and is one of the best conditioned courses we have played in Ontario - and the facilities are
tough to beat. Great golf, great food and great service! For wedding and banquet information, contact 905-893-3370.
For more info on Copper Creek and its facilities - visit our informational page with direct link to their website by clicking here. Copper Creek is affiliated with the beautiful Peninsula Lakes Golf Club in the Niagara region. For
a link to the Two Guys Who Golf review of Peninsula Lakes click here.
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