DEERHURST GOLF CLUB (705-789-6411) Lakeside Course
Review 9/05
General information:
Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, nestled into an idyllic 800-acre wilderness setting on Peninsula Lakes in the
Muskokas, has grown into one of Canada's premier all-season destinations. In fact - it has been honored as the
second best golf resort in Canada by Score Magazine. Located just two hours from Toronto, this upscale resort
features two acclaimed golf courses, a superb variety of accommodations, exquisite dining and entertainment,
plus a host of year round and seasonal recreational activities. Whether traveling alone or with family, for business
or pleasure, Deerhurst provides abundant opportunities for play or work. For a host of photographs and informational text on all this resort has to offer, visit our page for the Deerhurst Resort by clicking here.
The golf experience at Deerhurst includes two golf courses, a grass driving range, putting greens and a short
game area with practice bunker. Each course features a pro shop with restaurant/lounge. At the Highlands
Course, Steamers Restaurant is a perfect place for steaks, seafood and fine wine, while the Lakeside Course
features course-side dining and beverages at The Pub and outdoor patio. Also located at the Lakeside Course
is the Deerhurst Golf Academy with introductory, private, family/group lessons and 3-hour golf schools available.
100, 150 and 200 yard stakes are posted in the fairways of all par fours and fives, and small flags indicate front,
middle and back hole locations on the greens. Sprinkler heads on the Highlands Course are measured to the
center of the green, and course diagram booklets are also available for each course. Coolers and weather covers are standard on all carts.
LAKESIDE COURSE
The Lakeside Course at Deerhurst is a par 65, 4712 yard executive style layout that provides a compact yet
challenging design for players of all abilities. Meandering along the waterfront of Peninsula Lake, this short
course was redesigned by Thomas McBroom in 1990, and has earned 3 stars from Golf Digest Places to Play.
On initial impression, one may categorize this course as an easy beginners or family type golf experience -
which it certainly is. However, numerous sand traps, quick and mildly undulating greens, considerable elevation
changes from tee to green and strategic water hazards will also make a round here challenging for the avid player. The par three 3rd and 8th holes in particular (featured in photographs above), would be good golf holes
on any championship layout.
There are three sets of tees on the Lakeside course, with the furthest ones measuring 4712 yards. Alternate sets
play to 4144 and 3737. There are 8 par threes - four on each side, one par five (number 7) and 9 par fours. The
length of the par fours and the single five par is what makes this course the perfect spot to hone one's game.
Having a difficult time with your swing? This is a great opportunity to practice while "on course", and to develop
some confidence. Those who automatically elect to play from the tips because of the lack of overall distance, will
find some challenging par threes - with 4 that measure over 200 yards. A good idea is to mix it up on the par
threes, by playing some of the longer ones from the white tee boxes. This will also allow players to use a greater variety of irons off the tee.
Generally speaking, golfers will find ample landing areas off the tee, as witnessed by the fairways pictured in the
above photos. The conditioning from tee to green is similar in nature to that experienced on the championship
Highlands layout. On some of the par fours players may be tempted to try to drive the greens. This is certainly
possible on a few holes - but there are enough water hazards and bunkers along the way, that many will decide
to lay up and play for a possible birdie/safe par. The layout on the first hole, which features plentiful bunkering
plus two marsh areas certainly beckons for a cautious approach. The par five 5th is very short - and would be a
long four par if not situated on a "resort" course that strives to be welcoming to casual golfers. A good tee shot
will place in the 150 yard leaving a great opportunity at birdie or eagle. A short tee shot however, will leave a
challenging second shot that needs to negotiate a water hazard situated front right of the green. Photos of both holes are featured below.
A round at the Lakeside Course is a perfect way to begin or end a stay at Deerhurst. The course and practice facilities are situated adjacent to the main resort building, within walking distance from all the rooms, restaurants,
and attractions, including the outdoor patio and bar & grill. The experience is one that can be appreciated by
serious golfers, yet enjoyed by novices and families. Together with the challenging and beautiful Highlands layout
, this one - two punch presents a wonderful resort experience. For more info on the Lakeside Course and for a direct link to the Deerhurst website, visit our informational page by clicking here.
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