GLEN ABBEY GOLF CLUB (905-844-1811)
Review 7/26/04
Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville near Toronto is a 4-1/2 star (Golf Digest) Jack Nicklaus design that is
recognized as the top golf facility in Ontario. Its long manicured fairways and challenging, undulating greens
have been complimented by course renovations that will greet PGA Tour Professionals during the Bell South
Canadian Open in September of 2004. Golf enthusiasts may remember the famous Tiger Woods 6-iron shot from a fairway bunker 218 yards away - that helped him earn the Canadian Open Championship in the year
2000. It is considered by many to be the most memorable shot in golf! Though Tiger was a bit further away, the
photo below left captures a view similar to what he was seeing as he prepared to hit out of the sand, over water
to an incredibly tight, challenging green complex. Below right is a photo from behind the 17th green - which
features an "S" shaped putting surface that has the ability to drive golfers crazy. These are just two of the unique shot opportunities players will find at Glen Abbey.
This ClubLink property boasts facilities that are worthy of top private country clubs, including a tremendous
practice area that includes a spacious grass range, huge putting green and short game area for chipping and
bunker play. The photos below were taken from an outdoor, rooftop patio that can accommodate large groups
for golf outings and special functions. The course is set in a lush environment that while conducive to the
professional game, is also welcome in its charm to the general public. The simple and efficient yardage marking
system on course features color coded pin placements for front, middle and back hole locations. Sprinkler
heads are measured to the center of the green, as are the 100, 150 and 200 yardage blocks on the fairways.
The hole diagram booklets that are complimentary (as are range/practice balls), provide accurate and useful
information. Though the pros are challenged from the black tees at 7188 yards and a 140 slope rating, the
average golfer can surely enjoy a round here. The Gold tees play to 6622 yards/132 slope and the blues
measure a playable 6154 with a slope of 127. Women will find the course player friendly from the red tees which
play to 5346 yards with a 117 slope. Tiered, quick, undulating, ridged greens - some quite small in size, provide a challenge that enhances the character of the course.
The Clubhouse at Glen Abbey is about as comprehensive as they come. This beautiful facility boasts a
wonderful, fully stocked pro shop and locker rooms for men and women that include showers, shoe service,
complimentary, toiletries, a relaxing lounge and a hot tub. Adjacent to the pro shop are an upscale
restaurant/lounge with multiple televisions, plus separate areas for private functions. It seems the space
available here should be measured in acreage rather than in square feet. There also is an outdoor patio featuring spectacular views of the famous 18th hole.
Play opens with a par five that is reachable for long hitters. This is a fair beginning hole, which presents an
opportunity to get off to a good start. For the Open, this hole plays as a 435 yard par four. Number two begins
from a beautifully landscaped tee area to a fairway bordered by trees with bunkers on the right, making a lay up
the preferred play. The tee shot and view of the approach to a raised, well bunkered putting complex are
featured in the proceeding photos. This is one of the small greens that warrant accuracy.
Number three is a gorgeous par three over water which can play tough if the wind is up, and is followed by
another tee shot over a lake on the par four 4th. The former presents a thin green protected by mounding and
bunkers, and the latter plays along a fairway that is quite rolling, with sand bunkers guarding the left side.
Avoid the fairway traps and the dogleg right par five 5th is a score-able hole. Left of center is the best place from
which to approach the green in two, while the right front is a good spot if playing this as a 3-shot hole. The right
side of the raised green is protected by a deep bunker, making left center the advantageous location off the tee
on number six. This precedes another pretty par three that is all carry over a pond. Long is better than short here,
as mounding behind shields the putting surface from the hazard that extends in back. The par four 8th
presents ample landing area, but narrows inside the 150 marker. Bunkers right and pines to the left define this
tee shot. The closing hole on the front is a par four with a water hazard that is reachable off the tee on the far
right side. A shot placed to the 100 yard area just right of the tree line should result in a great look at a birdie opportunity.
The back side begins with a grip it and rip it par four. The front right of the green complex is open, making for a
simple approach and another good scoring opportunity. A par or better will put you in the proper frame of mind
for perhaps the toughest - and certainly the most beautiful, hole on the course. Number 11 is a long par four that
begins from an extremely elevated tee, and plays to a narrow fairway flanked by trees and sand traps. With a
green complex situated over a river that rambles through portions of the back nine, this is also a demanding
approach. Long is in the woods and short is wet…If the tee shot is not long and straight, golfers may find themselves laying up to the hazard and playing for a tricky up and down par.
The par three 12th is no bargain either. There is some room over the creek just prior to the sloping putting
surface, but bunkers and rough make for some tough saves on this one as well. On 13 there is plenty of room off
the tee, but the approach is best made from the left of center to avoid the intruding tree line along the right.
Attempting to reach this pretty par five in two is risky business, while playing as a three shot hole golfers may
find some good scoring opportunities. Pin placement knowledge is important here, as the double tiered putting
surface could present some tough lags. Tee shots placed right of center will find simple approaches on the par
four 14th, and the par three 15th which follows is also quite playable. Landing on the green is easy here, but an
intersecting ridge may create some three putts if the tee shot is placed on the wrong side.
The fairway on 16 is quite rolling, with a depression that slopes downward past the 200 yard area. Trees along
the left prevent tee shots from cutting the distance on the dogleg left par five - which plays as a 490 yard par four
during the Canadian Open. The triple tiered green complex is one of the course's most well bunkered. Number
17 begins easily enough - and is actually a simple hole for golfers who approach the correct portion of the green.
This putting surface is uniquely "S" shaped…which means that acknowledgement of the day's hole location is
vitally important. "Greenies" mean nothing here, if your ball is in the wrong spot on the serpent. The design of this
green, which is also surrounded by sand bunkers, can be viewed in the first and fourth photos of this review. The
par five finishing hole has been known to make or break rounds, and can win or lose bets and tournaments. This
was the case in the 200 Canadian Open, when Tiger Woods hit a 218 yard six iron from one of the right fairway
bunkers - and landed just behind the green. An efficient chip later and he was set to win the tournament with a
birdie putt, as competitors looked on in disbelief. Played as a three shot par five by us mortals, this hole can
also be difficult as the green is narrow, and water is in play immediately short and right - with just a little room for
error long. The smartest move may include a lay up to the left side in front of the green, with a bump and run approach following.
Glen Abbey is one of the shining jewels of the ClubLink Corporation. Members get special rates, but this course
IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - with pre-paid and Day of Arrival tee times slotted daily . Rates in 2004 run from a
$99.40 twilight fee (beginning around 4:45 PM) to up to $252.89 during prime time. There are seasonal rates
and specials ($145.89) on weekends after 12 noon. Fees include cart, range balls and all taxes. For more info
on Glen Abbey, with a link to their website provided, visit our informational page for the course on our web catalog of Courses to Play in Ontario by clicking here.
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