The Homestead at Wolf Ridge (613) 757-1818
Ontario Golf Course Review August 2008
The "Wolf" as it is known to locals, is now an 18-hole championship course that was designed by R F Moore and
Associates LTD. Originally a nine hole layout, the property added nine holes this spring (2008) and restructured
some of the existing holes to make this one of the area's most beautiful and challenging golf experiences. The
Wolf has not yet been rated, but our intuition tells us that it will be sloped in the 130"s from the back tees and
120's from the whites - with the slope for women playing from the red tee boxes also in the low 120's range..
The practice facilities are some of the region's best, with a well maintained targeted grass range, short game
area with sand bunker, plus large putting green. There is a pro shop and snack area with plentiful seating,
serving hot and cold sandwiches plus all the favorite beverages. The club recently installed rear cart covers on
most of the carts, providing protection from inclement weather - if there ever is any in Ontario. On my 4-day visit
all I encountered was sunshine and blue skies, making me wonder what all the fuss was about town, in reference to weather complaints this summer.
The folks who run this operation obviously know what they are doing, providing members and guests with the little
extras that make playing here all the more worthwhile. Golfers will notice the wolf carvings that are scattered
about the course, adding a little aesthetic touch while also reminding players where they are. The green
complexes from the original 9 holes are settled in and in outstanding shape, as are many of the new putting
surfaces. Once the Wolf is able to stabilize a few of the new greens, improve the playing surfaces on some of the
tee boxes, and fill the bunkers with high quality sand - this site feels that this course will be the very best in the region!
The reasoning? The Wolf provides a nice variety in hole design, with a group of par fives that are a mix of
playability and challenge, several memorable par threes, and a balance of par fours that create an abundance of
risk-reward opportunities. Those looking to score low can take their chances, while golfers in a play it safe mode
will find adequate bail out room along many of the rolling bluegrass fairways. There is enough trouble along the
way to keep it interesting, with 43 sand bunkers situated near the landing zones off the tee or greenside, and water hazards in the form of ponds or marsh that come into play on 7 holes.
There are 4 sets of tee boxes that play to distances and slopes measuring 6703, 6262, 5828 and 5056 yards.
Scratch golfers will especially be challenged from the tips, as the carries and accuracy required from the gold
tees are considerable. There are some straight away holes, but many bend in one direction or the other,
requiring golfers to think their way about the course. There are 5 par fives, with two of them occurring right out of
the gate on holes # 1 and 2. The first is a true 3-shot par five while the second is reachable in two for long hitters.
Numbers four thru seven are 4 of the risk/reward holes that make this layout so interesting, as is the par four 9th,
which plays over a pond/natural area and affords golfers with a chance to cut off as much as they are able.
The back side opens with the lowest handicap hole - another reachable par five, and is followed by the # 1
handicap - a 246 yard par three bound by trees on both sides. Golfers then treck their way into secluded
woodlands, to play a variety of holes that are both interesting and aesthetically beautiful. The par four 17th
doglegs right to left and affords room to cut the distance considerably, while the finishing par five is in our opinion
, the course's signature hole. Players will have to negotiate marshes that are situated on both sides of the fairway
, and land an accurate approach to a green complex that sits on a perch adjacent to the clubhouse.
I had the privilege to play each morning for 4 days, and the course became more interesting for me each time. If
you are in the area - take the time to play a round here. I guarantee you will want to return to try to "tame the Wolf"
! Walking is allowed at all times, although the front nine does have some rather challenging elevation changes
along the way. This is the home course for Tigger and Diana (partner and webmaster) situated in the beautiful,
scenic rolling hills of Killaloe near Wilno and Barry's Bay Ontario - outstanding golf in a wilderness setting. Highly recommended!
For more information and a web link - click here.
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