MAPLES OF BALLANTRAE (905-640-6077)
Ontario Golf Course Review 7/27/05
The Maples of Ballantrae in Stouffville, just 30 km NE of downtown Toronto is a par 72, 18-hole championship
course carved out of northern pines and hardwoods, along a secluded, rolling terrain. There is an additional 9
-hole executive layout - perfect for a quick round, for juniors, and for beginners learning to hone their games. The
primary layout is spread of 200 forested acres, with a nice mix of tight, tree lined and open playing holes, with strategic bunkers and plentiful water hazards along the way.
With the exception of a few holes, golfers will find ample landing zones and green complexes that are open in
front, affording all levels of players with an opportunity to enjoy a round here. The opening hole (pictured to the left
, above) is perhaps the tightest driving hole on the course, so a quick warm up on the grass range is
recommended. There also is a short game area with sand bunker and 2 putting greens on property. The newly
constructed clubhouse features a pro shop, locker rooms with showers, plus restaurant/lounge with outdoor patio
. Breakfast is served in season on weekends, and breakfast and lunch is available 7 days a week. There also is a new banquet room with floor to ceiling windows, that can host up to 300 people.
There are 3 sets of tees, with distances and slopes measuring 6625 yards/128 slope, 6073 yards/121 slope,
and 5250 yards with a slope of 118 from the forward sets. On course color coded yardage stakes are visible at
100, 150 and 200 yards on the sides and circular blocks are also posted in the center of the fairways. Color
coded flags indicate front, middle and back pin placements on the mildly undulating bent grass greens, which are medium in size and were in great shape on our late July visit.
The course features understated but strategic bunkering, with 25 sand traps in total positioned near the landing
zones on the fairways or greenside. Golfers will generally find level lies on the tree lined fairways, which often
bend to the right or left. Avoiding the water hazards, which take the shape of lakes, ponds, and creeks - is the
key to scoring well here. Water comes into play on 10 holes, with carries necessary on four, including on the beautiful par three tenth and the par three 18th, featured in the photos above.
The Maples at Ballantrae is owned by the same company affiliated with Royal Woodbine and Glen Eagle Golf
Clubs, as is conveniently located off Hwy 48 north of Toronto. The secluded location, interesting layout and fine
facilities combine to make this a great place for corporate tournaments, outings and special events. The Maples
Golf Academy provides customized lessons, clinics, junior camps and golf schools. For rates and other info on
the property, visit our page for the course on our web catalog of courses to play in Ontario, with a direct link to the Maples of Ballantrae website by clicking here.
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