Pakenham Highlands Golf Club (613-624-5550)
Pakenham Highlands Golf Club is situated in the Village of Pakenham which is approximately 20 minutes from
Canada's Capital, Ottawa, and about 3.75 hours from Toronto. They feature a 27 hole championship course with
three definitive 9's : The Lake Course, The Canyon Course and the Island Course. Pakenham was designed by
golf architects Bill Dolgos & Associates who took full advantage of the wetlands, rolling hills and open spaces
that make up this 196 acre facility. Only 8 years old at this writing, sections of the Pakenham course appear to
have been around much longer. The natural setting and old stands of trees as well as the streams and ponds
give this course its comfortable ambiance. Each course features 3 sets of tees. The Lake plays 3,174 yards from the back, the Canyon plays 3302 and the Island Course plays 3308 yards.
The Lake course which is very pictureque with a lot of water and beautiful gardens. The course is short, but very
challenging. Undulating fairways & greens in a variety of settings with water in play on many of the holes. The lay
of the land made the greens look deceivingly close - rely on the score card and markers for distances and
choose the right club. Enjoy the par 5 #5! This hole plays over 2 water hazards and doglegs to the right with
bunkers protecting designated hit area of the fairway. Overall, this 9 is an enjoyable play for golfers of all ability.
The Canyon course plays a bit tighter than the Lake. Accuracy is essential and water comes into play on a few
holes. This 9 is very challenging. The first hole on this set tees off over large body of water and the hazard is
encountered again just in front of the green. The aesthetics of the Canyon is perfect with ponds and natural
wetlands adding to the flora and fauna found throughout Pakenham's acreage. Also notable are the par 3s - the
2nd green is located at the bottom of a narrow fairway that is lined with wetland and a stream on the left and
dense foilage on the right , and the 4th hole with water & brush between the green and the teeboxes.
The Island Course was closed during our review day at Pakenham but we took the opportunity to run through the
course and get the feel for the layout. The front of the course plays long with wide open fairways bordered by
water hazards. The signature hole is #6. It is a very long par 3 over a large body of water onto an island. The
slope on the rough around the green is dense but fairly narrow. This is a difficult and challenging hole that is sure
to intimidate even the most seasoned golfer. The owners of the course were using some heavy equipment on
the Island course during our visit. They are re-sculpting many of the fairways and we're looking forward to seeing the results next year.
The Pakenham Golf Club was a beautiful experience. Each 9 presented a different challenge and offered a
unique golfing experience. The facilities were excellent. The pro shop is located in a turn-of-the-century stone
manor which has been painstakingly restored. They have a great and friendly staff. The course marshall was especially helpful and tactful.
Pakenham and Calabogie Highlands are part of the Highlands Resort and guests of the resort take advantage
of special stay and play packages. Green fees are as reasonable here as they are at Calabogie. A very good
value for an exciting day of golf! Pakenham Highlands is easy to find. It is located off Hwy 15 south of Arnprior. Contact them at 613-624-5550 for tee times.
For detailed information on this Ontario golf course - click here.
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