SEVEN LAKES GOLF CLUB (519-972-1177)
Ontario Golf Course Review 8/18/04 - Photos updated July, 2008
Seven Lakes Golf Club in Lasalle just 15 minutes from the Ambassador Bridge, is a Bruce Matthews design that
features significant water hazards set in a serene golf environment, with a nice mix of wooded and open links
style holes. Nominated as one of America's best new golf courses by Golf Digest in 2004, this 6800 yard track
has a definite Scottish feel, as tall heather and fescue line the fairways that are often defined by mounding, as
well as the "seven lakes". The route opens in a section that features the only heavily wooded area of the layout,
and opens up to wide fairways with ample landing that are dotted with numerous bunkers. From holes one
through five, the course is dry from tee to green, but water comes into play on 8 of the final 13 holes. Though
forced carries are few, the lakes - particularly on the back side, intrude into the landing areas, and demand
accurate shot-making skills both off the tee and on approaches. The par three 11th seems simple enough with
an obvious lake situated to the right side, but water hazards are also in play short left and immediately behind the
putting complex. Another par three at 17 demands a carry over water to a well bunkered green. - from the two
back tees. From the 2 forward sets - the hazard is less intimidating. This is generally a rule throughout the layout - which seems to be quite user friendly for women and seniors.
The four sets of tee boxes at Seven Lakes play to 6802 yards/134 slope, 6128 syards/130 slope for men and
137 for women, 5648 yards/122 slope for men and 130 for women and 4830 yards with a slope of 108 for men
and 118 for women. Yardages are measured to the center of the green from color coded flags in the center of
the fairways, and pin placements are also indicated by this color system with red flags positioned in the front of
the green, white in the middle and blue in the back. Black stakes are also posted at 250 yards on the par fives
and tee boxes on all par threes also have measurements. Each cart provides ball and club washers as well. The
practice facilities include a chipping green, 4 new driving cages (in 2006) , complimentary for green fee paying
guests, and there also is a large putting green. It is a good idea to hit a few putts before playing, as these greens are large, quick and sloping.
The initial holes afford an opportunity to get off to a good start. The par three second plays long from the black
and blues (237 and 201 yards), looks tight off the tee, but actually provides significant room greenside if you can
avoid the tree along the left. The par four third is also tree lined, but the layout opens up from there. Natural areas
, bunkers and rolling mounds come into play on four and five, and water hazards affect the tee shots and
approaches on 6 and 7. On six a lake means trouble for anything hit left of the fairway bunker on that side, and
the hazard also squeezes the approach. The fairway on seven is dotted with sand traps, and another lake to the
right runs the length of the hole. The landing area narrows near the 200 yard stake then opens up again with the green situated immediately behind the hazard to the right.
The back side plays a few hundred yards shorter, but demands more accuracy. Not only is there an abundance
of water in play, but fairway and greenside bunkers total 56 in number. Besides the challenging par threes on 11
and 17, two holes stand out. Number 14 is a long par five with a natural area to the left, a row of sand traps
along the right, and 3 more bunkers that surround the green. Like many of the green complexes at Seven Lakes,
these traps are situated on the perimeter, leaving ample room to approach the putting surface from the center.
Number 16 is featured below in photos taken from the tee area and fairway. The water hazard on the right juts in
towards the fairway just past the initial bunker, and also is in play before the green. Another pond situated to the
left and fescue mounding behind creates the need for an extremely accurate second shot. The round finishes like it began. With a tree lined dogleg par four - this one bending right to left.
The clubhouse at Seven Lakes provides simple amenities, including a snack bar with hot and cold sandwiches
and beverages available. A canopied patio area added in 2006 affords beautiful golf course views.
The 18th hole layout is complemented by the 9-hole Old Course - which includes an island green par three -
featured in the opening photograph of this review. The setting is rustic at Seven Lakes, with tall grasses
sprouting all about the course. On our July 2008 visit, the course was experiencing a little difficulty with a couple
greens - which were under repair. All the other putting surfaces were in great shape however, and this
inconvenience did not subtract from the overall experience. Golfers will find a good variety of shot selections, and
will most likely utilize every club in their bag at the reasonable price course. For more info, visit our page with direct link to the Seven Lakes website by clicking here.
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