 The Homestead at Wolf Ridge (613) 757-1818 Toll Free: (866) 356-1818
Ontario Golf Course Review
The Homestead at Wolf Ridge (or the "Wolf" as it is known to locals), is an exciting 18-hole championship course that was designed by R F Moore and Associates LTD. Originally
a nine hole layout, the property added nine holes in 2008 and restructured some of the existing holes to make this one of the area's most beautiful and challenging golf experiences.
The practice facilities at the Homestead at Wolf Ridge 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. Tees. greens and fairways are kept in
immaculate condition and water features as well as some waste bunkers add aesthetic appeal to the rolling layout.
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 41 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(72.3/128), 6262 (70.1/125), 5828 (68.1/119 for men & 73.8/128 for women) and 5056 yards (69
.2/117 for women). 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 trek 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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