Golf in River Country
the courses of the upper St. John River Valley
When people talk to us about golf in Atlantic Canada, most often the mental
picture that pops into mind is that of a wind blown seaside course. Probably
that’s because we grew up on a windblown seaside course and have a special feel
that takes us back to the roots of the game; but, there are many charming and
outstanding inland courses in our region too.
The upper St. John River Valley, in New Brunswick, has a wonderful variety of
challenging, well-groomed and picturesque courses, hugging the Canadian
–American border. There is something special about this river valley, its towns
and its golf courses. The rolling hills that seem to stretch away forever, as
the river ever so diligently rolls on, in its long journey to the Bay of Fundy.
There is a feeling of wide-open spaces here, but also one of warmth, familiarity
and peace.
No doubt the wind can blow pretty strong on these valley courses at times, but
the experience you get when you play here is one of tranquility and fulfillment.
Let’s look in on the golf experiences that you can enjoy in the upper St. John
River Valley this season. We’ll travel from Woodstock to Edmundston, where in
August, the best amateur golfers will congregate to decide the Canadian Amateur
Championship. Lets first stop in at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club.
Woodstock Golf and Curling Club
Situated in the center of Woodstock, along the St. John River Valley, is the
picturesque Woodstock Golf & Curling Club. Known as "the hospitality town,"
Woodstock has long been a major New Brunswick entry point for American
travellers and goods.
The course measures approximately 5,000 yards, for two trips around the
9-hole layout, but don't let the shorter yardage fool you. There are some tough
holes here, offering a definite challenge to golfers of all abilities. Number
nine, a slightly uphill par 3,of about 240 yards, is one of the tougher par
threes anywhere. Try to make par, but take a bogey and smile. Many of the holes
insist a high premium be placed on your short game ability, if you want to score
well.
In operation now for over 100 years, Woodstock Golf and Curling Club combines a
traditional park like setting in a design that is both mature and well groomed.
Robbie Burnett is the host CPGA professional. The pro shop features top quality
equipment, clothing and accessories. Lessons, golf car, cart and club rentals
are available.
Tee times are not needed. Non-metal spikes are required. The clubhouse
features a licensed restaurant and snack bar.
Pro shop telephone (506) 328-4823 or Toll Free: 1-877-833-4662.
How do I get there ?
Woodstock Golf and Curling Club is located at 132 St. Andrews Street, Woodstock
Take Connell Road Exit to St. James Street. Left to stop sign on Orange St. Turn
left again.
Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club
Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club is just outside of Hartland, home of the
longest covered bridge in the world. Featuring a wide variety of amenities,
including on site cottages, the 6,600-yard championship offers majestic views of
the surrounding countryside.
Covered Bridge is very much a links style layout, with mounding, tight
landing areas, big rolling bent grass greens and lots of bunkers. Rough is more
of an issue than woods or water.
The signature hole is the scenic, number 16, a 380-yard, par 4. From the tee
you have a great view of the St John River Valley and the rolling farms. The
first part of the hole is relatively flat. Your best choice off the tee is a
fairway wood or long iron, leaving about a 150 yard second shot, downhill to a
small two tiered green with water on three sides and a bunker on the fourth
side. There is a big elevation change on the second shot. Regardless whether the
pin is on the front or back your smart shot is to the middle of the green. If
you try to get to cute, you could end up shooting a big number. Once you putt
out, walk through the little covered bridge and along the boardwalk to the par
3, 17th.
Scott Hatchard is the host CPGA professional. A full service pro shop
features top quality equipment, clothing and accessories, golf car, cart and
club rentals. Lessons are available. To warm up, there is a large practice green
and sand trap, as well as a driving range.
Reservations are required for tee times. There is a dress code and non-metal
spikes are required. There is a licensed restaurant and a huge deck overlooking
the golf course and the Saint John River Valley. Golf packages are available and
cottage accommodation is available on site.
For reservations call 1-888-346-5777 or 506-375-1112
e-mail: scotthatchard@hotmail.com
Web Site:
www.coveredbridgegolf.nb.ca
How do I get there ?
TCH Exit 103 North, Simonds Road at Hartland Bridge
Aroostook Valley Golf & Country Club
Playing at Aroostook Valley is a great experience with a true international
flavour. It's a demanding layout that can play to a maximum length of about 6300
yards. Built in the 1920's, the course plays through the scenic, rolling and
wooded border region of New Brunswick. The clubhouse and golf course are located
in Canada, but the pro shop and parking lot sit in the United States. No doubt
the reason for locating the clubhouse on the Canadian side of the border was due
to the enforced prohibition laws in Maine, at the time.
The first hole, "The International," is an uphill par 4 of 388 yards. A good
tee shot is key here. If you hit left, your ball not only will go out of bounds
it will go right out of the country. This is also true of the 378 yard, par 4
ninth hole, "Old Ironsides."
Number 12, "Cardiac Hill", is an uphill par 5 of 510 yards. This is a giant
of a hole. When the wind is up, you'll need three good shots to get home in
regulation. Not many get near the green in two.
Challenging and picturesque, and with its international location, Aroostook
Valley is a golfing experience you shouldn't miss.
Stephen Leitch is the host CPGA professional. The pro shop has a great
selection of top line equipment, clothing and accessories. Lessons, driving
range, golf car, cart and club rentals are available.
Reservations are required for tee times. There is a dress code and non-metal
spikes are required. The clubhouse features a licensed restaurant and snack bar.
For reservations call: (506) 273-9184 or (207) 476-8083
Toll Free: 1-800-980-8747
Official web site:
www.intellis.net/avcc
How do I get there ?
TCH Exit, Brown Road to Four Falls, NB or Russell Road, Fort Fairfield Maine
Grand Falls Golf Club
Grand Falls Golf Club with its undulating fairways, strategically positioned
bunkers, water hazards and large greens offers a great variety of holes.
Redesigned 13 years ago, with multiple tee decks, you can play the course from
5100 to 6600 yards. Scenic views of the St. John River Valley and the town of
Grand Falls can be witnessed on several holes. To score well here, accuracy is a
must. This is particularly true on the back nine, with it's tight fairways.
Measuring 413 yards, the par 4 first hole produces a challenging start. Out
of
bounds on the left and a well-placed fairway bunker on the right, determines
that your tee shot hit the fairway, as you will still be faced with a long
second to the green, closely guarded by a pond.
Although number 9 is relatively short at 333 yards, it's difficult to keep
your second shot below the hole. Don't be long here. If you get above the hole,
you'll be faced with a slick downhill putt on this undulating and sloped green.
The scenic par three sixteenth plays across a large pond to a large raised
green. At 168 yards, most players will hit a medium iron for their tee shot.
Brent McKay is the CPGA professional. The pro shop offers a large selection of
clubs, clothing, and accessories. Golf lessons are available.
There is a driving range and golf car, club and pull cart rentals.
Tee time reservations are required on weekends. A dress code is in effect and
non-metal spikes are required. The clubhouse has a licensed restaurant and snack
bar.
For reservations call (506) 475-6008 or Toll Free: 1-877-833-4662.
Email: sbmckay@nb.sympatico.ca Web
site:
www.grandfallsgolf.nb.ca
How do I get there ?
TCH Exit 76, 1 km West on Main Street, towards US Border
Fraser Edmundston Golf Club
The Fraser Edmundston Golf Club is a challenging 6700-yard, par-73 course
rolling through critically placed bunkers, mature trees and a changing variety
of elevations. There is also the infamous railroad track, which can add
monumental difficulty on holes six and seven. Although its five par fives offer
an opportunity to make up some strokes, there are many holes where you can
easily give them back.
Number 7, a 439 yard Par 4 is one of the most revered golf holes in the
province. With out of bounds on the left, you still must hit your tee shot long,
down the left side of the fairway to have a good chance to go after this green
with a blind second shot. A bogey here is nothing to be sneezed at.
The challenge continues through to the 404 yard, par 4 eighteenth. To gain a
good location, to go after this elevated green with your second shot, you must
be long and slightly left of center off the tee. The green is perched among the
trees and is well bunkered.
Fraser Edmundston Golf Club will host the 2002 Canadian Amateur Championship.
When this event was held here in 1956, Canadian golfer Moe Norman took the top
honours.
Treat yourself to a great golf experience and play Fraser Edmundston this
season.
Marc Gelinas is the host CPGA professional. There is full service pro shop
featuring top quality equipment, clothing and accessories. Lessons are
available. There is a driving range, golf car, cart and club rentals.
Reservations are required for tee times. There is a dress code and non-metal
spikes are required. The clubhouse features a licensed restaurant and snack bar.
For reservations call (506) 735-3086 or Toll Free: 1-877-833-4662
Email: info@golfedmundston.nb.ca
Web site:
www.golfedmundston.nb.ca
How do I get there ?
Fraser Edmundston Golf Club is situated at 570 Victoria Street in Edmundston.
Take Exit 18 off Trans-Canada Highway to Victoria Street. Turn right on
Victoria. The course will be about 1 kilometre on the left.
This year come and enjoy the golf courses of the upper St.John River Valley.
Some are older established layouts while others are relatively new, but all
offer the golfer challenging games and peaceful scenic beauty.
