Cooler temperatures are arriving across Canada and with them come the most colourful portion of the golf season. This is the time when the leaf rule comes into play in recreational golf and I love a good scramble format after the need to wear multiple layers arises.
Recently, I travelled down through Southern Ontario and spent some time at Norfolk Golf & Country Club – a 9-Hole Stanley Thompson design which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this season. It is certainly worth the drive to Simcoe.
I could envision Stanley Thompson admiring this rolling piece of land: first selecting the par-3 sites with their dramatic natural beauty and then enjoying cutting out all the fairways for the other holes through the dense Carolinian forest. As the leaves begin to change colour, the already impressive views will become all the more picturesque. I am never happy to see summer end, but I do enjoy the sights and smells of autumn, the vibrant colours and the crisp leaves – Norfolk certainly sets this very scene.
The club also boasts a friendly membership which is very proud of this club. Either before or after your, round I recommend you take a little time to enjoy a refreshment in the club lounge or on the trendy patio overlooking the impressive elevation drop from the first tee. There are always a few times open daily for guests to share in this early Stanley Thompson design, and if you only have time for 9 holes, you have seen it all. Give them a call…you will be glad you did.
I am looking forward to a round with my kind hosts from my visit to Norfolk because I do not want to miss these beautiful colours. I loved the emerald green in September, but I want to see more. If you cannot make it this fall, the spring flowers and blossoms are also likely to capture your attention as you make your way around the course next season.
Congratulations to all our Golf Canada clubs that are celebrating significant Anniversaries this year! As a student, I was never much of a fan of History class, but as I share in the Anniversary celebrations of our clubs, I am becoming passionate about Golf History. There are so many great tales that come out of our golf facilities. The time, money and friendships taken to create so many fabulous memories…priceless!
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Christine Dengel is a PGA of Canada golf professional with more than 30 years of experience in multiple facets of the golf industry, and a lifelong passion for and commitment to the game of golf. Prior to joining Golf Canada, she was a Territory Sales Manager for Callaway Golf Canada for 18 years. During her time with Callaway, Dengel managed the GTA and Southwestern Ontario territory from 1992-2005 and has managed the Southern Ontario territory since 2006. |