Golfing Nova Scotia

[kevmcm]

I have played pretty much every course in Nova Scotia, I would recommend renting a cottage in Ingonish (Cape Breton Highlands) and spend every last cent you have on golf rounds at the Highland Links. I went to Las Vegas this year and played the TPC at the Canyons, a PGA tour venue, thinking it would compare to the Highland Links and it is not even in the same league.

[mpare]

All of the foregoing are very good suggestions. As a long time resident of Nova Scotia and one who has played most of its courses, it might be useful to you if we knew where in the province you might be staying. If you want to provide that information, then I would probably be able to give you a better idea of where to play and maybe even where to stay.

As for Cape Breton, this is a must go area. Keep in mind though that the weather can sometimes be a challenge even the heart of summer. That aside, that part of the province has many gems. You have already been told about the Highlands and Bell Bay. You might also want to consider visiting Le Portage in Cheticamp, as well as the Dundee course.

It used to be that there were very good golf packages for Cape Breton. Some included Bell Bay and the Highlands in a weekend package. My wife and I prefered to stay in Baddeck in part because of the Alexander Graham Bell museum. This is a great spot to spend a couple of hours during a rain or golf break.

One last point. Depending on where and when you are in the Province there should be almost no problem in signing up for a local tournament. Most are 36 hole events (Sat and Sun) and the entry fees are always reasonable. If you sign up early enough and have an valid RCGA handicap, you should have no problem getting in. Best of all, and unlike the situation here in Ontario, the entry fee is a bargain and as I already noted, the tournaments are almost always on the weekend. Maritimers actually believe that you need not be retired to play competitive golf! The NSGA site lists, among other things, the Sanctioned Club Invitationals. Here is the link: http://www.nsga.ns.ca/NSGA_CI.HTM

Have fun. If you need anything more, please let me know.

[Barnie]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I did a little homework on the courses Nova Scotia has to offer. I'd like to hit these up: Glen Abrbour, Highland Links, Bell Bay, Osprey Ridge, The Pines, and Fox Harb'r. I know they are scattered from one end of Nova Scotia to the other but they all look so nice it's hard to head home without checking them out!! Anyway thanks for the info, I'll try to find a package that let's me have more control of the courses I want to play, that is if anyone offers such a deal.

[mpare]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I did a little homework on the courses Nova Scotia has to offer. I'd like to hit these up: Glen Abrbour, Highland Links, Bell Bay, Osprey Ridge, The Pines, and Fox Harb'r. I know they are scattered from one end of Nova Scotia to the other but they all look so nice it's hard to head home without checking them out!! Anyway thanks for the info, I'll try to find a package that let's me have more control of the courses I want to play, that is if anyone offers such a deal.

All great courses and each very different from the other. For instance, the greens at Glen Arbour and Bell Bay will be much faster than those at the Pines, which tend to play a bit slower. Save up your pennies, though. You've got some pricey ones in there.

[faldo]

Good one. Thanks Mike.

The other just redirects me everything about NS..

[powerlefty]

Excellent choices! 2 classic Stanley thomson courses and 4 new beauties. I've played 3 of those 6 and you will enjoy them for sure. And I have heard great things about the other 3. I am jealous just thinking about your trip. Not jealous about what your credit card bill will be though - probably more than $700 for the 6 rounds. Make sure you book ahead especially for the Highlands Links as it can get pretty busy with tourist traffic. It use to be a hidden gem for the locals (I lived in Cape Breton for a decade) but now that it has received so much publicity it has gotten harder to get a tee time as I discovered when I went there on vacation a few years ago.

[Barnie]

Ahh thanks for the advice. I'll definitely pre-book all the tee times before I head out. As for the money, it looks like camping will be in my future Thanks for all the replies.