Summer conditions

[big mac]

Well now that summer is officially here ????? We played Smiths Falls yesterday---the course was in decent shape but the greens needed cutting---maybe maintenance schedule was changed for the tournament at the first of the week. Nice course--not too busy for a Saturday but definitely worth the 40.00 on Golf 18. There were a couple of areas at the lower end that were a little soggy but with the amount of rain we have had what can you expect Will definitely go back.

[jeffc]

equinelle's greens are epic. As good as it gets really. The rest of the course is in great shape though a couple of fairways do still have some winter kill on them.

[Wilster]

equinelle's greens are epic. As good as it gets really. The rest of the course is in great shape though a couple of fairways do still have some winter kill on them.

The course was in fantastic condition , hard to compare to anywhere else at the moment

[leftylucas]

Played Montebello yesterday, the course is in very good condition, a few greens are still recovering in just a few spots but are pretty good for the mostpart. They were not very busy, we played in 3:45 and took our sweet time, no one behind us the entire day. It was great especially considering as of Saturday morning the forecast was for 90% pop w/ t-showers!!! It was overcast and it drizzled for a couple of minutes but then got very warm.

[imozzie]

Played Timber Run today for the first time this year. Course continues to amaze me....truly one of the hidden little gems in the Ottawa Valley! Great shape tee to green! Found the greens a little slow but spoke to the groundskeeper on the way out (just by chance he asked me how it was walking the course on this extremely humid day) and he advised me that they have left them longish to fight ants!!! Didn't ask what longer had to do with it...simply not my area of expertise! However, they were all lush and running true albeit a little on the slow side for me! Golf and cart for $35 with no push anywhere...doesn't get any better to make a great day of golf!

[Guzman]

Played Mountain Creek Wednesday and is very good shape, fairways lush, new flags in every hole, every time I go there there is something new or improved, what a pleasure, they even have wood chips on the cart path to keep dust down, nothing but great ideas to improve the overall experience.

[tortoise]

Played Timber Run today for the first time this year. Course continues to amaze me....truly one of the hidden little gems in the Ottawa Valley!

Agreed! I love that course. Not overly long but sufficiently challenging and interesting.

Agree that it was in really good shape. We played it on Saturday and didn't notice the slow greens.

[imozzie]

Hey gang ... Heritage next Tuesday. Any info wrt to condition? Been a few years since I last played it....

[Guzman]

Played Timber Run for the first time ever, nice short track, lots of elevation changes, wish the greens were faster but they do a good job.

[big mac]

Played Perth yesterday--unreal conditions----the greens were running fast and true----best greens I have played on this year---4 hrs 10 minutes

[imozzie]

Played Perth yesterday--unreal conditions----the greens were running fast and true----best greens I have played on this year---4 hrs 10 minutes

One of my annual favourites. Great to hear that it is thriving under new management. Played Gatineau yesterday for the first time this year. Have never been a great fan of the course...not quite sure why? Perhaps because I always expect phenomenal conditions when I drive up only to be disappointed once I'm out on the course because it doesn't meet expectations. In this instance, they have obviously been struggling to bring their greens back into shape. They're getting there...but have a ways to go. Glad I played it...but it remains a 'once a season' stop for me.

[John]

Anyone played Arnprior lately? Playing Wed morning and wondering how the conditions are...

[imozzie]

Did the deed at Heritage this a.m. Simply put...perfect...from tee to green. Total round in 4 hrs 10 mins for a foursome. Well worth the drive!

[big mac]

Canadian yesterday---wow--can't ask for anything more. Bearbrook on Sunday---seniors 20.00---well worth it for a practice or leisurely walk---Arnprior on Friday--3:45 walking---great conditions but could use some rain--apparently they have not had all that much. Brockville Country Club last Wednesday---most difficult course I have played lately--rough was thick and very lush--having trouble keeping up with the cutting---too much rain----quite a few soft spots but overall well worth the drive.

[Guzman]

Lombard Glen Sunday 5th July, never played before, but I found it very pleasant and in very good condition, greens running fast and true. Very very good.

[imozzie]

OK ... let me preface these comments with full disclosure...I am a member of Pine View. However, when something in the golf industry in Ottawa is good...really good...you really have to give it due respect!

This week, I had the great fortune of playing both Kanata Lakes and Eagle Creek. Played them both before a number of times...both beautiful courses in excellent shape. But, if you haven't been to Pine View this year, I can tell you first hand that the greens at Pine View are top of this heap for consistency and condition. Hole to hole, front to back and side to side...simply put...they're mint! Congrats to the hard working staff at the club. You continue to create a positive buzz in a tough Ottawa golf market. It's well-deserved...and most appreciated!

[big mac]

Good post imozzie---playing there next week. Played Casselview today---fantastic conditions and there was hardly anyone there ??????

Can't believe the number of open tee times !!!!

[Guzman]

I hate to bring politics into golf but Pineview is a perfect example of the failures of socialism, as a city course it was always miserable and loosing money, it was a sorry golf course that nobody ever commented or praise, merely two years and the course is incredible, I will give them the "great free enterprise award" I just wish somebody will do the same with Champlain and Bearbrook.

OK ... let me preface these comments with full disclosure...I am a member of Pine View. However, when something in the golf industry in Ottawa is good...really good...you really have to give it due respect!

This week, I had the great fortune of playing both Kanata Lakes and Eagle Creek. Played them both before a number of times...both beautiful courses in excellent shape. But, if you haven't been to Pine View this year, I can tell you first hand that the greens at Pine View are top of this heap for consistency and condition. Hole to hole, front to back and side to side...simply put...they're mint! Congrats to the hard working staff at the club. You continue to create a positive buzz in a tough Ottawa golf market. It's well-deserved...and most appreciated!

[big mac]

I hate to bring politics into golf but Pineview is a perfect example of the failures of socialism, as a city course it was always miserable and loosing money, it was a sorry golf course that nobody ever commented or praise, merely two years and the course is incredible, I will give them the "great free enterprise award" I just wish somebody will do the same with Champlain and Bearbrook.

Absolutely---great comment--we all don't need top end style courses

[THUNDAH]

I hate to bring politics into golf but Pineview is a perfect example of the failures of socialism, as a city course it was always miserable and loosing money, it was a sorry golf course that nobody ever commented or praise, merely two years and the course is incredible, I will give them the "great free enterprise award" I just wish somebody will do the same with Champlain and Bearbrook.

Champlain is owned by the NCC but run by "free enterprise". I believe that the city of Ottawa still owns Pineview but a "free enterprise" runs it. So it's not really a question of ideology but one of competence.

[justsomeguy]

I hate to bring politics into golf but Pineview is a perfect example of the failures of socialism, as a city course it was always miserable and loosing money, it was a sorry golf course that nobody ever commented or praise, merely two years and the course is incredible, I will give them the "great free enterprise award" I just wish somebody will do the same with Champlain and Bearbrook.

What???? My understanding is that management has changed, but not ownership...

...and while the changes have been welcome for local golfers, I have no idea whether or not they are making a profit so I wouldn't be handing out any "free enterprise" awards just yet.

[Pine View]

The land Pine View Golf Course is on is part of the greenbelt and is federally owned and managed by the NCC. This is the case with several area golf courses including Champlain.

The City of Ottawa had leased the land from the NCC and now our company leases the land from the NCC. The structure is the exact same except that the City got the land for $1 a year and we pay a LOT more than that in rent.

Without getting too far into the financial details I can say that we have a profitable venture. In addition to the work we have done (and continue to do) on the course, we have purchased some new mowing equipment, new power carts, built a bridge, renovated part of the club house, added High Definition Golf Simulators, and have lots more improvements planned.

The response from the golfing public has been tremendous. They have returned to Pine View in significant numbers. The feedback we are hearing daily is very positive.

[justsomeguy]

That's good to hear Pineview. I will be playing there in a tournament in August and I'm looking forward to seeing the changes.

Meanwhile perhaps we can get steer this thread back to a discussion about course conditions at local courses. Metcalfe is in great shape - if anything it could use a little rain, which is not something I usually wish for.

[Felix]

Has Anybody played Mont Cascade lately, Playing there next week and would like an update

[John]

Played Loch March yesterday morning for the first time in a while and can say that it was mint. The greens are absolutely amazing.

[Kak]

Has Anybody played Mont Cascade lately, Playing there next week and would like an update

Played there June 25th and it was in excellent condition from tee to green. The fairways may be getting harder now that it's dryer.

[Felix]

Thanks kaK I appreciate that

[Marcos]

Gatineau greens are firm and fast.

[jeffc]

Loch March's greens are mint. Fairways are lush. Bunkers could use a bit of work but I saw some giant piles of sand in a couple spots so hopefully they are redoing them soon.

[Marcos]

Mont Ste-Marie is in great shape, but greens are a bit on the slow side.