Golf Course Review: Newcastle Golf & Country Club. ‘Did I mention the hills?’

Newcastle Golf & Country Club - Ontario - Canada

Newcastle Golf & Country Club. Did I mention the hills?

Want to golf at the private North Shore Golf Club in New Zealand but don’t have the time, airfare, or member to invite you? Well then Newcastle Golf Club is the place to golf. Semi private, it is a quick 40 minute drive down the 401 from Whitby. And unlike the North Shore you can even leave your jacket and tie at home if you want to use the club house which is small, unassuming but adequate.

But very much like the North Shore get ready for a challenging game on side hill, down hill, and up hill lies. You are in for a treat. Did I mention the hills???? The first hole is deceptively level although like the rest of the course the fairway is lush and tree lined. No danger here of an errant ball from another fairway giving you a rude awakening. The greens are fast but not all equal in speed so putting can involve a bit more luck than you might like. Personally it levels my playing field. “HAH” to all you great putters out there. Now nobody is sure where our putts will end up.

Except for a creek bisecting the 11th and 16th holes there is not much to impede you from the ladies tees so you have a great shot at par or your own handicap. However if you are a blue or white tee kind of player you have a bit more excitement in store. The par 5 eleventh hole reminds me of the signature hole at Glen Abbey. You are hitting from the treetops and the view is fantastic. The sixteenth par 4 is another elevated tee but since the ladies tee was way down the fairway we bypassed the view.

My nemesis hole, and there is always one on each course which brings me back, is that 11th par 5. This time I cut 4 strokes off that hole from the last time I played it! My score there was still triple bogey but I’m working on that. (Don’t share that with anyone.) I wonder about the bell on that hole? It is high up on a pole on the side of the fairway before the green. No ladder is there so if it’s to alert the group following to hit up or to call for help it’s not going to work.

The course is beautiful. From the tree lined road that leads you in to the ponds, fountains, and forest cart paths, to the rolling fairways (and did I mention hills?) you will have a great experience playing this course. Who knows I might even see you out there with Meg, Kathy, Mary & Gloria. Yes we are five when all are available. You will be sure to recognize us. Gloria is the one who can outdrive us all. Mary is the one who likes quiet on all her shots. Kathy is the one who can chip in. Meg is the one who can use her 3 wood like no other. And then there is me. I like to talk about it.