| formerly Country Lane GC & Coyote G&CC
Course Profile |
| Built in 1975 as a 9-hole layout, it wasn't until a few years ago that expansion to a full-length, 18-hole course (6112 yards from the back tees) became a possibility. Since then, the new ownership has implemented improvements on both the original holes and the design and building of the new back nine. And a new golf course it is, nothing like the earlier layout. |
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The expanded 18-hole layout includes numerous, strategically located ponds, fairway and greenside bunkers, mounding to better define fairways, improved drainage and irrigation, multiple tee boxes, complete course signage and more.
Designed co-operatively with Darrell Huxham, the full 18-hole layout opened for play in June 2004. Several improvement projects are underway, including the re-design of greens, the hydro-seeding of mounds, top-filling and dressing of fairway irregularities and the grooming of transition areas (between greens and tees).
Emerald Pines GC features multiple tee boxes, small to average, firm, sloping, greens, numerous water hazards, relatively few bunkers, and fairways of average width. Also on site are a practice range, chipping / putting green, pro shop, and cart rentals. |
| Course Review |
| Emerald Pines' front nine still opens with three familiar holes, including the very reachable par-4 1st. But beginning with the par-5, 589-yard 4th, golfers will immediately recognize the transformation. The 163-yard, par-3 5th is both beauty and beast, surrounded by water and woe. The closing holes on the front nine are varied and fair, but still require accuracy and length off the tee. |
| While the front nine is not particularly long - just 2874 yards from the back tees - the back nine is far more demanding, both in terms of length and accuracy. There is little room for wayward shots out there. The 10th hole - formerly a par-5 - is now a long par-4 with trees just about everywhere a tee shot might stray. Across the road at # 12, the newest part of the course awaits, still very much "in the works", so "preferred lies" may be in order in places, but the ponds are certainly ready ! |
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| The real challenge of the back nine begins with the reachable-in-two, par-5 14th hole. From there, it just gets longer, more demanding and more strategic - closing with a very nice string of holes. The 15th is a 400+ yarder with a gigantic green and par there would satisfy most. Clearly, it is the par-5, 487-yard 16th that is the signature hole - reachable in two if a long, arrow-straight drive clears the lake. The approach shot is equally intimidating since the large, sloping, two-tiered green is surrounded by trees. Simply gorgeous and oh-so-tempting - certainly worth the price of another golf ball ! |
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The finishing holes are kind by comparison - the shortish par-3 17th and the par-4 18th, one of the few good birdie opportunities that the new back nine presents.
While still a work in progress, Emerald Pines GC is well suited for recreational golf and has, perhaps, the most comfortable and hospitable clubhouse in all of Niagara - selected "Best 19th Hole" (2002). |
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