www.longbeachcountryclub.com

Course Profile The 9-hole Long Beach CC (formerly Erie Breeze GC) has been a favourite of cottagers and residents alike for many years. In fact, as a club member there for several years, I shaped my game over countless hours at the lakeside course. Furthermore, I registered my only hole-in-one on the demanding 217-yard, par-3 5th hole (May 22 / 78) - the only ace ever recorded on that hole (I believe), and my sole claim to golfing fame.     ed. The course is neither long nor punishing, but as far as recreational courses go, it is still a good test of golf offering plenty of risk-reward options. Long Beach has relatively few fairway hazards, and short sparse rough, making it vulnerable to big hitters. The greens are small, average speed, generally hold good approach shots and provide a fair test of putting skills. The course makes effective use of several ponds and its smaller greens to toughen it up - features which place a premium on a good short game.

With sparse rough, firm, wide fairways and few hazards in the driving areas, this is a course that begs players to "grip it and rip it" ! Good driving provides immediate rewards - short iron approaches, an easy two-shot par-5, and a very reachable par-4. A forgiving course start and finish, the real strength of the course is the middle holes. Long and straight off the tee is a must to make any pars, with bogeys or worse commonplace. Practice facilities include a practice range and chipping / putting green.

 

Course Review Throughout its length, the Long Beach CC invites calculated daring and generously rewards both length off the tee and firing at the pin. With little in the way of trouble off the tee, the course is built for risk taking and "going low".
For the most part, the course features flat, straight-away fairways and small greens that putt true. While distance off the tee is a real plus, steady iron play and a solid short game are the keys to scoring well here.

The challenge really starts at the second hole - a very reachable-in-two par-5. No matter your game, play the back tees to fully enjoy the challenge that this hole offers. With OB right, slicers beware. A large pond protects the tiered green, so it is necessary to lay up or risk going for the green in two. Either way, with good play, this hole offers a definite birdie opportunity.
	Laying up is necessary at the dog-leg left par-4 3rd hole - a shot of about 175 yards left or well right of the large tree in the center of the landing area. That leaves a wedge to another small tiered green and another birdie try. The pretty par-4 4th hole demands a long, straight drive out of a tunnel of trees, leaving a short iron to a severely sloped (back to front) green - "3-putt city".
The 5th is Long Beach CC's signature hole - a long par-3 guarded on the right by trees, on the left by a lateral pond and a few gigantic trees. The fairway wood approach shot must be straight ! This hole is so tough that by adding a few yards off the tee, it becomes a par-4 on the back nine. The 6th & 7th holes are long, invariably play into the wind, and little more is needed to fortify them. The short, par-4 8th is the best place to get a shot back - maybe two - and can be reached easily with a good tee shot. The par-3 finishing hole is well guarded by a pond (left) and a single apple tree right, but provides yet another birdie chance. With its lakeside setting and friendly atmosphere, the Long Beach CC provides enjoyable recreational golf and is ideal for small tournaments or a quick round early or late in the day. © 2002  Teeing It Up NIAGARA