Over the past week, I've enjoyed two opposite golf experiences, both of which were outstanding. A few days ago we played Eagles Nest, perched just above Toronto. I'd played it before, and in my opinion it's arguably the best public course in Ontario and one of the best in the country.
But this summer, it is something special. The spring rains along with the cooler temperatures have allowed the natural undergrowth to flourish. The fescue between fairways is lush and the wildflowers are blooming in spectacular fashion. When you throw in the fact that the course conditioning is as good as it has ever been, with pristine fairways and table-top greens that roll to near perfection, it's as good as it gets.
Not to be confused with a pure links course, Eagles Nest is a links-STYLE golf course, with sweeping vistas, severe mounding where errant tee shots come to rest, and virtually no trees on many holes. Playing it made me think that not only would it stand up as a championship venue, but it would also show very well on TV if they were ever able to make it happen. And they could do it if the inspiration was there. This place is that good.
Of course they will be doing just that at the venerable St. George's Golf Club, which hosts the RBC Canadian Open next year. With a reputation as one of Canada's absolute best, it's the antithesis to Eagles Nest. A traditional parkland design with majestic oak, maple and elm trees, and a timeless maturity, it is the type of course the pros are demanding these days.
Playing it Tuesday morning reminded me again that Stanley Thompson knew what he was doing all those years ago. I played with next year's tournament chairman John Matheson, whose advice on where to hit the ball was bang on. My execution was far from it.
But this course is special. They've tinkered with it a little -- a new tee deck here, the shaving of a mound there, etc -- but not much. Every hole is beautiful to look at. And it has an aura about it that only a few places have.
But the pros had better hit to the right spot on the greens. They can be diabolical, depending on the pin placement. Defending champion Chez Reavie noticed that when he took his first look at the course while we were there. He's back to defend at Glen Abbey with what he hopes is an improved short game. He says that's the part of his game which needed the most work. He's confident that it's mission accomplished.
This past year has been a little tough on the Arizona native. He told me that after winning a year ago, he thought he would simply keep on doing the same thing while adding to his trophy case. He found out it's not that simple. Patience, he says, has become the key. A big hockey fan, he's also patiently waiting and hoping for the mess with the Coyotes to sort itself out so that Phoenix still has a team. But that's another story.
For now it's Glen Abbey this year, St. George's next year. And who knows, maybe Eagles Nest someday in the future.
