Cobble Beach Golf Links: Owen Sound, ON
Approaching the Ninth Green (Image courtesy of Cobble Beach)
Where World-Class Golf and History Embrace.
The Great Lakes of North America may only be rivaled by the Rocky Mountains as the continent’s iconic identity. These massive inland seas have been integral to the peoples that have inhabited and explored their watershed for millennia. First Nations communities were drawn to the miles of shorelines and to the murky banks of the flowing rivers which feed these expansive lakes created by the retreating glaciers of the last Ice Age. Now this massive aquatic basin is home to many of the continents largest cities and most coveted vacation destinations.
The city of Owen Sound Ontario shares its name with the long body of water which connects the Sydenham River with Georgian Bay. The city was once a very important port town in the development of Great Lakes commerce, due to its sheltered sanctuary and proximity to vast agricultural lands and timber that covered the surrounding region. The thriving port town’s early reputation was filled with colorful depictions of rowdy crowds of sailors frequenting the bars that occupied the downtown at “Damnation Corner,” while a local brothel also contributed to the tales of the town’s seedy past. When the port’s role in commercial shipping diminished, perhaps in an attempt to change the town’s reputation, the town became “dry” and stayed that way until 1972. The city is now a regional economic center with a burgeoning tourist sector connected to the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay.
Golf came to the region in 1920 with the building of the nine-hole Owen Sound Golf Club on the western shore of the Sound a few kilometres north of the town. The design is credited to Stanley Thompson, but with contributions of his brother Nicol and his mentor George Cumming as well. The course expanded to 18 holes and is now operating as Legacy Ridge Golf Club. Continuing further north is a remarkable golf, resort and residential experience that has become a relocation and vacation destination since its ambitious beginnings in 1999. Philanthropist and businessman Willis McClesse had a lengthy and strong connection to the community and wanted to create a legacy development that would provide a world-class golf resort experience, surrounded by an upscale community of homes. This was the origin of Cobble Beach.
As the planning began for the 574 acre parcel of stony, sharply sloped shoreline, many questions arose surrounding the history of the land. McClesse and his development team devoted considerable resources and time to study the archeological significance of the property, before any ground was moved. One point of the study was to uncover if Aboriginal Rights champion Catherine Sutton, an Ojibwe who challenged the government to recover her private land taken in the Surrender of 1857, had been buried on the site. No evidence of native burial grounds was discovered, however the lengthy archeological study did find a number of culturally significant sites that have been turned into 13 heritage zones within the community, all which were protected during the project development. These zones and their artifacts pay homage to the aboriginal history and early British surveyors and settlers to the sound.
The 17th hole with breathtaking backdrop. (Image courtesy of Cobble Beach)
The Cobble Beach community has been master planned to celebrate the land and the gorgeous waterfront location. Former ASGCA President Doug Carrick was hired to design the highly acclaimed links-styled routing that forms the backbone of the development. Each hole offers stunning views of the deep blue waters of the sound. The championship routing features considerable elevation changes playing up and down the slopes of the property. The exposed fairways and greens embrace the elements with an old-school feel to the course. The majority of the greens are pushed-up and strategically guarded with steep faced pot bunkers. Many consider the penultimate hole, the par 3 17th, as one of the most scenic and memorable short holes in the province. Carrick’s contribution to the Cobble Beach experience is a fun yet challenging course; wonderfully windswept and providing some remarkable views of the historic and beautiful Owen Sound. .
When asked about the design and the demands to preserve the heritage sites, Carrick shared some insight of his work with the developers. When asked about the routings fantastic views, “The sloping nature of the property made it relatively easy to feature views of the bay from every hole.” Carrick did mention some of the preservation work leading to design considerations as significant artifacts and sites were uncovered. “The gravesite of Princess Katherine Sutton west of the 9th hole, along with the ruins of two old farmsteads near the 10th green and the back tee of the 16th were heritage sites we preserved.” He added that stone navigation / surveyor markers found along what is now the 18th caused a slight alteration in the alignment of the hole.
The centerpiece of the community is the Nantucket-style clubhouse and Inn, which seamlessly compliments the seaside-links feel of the course. The award-winning design is home to an amply stocked pro shop, the beautifully appointed Sweetwater Restaurant and its expansive terrace which sits overlooking the rocky shoreline and provides terrific views of the waterfront 9th and 18th greens. The clubhouse is also home to The Inn at Cobble Beach featuring 10 luxurious suites all with beautiful views and a pampering ambiance. Large groups can also book one of The Cobble Beach Cottages. These self-contained units provide accommodations for up to 8 and your own living room and kitchen.
The Cobble Beach community has many outdoor activities to explore while basking in the beauty of Owen Sound. Near the clubhouse the resort has two tennis courts and a refreshing plunge pool for a quick dip. More than 14 kms of all-season hiking trails lead to many of the heritage sites that dot the property and take you to the far reaches of the acreage. The 260 foot day dock lets guests boat to the resort or even fly in for your stay. A community beach complete with kids playground and waterside fire pits is available to relax and connect with the natural beauty of the development.
The Owen Sound area’s significance as a Great Lake port city and transportation hub, brought has a vast maritime history as an important port city to Great Lakes shipping. A new economy now brings throngs of visitors to the shorelines of Grey Bruce to savour the laid back lifestyle. Cobble Beach is a wonderful place for those looking to get a taste for the splendors of a world-class golf resort or a deeper experience of Georgian Bay living at its finest.
Check out the Cobble Beach Resort for golf and Stay & Play opportunities.
We want to thank our partner, On The Tee magazine for permission to share parts of their original published article on Cobble Beach Golf Links. For course information and a review of the playing experience, check out On The Tee magazine’s course review of Cobble Beach Golf Links here.
