Golf Go, sit upon the lofty hill, And turn your eyes around, Where waving woods and waters wild Do hymn an autumn sound. The summer sun is faint on them — The summer flowers depart — Sit still — as all transform’d to stone, Except your musing heart. Elizabeth Barrett Browning, The Autumn As Victorian poet Browning so eloquently captures, fall is a season to pause. Reflect. And watch as the world’s wonders transform. While the past six months feel to most like one never-ending pause, withmany of us self-isolating and waiting for our lives to return to normal, the reality is that even once COVID-19 is in our rear view, the normal we knew no longer exists. Like most, I’m feeling COVID fatigue. But, we must stay the course. That said, my last two columns spoke to some element of the pandemic and I vowed this time around to shift focus. So, rather than dwell on the negatives and the opportunities missed, let’s revel in the positives − soaking in the beauty of autumn’s kaleidoscope of colours and Mother Nature’s tender embrace. Fall is one of my favourite golf seasons. The days and nights are cooler. The bugs are less of a nuisance. And the colours make courses look like a painter’s palette come to life. While most years at this time you are packing your bags and getting set to head − with the rest of the snowbirds − to warmer climes, as I type these words, the land borders to the U.S. are closed; most likely, they will be shut for the foreseeable future to flatten the curve. While air travel to the U.S. is possible, many are waiting for a vaccine before travelling. Should you choose not to head south this winter, why not pack your bags for a different trip. Explore your own backyard. The pandemic of 2020 has taught us that nothing is as it seems anymore. Another lesson learned is this: COVID-19 has made us appreciate the simple things and what you have right in front of you. Why not take the time this fall to pause, ponder and explore the beauty in your own backyard? Don’t forget, while you discover, to stay safe. Wear a mask indoors. Maintain a social distance when you play. Wash your hands frequently. Did you know that our country boasts an estimated 2,400 golf courses? That’s one course for every 625 players, or 14,500 Canadians − among the highest number per capita in the world. So fall for fall golf again. Pack the car and hit the open road. Head east, west or north, rather than your usual trip south to our nearest neighbours. Here’s a list of some of my favourite Canadian courses. These are just suggestions to inspire. NEWFOUNDLAND The top spot to tee it up on The Rock is Humber Valley Resort. It’s perennially considered one of the top 20 courses in Canada. With dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views of the Humber River and Deer Lake, this championship course designed by Doug Carrick is a must. You are familiar with Come From Away, right? Another golf option in Newfoundland is another Carrick design: Gander Golf Club, situated in the rolling hills surrounding the locale made famous by this smash hit musical. NOVA SCOTIA Cabot Links/Cabot Cliffs is the best one/two punch – not only in the province – but, one could argue, in Canada. Located in the quaint town of Inverness, NS, in Cape Breton, these courses are perennially ranked in the Top 5 in Canada. Oceanside vistas, links golf and a challenge from tee to green, these courses offer 36 holes of resort golf at its finest. After your round, sit back and relax at one of three on-site restaurants and enjoy the freshest local seafood and other specialties. Choose from an upscale villa or roomwith a view. The resort is open until the end of October. Don’t delay. Book your stay today. NEW BRUNSWICK This Maritime province is another golf mecca. From St. John’s to St. Andrew’s By The Sea, there is a course for every budget. Seeking more stunning views to accompany your game? Look no further than The Algonquin Golf Club in the scenic town of St. Andrews ByThe Sea, which recently underwent a renovation. Are you looking to get away to a national park and enjoy nine holes? Get a tee time at the Fundy National Park course, where one can easily spend a day or several on this course designed by Canada’s most famed architect Stanley Thompson. Kananaskis Country Golf Course 52 | www.snowbirds.org
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