Muskoka’s landscape – with its abundance of rocky
outcroppings, trees and water - makes for some stunning (and sometimes challenging)
golfing. Whether you’re looking to just hit a few buckets of practice balls at
the driving range or want to play 18 on a world-class golf course, you’ll find
just what you’re looking for within a short distance of Colonial Bay.
Right across the road from Colonial Bay is The Acres Driving
Range. It’s a well-marked range with both natural grass or mats on the elevated
tee deck. They have natural target greens and bunkers to aim at (or avoid!).
Clubs are available to rent and lessons are available by appointment.
A short drive to the west down Highway 60 are the two
courses at Deerhurst resort. The Highlands is a majestic, world-renowned course
that offers challenging lies and gorgeous views. Deerhurst’s Lakeside course is
a good choice for beginners and families or anyone who wants to play a quick
game.
Further west along Highway 60 are ClubLink’s Grandview
courses: the 18-hole Mark O’Meara and a 9-hole Academy course. The Mark O’Meara
offers spectacular views of Fairy Lake from a course that winds through granite
outcroppings and towering trees. The Academy course is ideal for a quick round
or a game with kids.
The historic Huntsville Downs course opened in 1925 and was originally designed by the
legendary Stanley Thompson. Huntsville Downs is playable by inexperienced
golfers but still challenging for more experienced players. They offer the
option to play 9 or 18 holes and, in truly family-friendly fashion, let’s kids
under 12 play free when playing with an adult (starting July 9 – contact the
course for full details).
Bigwin Island Golf Course (pictured above) provides a unique experience for
golfers: the course is on an island in Lake of Bays and is accessible only by
water or air. Public play is available in the spring and fall: Monday to Friday
after 10 am or Saturday and Sunday after 1 pm in May, June, September and
October. Check their website for information on tee times and access to the
island.
There are more courses further afield in Port Sydney,
Bracebridge, Port Carling, Windermere and Gravenhurst. You’ll find a comprehensive
list at Explorers’ Edge.
Why not head out for a round the next time you stay at Colonial Bay? And when
you return to your waterfront cottage, a Muskoka chair on the beach will be
waiting for you.
Happy golfing!
The Howell Family
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