Sampling the Blomidon Golf Club and Harmon Seaside Links in Western Newfoundland

by Keith and Heather Nicol

Putting on the first green with Humber Arm in the backgrd

     A few weeks ago we had an opportunity to try out 2 golf courses in Central Newfoundland and we recently had a chance to check out 2 others in Western Newfoundland. On Wednesday, August 22 we played  at the Blomidon Golf Club in Corner Brook. Although a few showers passed overhead in the morning by the time we hit the first tee at 12:40 pm the sun was out and fluffy white clouds drifted across the sky. The Blomidon Golf Course was the host of the 2012 Provincial Golf Championships and is a very scenic course, especially in the fall as the trees change colour. This challenging course provides amazing views of Humber Arm and the distant Blow me down Mountains as well as the community of Corner Brook.  The demanding course is quite hilly but still suited to walkers. There is little water on the course but some of the sand traps will come into play if you are not accurate with your approach shots. The course is easy to access for visitors since it is just off the Trans Canada Highway and they welcome golfers with a great deal - a cart and two 18 hole green fees for just $75.00 plus tax. This must be one of the best bargains in the province for golf. They typically close in mid October. For more information see: http://www.blomidongolf.com/

Looking toward the 6th green at Blomidon

Putting on the 8th green with Little Port Harmon behind

       The next day (August 23) we drove to Stephenville to try the Harmon Seaside Links. This is an 18 hole –par 72 golf course right across the road from Bay St. George. The course is very flat so is great for walkers and we had a very enjoyable day exploring this course which we don’t get a chance to play very often. There is quite abit of water but it really only comes into play on a few of the holes and although everything appears to be wide open you need to be accurate with your tee shots to avoid the rough along the sides and fairway sand traps. Unfortunately I ended up in a couple of those traps. The course provides good views of the Indian Head Range and the community of Stephenville can be seen in the background. On the day we played the wind was not an issue but be aware that it often can be windy, particularly in the afternoon.  We really like this course and plan to play it more often.  Joan Tobin, the pro shop manager, told us that they had had a great summer and that quite a few visitors had dropped by to play. Like the Blomidon Golf Club in Corner Brook they expect to be open until about mid October. For more information see: http://www.harmonseasidelinks.com/. 

The 18th green with the Indian Head Range behind