Checking out the Gander Golf Club and Grand Falls Golf Club in Central Newfoundland

Canoeists paddling past us on Rushy Brook

by Keith and Heather Nicol

      On our most recent trip to Central Newfoundland, we decided to bring our golf clubs to check out the golf courses in Grand Falls and Gander. Over the past few years we have begun to make more trips to Central Newfoundland since we have realized it has much more to offer than you might think. Our first stop was the Grand Falls golf course which is conveniently located right on the Trans Canada Highway just outside of town. The first nine has wide open fairways, smallish greens and the Exploits River is a scenic backdrop on many holes. The back nine crosses Rushy Brook in 2 places which adds to the challenge and we even saw a group of canoeists paddling up the brook!  This nine also tends to have larger greens and is abit longer off the white and blue tees than the first nine holes. The club also hosted the Newfoundland Provincial Junior Championships this year. This course is fairly level and so it would be a good course for those that like to walk. The course was in good shape when we played it in late July, 2012. They welcome visitors and for more information see www.grandfallsgolf.com.

The 4th hole tee box overlooks the Exploits River

 

Putting on the 17th green with Gander Lake behind

       Our next stop was the Gander Golf Course and it is a real treat. The wide rolling fairways and frequent views of Gander Lake make this a very picturesque course.  You can even see distant Mt. Peyton on some holes on the back nine.Bring your camera! Like the Grand Falls course, it is located right on the Trans Canada Highway. The back nine is shorter than the front nine for all golfers and since it is quite hilly with some walks between holes it favours using a golf cart. There is little water on this course and it is usually easily avoided but there are a number of large sand traps on many holes. The club has a modern clubhouse that directly overlooks the 18^th green. The course was in very good shape, despite the dry summer, when we played it in early August, 2012. Like Grand Falls, the club welcomes visitors and we were told that they attract golfers from a large geographic area. For more information see: www.gandergolfclub.ca

The 10th hole offers a scenic view of Gander Lake