One of Ontario’s public access gems, the Timber Ridge golf course dates back to the 1990s and was designed by local architect Steven Ward.
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One of Ontario’s public access gems, the Timber Ridge golf course dates back to the 1990s and was designed by local architect Steven Ward.
Timber Ridge
It could be said that the Timber Ridge course underwent a longer than normal gestation period before it finally opened for play in August 2001 as Steven Ward of Golfplan Associates had actually designed the course a decade earlier. It was only when a new partner with experience in golf course construction came on board in 1999 that things really started to happen with the 200-acre property.
The course is sensibly set up to play no more than 6,633 yards from the back markers so accuracy is more important than big hitting here. The opening half dozen holes are tree-lined before the layout opens up into a more parkland setting, with thick fescue defining the fairways for the remainder of the round.
The 385-yard 10th, which doglegs to the left and has a creek crossing the fairway 200 yards out, is a contender for signature hole status, even though you may well be playing a semi-blind shot to the green in a prevailing wind. The 208-yard 3rd is another terrific hole, with trees to the left and water short right of the green.
Many consider Timber Ridge as offering the best value green fee in Ontario, which is quite an accolade. Indeed, some reckon it would cost twice as much to play this course if it was located closer to Toronto so it’s well worth the ninety minute drive along the ON-401 highway to Brighton to sample the golfing delights of a real hidden gem.
Paul Aitken, Head Professional at Timber Ridge, kindly provided us with the following comments:
Our 7th hole is the most difficult hole on the course. This par four is usually into the wind and plays all of 445 yards. Off the tee, a straight shot is needed to avoid a large fairway bunker down the right side and fescue down the left. If you are too far right then you will find out of bounds. Your approach shot to the green will be with a long iron or fairway wood and the green is protected by a deep bunker in front. A par on this hole is excellent.
Our signature hole is the 452-yard par four 13th, where the views from the tee are the most scenic on the course. The hole plays downhill off the tee - with a 75 foot drop to the landing area - and then back uphill to the green. Fescue flanks either side of a fairway that slopes from left to right. The green is perched up on a hill with the right side sloping down into pot bunkers.