Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: JWinick on March 06, 2018, 09:41:07 AM
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We are planning a trip this summer, combining it with a trip to the Northeast. We arrive on a Saturday night, play 36 Sunday and 18 Monday. We may add a third day. It sounds like renting a car and driving from Halifax is the only option, as the shuttle service seems to be way overpriced. Anyone done this trip? Any advice?
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Don't consider Cabot without including Highlands Links. The fact that the road between the two is the Cabot Trail just makes it even more stupid to do one without the other.
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Who has time for 36 holes? When deals are being made, 9 holes is the way to go.
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I agree with Adam. Try to find the time to get to the Highland Links. The Celtic Lodge is a remarkable place as well. the drive from Halifax is a pain but absent a closer air option which i understand is in the offing) it is really the only way. If you go to the Highland Links, remember to add extra time on the return drive.
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Regarding a third day, I'm not sure how often you plan to get back to Cape Breton, but if not sure or the only trip, I would add the extra day to play Highlands Links. What I would do is play 36 Sunday, 18 Monday morning, drive the Cabot Trail to Highlands Links and then play Highlands early Tuesday. Then I would try to add another 18 (if your up for it) at The Lakes on the way south Tuesday. The Lakes isn't spectacular architecturally, but it is a good course good, has hosted a PGA TOUR Canada event, and most importantly for this particular trip, will let you take in some great, dramatic Cape Breton scenery as the course works up and down a ski hill.
Regarding flights, not sure where you are coming from but there are flights that go into Sydney, Nova Scotia. In Canada both Air Canada and Westjet fly to Sydney and it's just under 2 hours from either Cabot or Highlands. It all depends on what the rest of your trip looks like, though, as Halifax may be easier if you are doing the Northeast.
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No offence Frank but I would skip the Lakes as Cabot and Highlands Links are World top 100 and the Lakes is nowhere near that class.
The drive from Halifax to Cabot is about 3.25 hours but it is an easy drive as there is very little traffic in NS. If you got an early time at Cabot you might be able to play 18 at Cabot early in the morning, drive the Cabot Trail and the play a twilight 18 at Highlands as the sun doesn’t set until around 9 in NS in the summer.
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No offence Frank but I would skip the Lakes as Cabot and Highlands Links are World top 100 and the Lakes is nowhere near that class.
It would take a lot more than that to offend me Wayne ;D
That said, I'm the type of guy that likes to see as many golf courses and regions as I can. I understand your point of view, they are surely World Top 100's, but if I'm not returning or not going to return anytime in the foreseeable future, I would try to add an extra round at a different golf course and experience a different region and a little more of the slice of heaven that is Cape Breton.
Additionally, I should have mentioned this in my last post, if you want a golf course that's a bit more convenient to get to (along the way to Highlands via the Cabot Trail) and a unique play on the island, play Cabot early morning, than drive over and play Le Portage, then make your way to Highlands Links along the Cabot Trail. You could actually add two additional courses (Le Portage and Lakes) if you do this with my suggested itinerary above. So my schedule would look like this:
Sunday - Play 36 Cabot
Monday - Early morning: Cabot, After lunch: Le Portage, then drive over to Highlands Links with a glorious setting sun.
Tuesday - Early morning Highlands Links, Afternoon: The Lakes
Again, this is taking in my preference for seeing as many regions and golf courses as possible.
Also, as you leave Cheticamp make sure to stop at Aucoin Bakery. They make awesome stuff and perfect to snack on while stopping at the various scenic outlooks along the trail...I love that place.
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Adam, that's great advice. How far apart are they?
Don't consider Cabot without including Highlands Links. The fact that the road between the two is the Cabot Trail just makes it even more stupid to do one without the other.
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My main concern is we are already driving 3 hours from Halifax, so it's another 4 hours to go play Highland. I'm not sure that is worth it. We also are going to play some courses in the Boston area, so I think we may do better there, or spend a third day at Cabot.
No offence Frank but I would skip the Lakes as Cabot and Highlands Links are World top 100 and the Lakes is nowhere near that class.
It would take a lot more than that to offend me Wayne ;D
That said, I'm the type of guy that likes to see as many golf courses and regions as I can. I understand your point of view, they are surely World Top 100's, but if I'm not returning or not going to return anytime in the foreseeable future, I would try to add an extra round at a different golf course and experience a different region and a little more of the slice of heaven that is Cape Breton.
Additionally, I should have mentioned this in my last post, if you want a golf course that's a bit more convenient to get to (along the way to Highlands via the Cabot Trail) and a unique play on the island, play Cabot early morning, than drive over and play Le Portage, then make your way to Highlands Links along the Cabot Trail. You could actually add two additional courses (Le Portage and Lakes) if you do this with my suggested itinerary above. So my schedule would look like this:
Sunday - Play 36 Cabot
Monday - Early morning: Cabot, After lunch: Le Portage, then drive over to Highlands Links with a glorious setting sun.
Tuesday - Early morning Highlands Links, Afternoon: The Lakes
Again, this is taking in my preference for seeing as many regions and golf courses as possible.
Also, as you leave Cheticamp make sure to stop at Aucoin Bakery. They make awesome stuff and perfect to snack on while stopping at the various scenic outlooks along the trail...I love that place.
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Look into flying either into or out of Sydney. That puts you less than two hours from Highlands. Halifax to Cabot is about three hours —into one and out of the other and the logistics stack up quite nicely
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My main concern is we are already driving 3 hours from Halifax, so it's another 4 hours to go play Highland. I'm not sure that is worth it. We also are going to play some courses in the Boston area, so I think we may do better there, or spend a third day at Cabot.
No offence Frank but I would skip the Lakes as Cabot and Highlands Links are World top 100 and the Lakes is nowhere near that class.
It would take a lot more than that to offend me Wayne ;D
That said, I'm the type of guy that likes to see as many golf courses and regions as I can. I understand your point of view, they are surely World Top 100's, but if I'm not returning or not going to return anytime in the foreseeable future, I would try to add an extra round at a different golf course and experience a different region and a little more of the slice of heaven that is Cape Breton.
Additionally, I should have mentioned this in my last post, if you want a golf course that's a bit more convenient to get to (along the way to Highlands via the Cabot Trail) and a unique play on the island, play Cabot early morning, than drive over and play Le Portage, then make your way to Highlands Links along the Cabot Trail. You could actually add two additional courses (Le Portage and Lakes) if you do this with my suggested itinerary above. So my schedule would look like this:
Sunday - Play 36 Cabot
Monday - Early morning: Cabot, After lunch: Le Portage, then drive over to Highlands Links with a glorious setting sun.
Tuesday - Early morning Highlands Links, Afternoon: The Lakes
Again, this is taking in my preference for seeing as many regions and golf courses as possible.
Also, as you leave Cheticamp make sure to stop at Aucoin Bakery. They make awesome stuff and perfect to snack on while stopping at the various scenic outlooks along the trail...I love that place.
4 hours driving to play the best golf course in Canada. It’s worth it.
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I booked two days of golf (72 holes) at Highland Links some 13 years ago on a grand golf holiday to NS and PEI. I then talked my wife into another day at Keltic Lodge because the course was just so fricken great I had to play it again! Don’t miss it!
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My main concern is we are already driving 3 hours from Halifax, so it's another 4 hours to go play Highland. I'm not sure that is worth it. We also are going to play some courses in the Boston area, so I think we may do better there, or spend a third day at Cabot.
No offence Frank but I would skip the Lakes as Cabot and Highlands Links are World top 100 and the Lakes is nowhere near that class.
It would take a lot more than that to offend me Wayne ;D
That said, I'm the type of guy that likes to see as many golf courses and regions as I can. I understand your point of view, they are surely World Top 100's, but if I'm not returning or not going to return anytime in the foreseeable future, I would try to add an extra round at a different golf course and experience a different region and a little more of the slice of heaven that is Cape Breton.
Additionally, I should have mentioned this in my last post, if you want a golf course that's a bit more convenient to get to (along the way to Highlands via the Cabot Trail) and a unique play on the island, play Cabot early morning, than drive over and play Le Portage, then make your way to Highlands Links along the Cabot Trail. You could actually add two additional courses (Le Portage and Lakes) if you do this with my suggested itinerary above. So my schedule would look like this:
Sunday - Play 36 Cabot
Monday - Early morning: Cabot, After lunch: Le Portage, then drive over to Highlands Links with a glorious setting sun.
Tuesday - Early morning Highlands Links, Afternoon: The Lakes
Again, this is taking in my preference for seeing as many regions and golf courses as possible.
Also, as you leave Cheticamp make sure to stop at Aucoin Bakery. They make awesome stuff and perfect to snack on while stopping at the various scenic outlooks along the trail...I love that place.
4 hours driving to play the best golf course in Canada. It’s worth it.
Seems like solid advice from Mark who I am betting has seen as many or more courses in Canada than anyone on the board.
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We are planning a trip this summer, combining it with a trip to the Northeast. We arrive on a Saturday night, play 36 Sunday and 18 Monday. We may add a third day. It sounds like renting a car and driving from Halifax is the only option, as the shuttle service seems to be way overpriced. Anyone done this trip? Any advice?
If you add a third day, drive to Highland Links from Cabot via the Cabot Trail.
You won't regret it
As suggested, if you can fly to Sydney that helps.
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I would also highly recommended HL in addition to the Cabot duo.
Photo albums:
http://myphillygolf.com/uploads/bausch/CabotCliffs/index.html (http://myphillygolf.com/uploads/bausch/CabotCliffs/index.html)
http://myphillygolf.com/uploads/bausch/CabotLinks/index.html (http://myphillygolf.com/uploads/bausch/CabotCliffs/index.html)
http://myphillygolf.com/uploads/bausch/HighlandLinks/index.html (http://myphillygolf.com/uploads/bausch/CabotCliffs/index.html)
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Having flown into Halifax and driven to Cabot and then driven to Highland Links and back to Halifax
I would say that the drive in my rental car was fantastic as it was a BMW 530i
3 plus hours to Cabot
4 plus hours from Highland to Halifax
the drive around Cape Breton is beautiful
the golf at Cabot Links and Cliffs is fantastic
Highland Links is a must see and an timeless homage to Thompson, bronze statue and all
stayed at the Alt Hotel (super easy) at the airport both ways as the early and late flights in and out worked best
rental car pick-up/drop off is right out the hotel door
cheers
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If you are flying to and from Halifax on Air Canada from either Boston or Newark, you can do what we've done the past two years:
Thursday morning flight to HFZ landing around 10. You can get to Cabot by 3 and play 18 that evening. Play Cabot Friday-Saturday (or drive to Highland) and, if you are an addict like us, Sunday first off for 18 before driving back to Halifax for a 4 pm flight back to the US.
As others have mentioned, the drive to and from Halifax is consistently 3-3.25 hours because there is very little traffic on good highways the whole way.
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Sydney is a bit closer but that only helps if you are flying from some place that has direct flights as doing a Halifax to Sydney hop doesn’t make sense as you are always better off just getting in a rental car from Halifax. And even then it may not make sense as flight times into and out of Sydney can be stupid, like arriving at 11:30 pm and leaving at 6 am. That has been the case for flights from Toronto in recent years although last year Air Canada did have a reasonably timed flight from Toronto to Sydney during the summer.
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I was under the impression it was another 4 hours from Cabot to Highland Link, but its only just over 2 hours away according to Google Maps.
Seems like it'd be a no brainer to include that in the trip, given how much effort it takes to get to the general area anyways...
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I was under the impression it was another 4 hours from Cabot to Highland Link, but its only just over 2 hours away according to Google Maps.
That's the quicker route not doing the Cabot Trail.
It seems an unpopular opinion in this thread (the idea of playing as many courses as you can while in the area), but if doing the quicker route instead of Cabot Trail, Bell Bay in Baddeck is almost the exact halfway point between Cabot Links and Highlands Links...about an hour, hour 15 from each. In that case, you could do Cabot early morning Monday, drive over to Bell Bay/Baddeck for lunch, play Bell Bay and head up to Highlands.
Though I seem to be the only one who would play as many courses as possible while in a particular region, I figured I'd add my 2 cents. Bell Bay isn't Top 100 world, but it is Top 100 Canada, and Cape Breton as a destination is arguably one of the top places to visit in the world, so why not experience as much of it as possible?
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Frank,
Not so according to this link which shows it as a giant loop. But perhaps the quicker part doesn't have the best bits! ;)
http://www.cabottrail.com/map.html
P.S. I would absolutely love a long weekend in these parts. I have relatives in Maine, maybe I need to go see them and take a detour out there.
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Not so according to this link which shows it as a giant loop. But perhaps the quicker part doesn't have the best bits! ;)
Sorry Kalen not sure I know what you are referring to when you say not so. It is a loop, but the loop around the north part of the island takes longer than going the opposite way on the south side of the loop. Although the extra 30 or 45 minutes (not including stops for scenery) are 100% worth it to me.
Like I said my recommended route is Cabot Trail north through Cheticamp, play Le Portage, through to Highlands and then The Lakes driving back to Halifax
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Not so according to this link which shows it as a giant loop. But perhaps the quicker part doesn't have the best bits! ;)
Sorry Kalen not sure I know what you are referring to when you say not so. It is a loop, but the loop around the north part of the island takes longer than going the opposite way on the south side of the loop. Although the extra 30 or 45 minutes (not including stops for scenery) are 100% worth it to me.
Like I said my recommended route is Cabot Trail north through Cheticamp, play Le Portage, through to Highlands and then The Lakes driving back to Halifax
Frank,
Sounds good! I hope to get up there sooner that later, but so many destinations on my bucket list at the moment.
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Jon, my advice to make the best use of 3-4 days.
1. While possibly difficult if you leave the UK on Saturday morning, an arrival in Halifax prior to 2:00 pm enables 18 holes Saturday before sunset in late June / early July. Choose the Links as the round will be quicker and the course closer to both the airport / resort. Have dinner either at the restaurant or the pub on site.
2. That enables two rounds on both courses plus a trip to Highland Links. So I would recommend 36 at the Cliffs on Sunday. On Monday, head to Highland Links via the quickest route. After the round follow the Cabot Trail counter clockwise. It is one of the great 3 hour drives in the world. Then play 18 at the Links first thing Tuesday morning before heading to the airport.
3 Other non-golf stuff beyond the Cabot Trail.
- breakfast at the Downstreet Coffee Company (owned by Cabot Links) in town
- Sunday dinner at The Glenora Distillery 10 minutes from the resort. The locals call it just The Distillery. Other option is a lobster supper around Chetiacamp.
- Monday dinner at the on site restaurant you did not eat at on Saturday
- Tuesday lunch at The Red Shoes Pub in Mabou on the return to the Halifax Airport. By the way, the possible 3rd course site is near there. Other option is Saturday lunch on the way in, if time to still get your game in.
- on the Cabot Trail the best drink or snack stop is The Rusty Anchor
Suppose if your time is tight a tough choice of excluding Highland Links or only one round on each course.
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make your trip as complicated as possible is always the way to go ::)
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Please, please, please take time to drive the Cabot Trail.
While you do that, stop off at Le Portage in Cheticamp. Very cool little Acadian town. They offer whale watching tours.
Then drive over to Highlands Links along the Cabot Trail. From there, enjoy a stay at Keltic Lodge or drive back to Halifax/Sydney.
Take your time. There is a LOT more than just golf on Cape Breton Island!
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Dan,
Its funny, and I'm not poking fun here, but I never see this advice when going to Bandon...its always "Drive to the resort, don't leave the resort".... despite the fact that Oregon has one of the most beautiful coast line drives in the world with all kinds of stuff to do/experience.
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Kalen
The Cabot Trail is fantastic, but what makes it a must for me is that it's the road to Highlands Links. I have long wanted to do a Cape Breton golf piece headed 'Two of the world's best courses separated by one of the world's best roads'.
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Adam,
And perhaps that's the missing link....I wonder if the Cabot Trail drive would still be recommended if something akin to Astoria Country Club were waiting for you on the other end!
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Dan,
Its funny, and I'm not poking fun here, but I never see this advice when going to Bandon...its always "Drive to the resort, don't leave the resort".... despite the fact that Oregon has one of the most beautiful coast line drives in the world with all kinds of stuff to do/experience.
Kalen, I think you underestimate or overlooked the Cabot Trail’s Loop structure. Driving the Oregon coastline doesn’t bring you back to where you started.
If one really wanted, they could drive the entirety of the Cabot Trail from Cabot Links before mid-afternoon and still get a round in at Cabot in the late aft or split up the drive with a round at Highlands and be back at Cabot in the evening. Of course that would mean there wouldn’t be any stopping, which is difficult to do when there’s so many unique things to see.
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Dan,
Its funny, and I'm not poking fun here, but I never see this advice when going to Bandon...its always "Drive to the resort, don't leave the resort".... despite the fact that Oregon has one of the most beautiful coast line drives in the world with all kinds of stuff to do/experience.
that is funny isn't it
it's probably influenced by the dreaded East Coast "difficult" travel
yet the drive along the Oregon Coast is a slower 2 lane highway the whole way, and can be too slow for many folks
decent golf @ Astoria, Gearhart, Salishan, Sandpines with the drive
vs. golf @ Waverley with the drive
vs. golf @ Eugene with the drive
yet Bandon is Mecca, no doubt
if I go back to Cabot it will not include any drive around Cape Breton, having already seen it, unless I'm sightseeing with my better half :)
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Thank you all for excellent advice. The comparison to Bandon was interesting - as I really enjoyed the drive from Portland going along my favorite river (since we love lists here, the Umpqua River is #1!) but also marveling at the economic depravity of the towns on the way.
I'm not sure what we are going to do. The plan is to couple this with a few days in the Boston area. If we are unsuccessful getting on the good courses there then we will probably extend our Canada trip.
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JW,
Cliffs 3 plays Links 2
Yes that drive along the Umpqua is fantastic, and yes the timber industry was not sustainable and left much of rural Oregon in a $$ bind, and thus the significance of the success of Bandon year round.
Coincidentally, like Bandon, Cabot has great sunsets, being on the on the west coast of Cape Breton, as well as a similar economic resurgence thanks to Mike Keiser.
old video yet still revealing, below
http://www.golfchannel.com/video/mike-keiser-bandon-dunes-and-cabot-links/
cheers
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The neat thing about this thread and brilliance of Cabot Links is that:
- virtually everyone is right from their perspective
- the misconceptions that still exist regarding Cape Breton, travel time and airport connections
If you have limited time and/or just want to play lots of golf just get to Inverness and play the two courses. In 2016, we played 6 rounds on two courses leaving Toronto on morning of day 1 and returning early evening of day 4. Those that have an interest in GCA or interesting scenery/food/culture should extend a day. If an extension not possible it ends up being 5 rounds on 3 courses in the same time frame versus 6. On the quick, 12-14 hours needed to get to Highland Links one way, play a round, return the other (completing the whole Cabot Trail) and have a stop or two during the day. Did that too prior to the opening of the Cliffs. Kalen says it best, "Two of the world's best courses separated by one of the world's best roads". The key is that if you intend to be in Cape Breton only once make sure you include Highland Links.
In terms of the misconceptions, see Ben Cowan Dewar's June 2004 Feature Interview - question 9. While the Sydney airport is closer it suffers from both fewer reasonably direct connections and generally speaking poor arrival / departure times even best case from Toronto. That makes the lodging better in Inverness versus an overnight at Keltic. Mike K knows as he wouldn't buy it combined with the course a few years back!
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well said Mike :)
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The drive to Highlands Links, and the golf, are absolutely worth an extra day. Nothing against the Lakes or Le Portage, but I would not cram them into a trip of this length. I'd leave as much time as possible for the Cabot Trail -- Cheticamp, hiking, camera stops, Ingonish Beach, even the Englishtown ferry. I've done that drive a dozen times now and still use every minute available to me for it.
That said, if you find yourself set on two days of just Cabot, the shuttle can be an option, especially if it saves you a car rental or a jet-lagged drive in the dark. Inverness is very accessible on foot.
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Everyone, you are all amazing. I know we sometimes disagree on this board about certain things, but I really do appreciate your advice and it has been heeded. Here is my itinerary:
June 28 (Boston) - Essex County / Boston Golf Club
June 29 (Boston) - Myopia Hunt Club
June 30 - Highland Links
July 1 & 2 - 36 each day at Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs
The nice thing is you can fly direct from Boston, so combining Boston with this trip made sense.
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The nice thing is you can fly direct from Boston, so combining Boston with this trip made sense.
By "direct" do you mean Boston to Halifax nonstop or Boston to Sydney with a stop in Halifax?
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Just came back from Cabot late last week, so thought I'd give an update for those planning to head up there this summer.
CABOT
Course:
- Was very impressed with the conditions of both courses. Greens were faster than I expected. Can't imagine they can get much faster as they resulted in a wobbly ball or two when the wind was really up. Caddies said that the course should be running very hard and fast in 3 weeks (currently early in the season, so we weren't getting quite as much roll as you'd expect on a links course).
- I don't think I've ever had more fun on a course in 30 degree weather! Cliffs is spectacular, although I thought the Links was more fun. I'd still pick more rounds on the Cliffs though, just because it's so unique.
Off-Course:
- Downstreet Coffee Company was sold last week and is now closed. Not sure when they will re-open, but it definitely looked like it will take some time. I believe it was bought by Route 19 Brewing, which is scheduled for opening across the street from Cabot later this summer. It's still a ways off if judging by construction, but will be a real nice addition for golfers. For off-site breakfast, everyone seemed to be frequenting Robin's Donuts across the street. As an aside, the sale apparently affected the famous cookies on the first tee, as they now have to "outsource" them and only had them sparingly.
- No putting cups in the rooms or in the pro shop - bummer!
- After having visited Bandon, I found that Cabot is not the well-oiled machine that Bandon is. Understandable due to the short golf season, temporary workers, and it being early in the season, but I spent more time trying to get things done at the front desk than I ever have at any other resort. 15 mins to make a dinner reservation at Panorama, 20 mins to check-in, 15 mins to get our key after we already checked-in, etc. Never once did they pick up the phone. Obviously there for the golf, but good to have expectations in line and to give yourself extra time if you're trying to rush to a tee-time. All these things are minor though since the golf is so good.
HIGHLAND LINKS
Course:
- An absolute must-play. The stretch from 2-9 is perhaps the most unique stretch of golf holes that I have ever played - I was floored with the design, the strategy, and sheer beauty on every one of those tee boxes (not to mention we saw a moose and bald eagle in that stretch as well). The back 9 had some unbelievable holes as well, but were more interspersed.
- Would highly suggest trying to play 2 rounds out there. Knowing a bit about the blind shots is one thing. The other is that the mounding in the fairways is relentless and a shock to the system...zero flat lies. Was completely frustrated after the first round that I didn't get to hit some of the shots I wanted, simply because I was so focused on not sculling/chunking/shanking the ball. Second round was so much more enjoyable to play due to being prepared for what lies ahead.
- Conditioning was...playable. Course had only been open for a week, so there was a lot of winter kill on the greens. I have no idea how they keep that course maintained with the hills/remoteness of some of the holes, so I can't foresee it ever being in great shape (after finishing, you really appreciate how the heck they made the course even playable). I think it will be in decent shape later in the summer.
Off-course:
- Had a great stay and play rate there that included two rounds of golf per person. We were able to play early in the morning, drive the long-way around the Cabot Trail, stop for some lobster in Cheticamp, and be on the first tee of Cabot Cliffs by 4:00 pm (can't think of a better 36-hole day!). There should be enough sunlight for that through August or so. Seems like teetimes start later at Cabot, so it may not be doable the other way around.
OTHERS:
- Arrived in Halifax at 1:15 pm. That's too late to play at the above courses, so booked a (surprisingly reasonable) stay and play rate at Fox Harb'r. The back 9 has some excellent holes (and views!) and there are a few decent holes on the front as well. You'll scratch your head on a half-dozen or so architectural decisions (especially on the waterfront holes), but still an enjoyable setting and am guessing it's as good of a course as you're going to get in Nova Scotia outside of Cape Breton. Definitely not worth the rack rate though, so look into the packages.
We were definitely focused on the golf (9 rounds in 5 days), but would suggest that everyone drives the Cabot Trail at least once - note that the "can't miss" part is really between Cheticamp and Ingonish, so only go the Google Maps quick way between the two courses if you REALLY need to shave off that extra 20 minutes or so.
Hope this helps - happy to answer any questions.
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Erik, would you say that Fox Harb’r is worth the 90 minute detour from Halifax en route to Cabot? I’m flying into Halifax and have time for one extra round and that was where I was thinking of playing.
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During my Cabot/Highland trip in 2015 we played all over Cape Breton...the only course I found really noteworthy other than Cabot/Highland was The Lakes...was a pretty cool mountain course adjacent to a ski hill with great views...certain holes reminded me of Colorado/Montana golf!
Bell Bay and Fox Harb'r were full of nice people and scenic at times (especially FH), but not great golf courses.
We also did the PEI swing too with Crowbush/Dundarave and Green Gables, and I really liked GG. Again, great people and pretty country, but the # of great courses is not that high.
The Links at Brunello is brand new and just outside Halifax, accepting public play before going private...I didn't play it but it looks intriguing.
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Erik, would you say that Fox Harb’r is worth the 90 minute detour from Halifax en route to Cabot? I’m flying into Halifax and have time for one extra round and that was where I was thinking of playing.
The back nine at Fox Harb'r is memorable (I think the non-"oceanfront" holes are actually more interesting than the ones on the water) and the facilities/conditioning are excellent. We're happy we went. If you can get a good rate, I'd do it as you probably won't leave disappointed. However, you also won't leave with a sense of GCA enlightenment (it's ultimately a resort course), and it's probably not worth it if it keeps you from a round at Cabot or Highland.
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Direct flight to Halifax.... There aren't that many cities in the US that have direct flights there. Chicago doesn't for example.
The nice thing is you can fly direct from Boston, so combining Boston with this trip made sense.
By "direct" do you mean Boston to Halifax nonstop or Boston to Sydney with a stop in Halifax?
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True, Halifax is not easy from the US. My preferred route is to go through Toronto then on to Sydney. Toronto is accessible from dozens of US cities and the drive from Sydney airport to either Highland Links or Cabot is under 2 hours.
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Just read the Google reviews on Highlands. A bunch of posters claiming to be locals, say new management has let the place go a bit.
Could just be haters, but they moaned about everything from conditioning, to lack of service, to steep pricing....