Golf Arundel

Mountains in the distance behind the club house

We had long heard about a pretty 18-hole course in Arundel from our neighbours, and this week finally had the opportunity to play a full round.  Last year, we got out for nine holes and enjoyed it thoroughly, but some of the best scenery is on the back nine so this is definitely a course to play eighteen.  For hockey fans, you might be interested to know that this course is owned by Dickie Moore.  If you're not a hockey fan, then just know that this is a darn pretty place to play.

First impression is of the fluently bilingual woman that runs the pro shop - a surprise out in the Quebec countryside and she is a real charmer.  No need for tee times during the week...both of our visits were unannounced and we walked right on.  This is definitely a locals spot and for a country course, it is very well maintained.  Don't expect PGA tour grooming, but the course obviously well loved.  It is a fairly forgiving course with few narrow fairways and welcoming open greens, but still challenging and over 6,500 yards from the tips. 

Karen tees off into the valley

As I mentioned above, the back nine is the most picturesque and begins with the elevated tee on the 12th hole (or might be the 13th) where you hit down into the valley for the remainder of the round.  Fountains adorn a few of the greens and tees down here, and several of the holes offer beautiful views of the winding Riviere Rouge.  Naturally, what goes down must the go up, so the 18th hole is a short par four that runs steeply up to an elevated green beside the pro shop. When your round is done, make sure to look inside the vintage club house complete with an historic fireplace.