Challenging Hole 8

Orchard Beach Golf Club:

A Lake Simcoe Favorite for Nearly a Century.

Posted by: Rick Parnham

Stanley Thompson is credited with dozens of classic designs throughout Canada and the U.S. The post WWI era saw an explosion of golf courses being built to satisfy the appetite for golf during the "Roaring Twenties." The charming community of Keswick is home to the Orchard Beach Golf and Country Club, opened in 1926 and one of the many Thompson creations that dot the Southern Ontario landscape. Celebrating its 90th year with great deals and numerous events, this classic parkland nine-hole layout continues to be a local favorite. 

Lake Simcoe has long been a coveted respite for its beautiful sunsets and charming shorelines. One of Ontario's original vacation spots, the south shore has been a recreational destination providing generations a place to connect with nature and enjoy memorable quality time with friends and family. The former Metropolitan Railway connected Toronto to Jackson's Point and brought city dwellers to the gentle shores of the lake. By the time of its closing in 1930, Keswick and Sutton had become the playgrounds for some of Toronto's elite. One of those famous vacationers was hockey legend Conn Smythe. 

Hole 4 "Punch Bowl"

Local lore has it that Smythe and some fellow golf enthusiasts were instrumental in the vision and building of the Orchard Beach Golf and Country Club. Perched high above Metro Road, the course traverses the rolling landscape and remains largely unchanged from its beginnings. Over the years a few nips and tucks have resulted in a routing change, some new tee decks to lengthen several holes, plus the addition of bunkers, mounding and tree planting, all done to enhance the challenge and playing experience.

The greens, typical of a Thompson design, are the primary defense for the course. Not overly lengthy by today's standard, playing to 3050 yards from the tips, the putting surfaces are what provide the ultimate test of par. Many are sloped from front to back demanding a deft touch with your approaches. The bowl green on hole-4 appears to be an easy target, however the severe slopes bring a  three putt into consideration if you aren't careful. Hole-5, the gentle dogleg right par 4, has the most dramatic green on the course. Built up like a launching ramp to the splendid back drop of Cooks Bay, the green climbs more than  six feet from front to back. Multiple ridges and shelves guard the hole, while the steep fall-offs with pot bunkers loom for any wayward approach.

Gorgeous Lake Simcoe Vista

Those looking for a historic nine hole golf experience should consider a chance to savour a round at the Orchard Beach Golf and Country Club. The club's warning bells and periscopes are a couple of the charms not often seen on today's contemporary designs. Largely unchanged from its roots, the classic features an old-school feel of the course will delight purists while providing a fair challenge for players of all abilities. Be sure to pay a visit to the humble clubhouse to view some some of the club's historic hardware. Perched proudly on a shelf above the walkout to the terrace next to the final green you can catch a glimpse of Conn Smythe's name on another trophy. This one has been presented to the men's club champion for decades.

Course Stats:

Driving Distances: Newmarket 25 mins, Barrie 1 hr, Toronto 1 hr.

Contact:

Orchard Beach Golf Club

273 Metro Rd N,

Keswick, ON

L4P 3E1

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