Devilish Hole 4

The Rock Golf Course:

Sir Nick Faldo's Grand Muskoka Design.

Posted by: Rick Parnham

Muskoka has no shortage of fantastic granite golf experiences to savour. The Rock Golf Course in Minnett opened in 2004 as the first Canadian design by multiple major champion and current Jim Nantz sidekick Sir Nick Faldo.  Built atop a very rugged Canadian Shield landscape, the layout boasts bold features; massive rock outcrops, dramatic elevation changes, challenging ponds and thick, tree-lined fairways. Faldo set out to use the natural elements to shape the course where he creatively routed the holes to fit the existing terrain without giving the feel of the layout being forced on the property.

Risk / Reward Hole 14

The original design that opened in 2004 to award-winning acclaim was widely considered one of the most difficult golf courses in Ontario. Nearly a decade ago the ownership set out to renovate and soften the course. The routing is now slightly more playable and more resort golf friendly than the opening years. It still can play as a brute, demanding accuracy more than length in many places and severely punishing errant shots. The course blends beautifully with the natural setting and is a visually spectacular and superb shot making challenge.

Location: Minett, Ontario

Editor's Shot Maker's Picks: The Rock

Feature Holes Descriptions:

Hole three is a dogleg right par 4 that is one of the most beautiful holes on the golf course.  A well Placed drive must find the center of the tight corridor of fairway lined with a thick forest down the left side. Getting to the corner of the dogleg is a must to set you up for a tricky downhill approach to the green site backed by a granite wall and fronted by a pond.  Take care as a big number awaits. The ninth hole is a tremendously long snaking double dog leg par five.  A well struck drive leaves you with options on your second; a lay-up to the corner is advised, where aggressive players may challenge the pond leaving a shorter wedge shot to the green.

Rugged Muskoka Beauty

The 12th is a two-tiered par four with a huge fall off at the end of the landing area. The steep cliff edge and dramatic drop to the green requires great care with club selection for both your drive and approach. The long narrow green is protected short right by a bunker and on the left by two more bunkers and a wetland. The short risk reward par 4 number 14 is a pure beauty. Plenty of trouble and challenge awaits the errant drive; however, the perfect drive will be rewarded with an eagle putt attempt.  The safe play is to hit a long iron or hybrid to the landing area leaving a flip wedge into a very difficult green surrounded by bunkers.

Course Stats:

There are numerous Muskoka golf facilities waiting for you to book your summer tee time.  The Rock provides you with a premier experience in both design and service. A full practice facility gets you prepared for the test that awaits, while the beautifully appointed clubhouse and patio are perfect for pre and post-round socializing.  Combining a round at The Rock with a terrific stay and play experience at Clevelands House Resort gives you a great opportunity to experience Muskoka at its summer finest.

Drive Times: Pearson International Airport 2 hrs, Barrie 80 mins, Sudbury 2 hrs 30 mins.

Contact:

The Rock Golf Course

Juddhaven Rd,

Minett, ON

P0B 1G0

(705) 765-7625

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