Harbour View:

Six Thousand Yards of Shot-Making

It’s fitting that the former home course of Canada’s most famous ball striker, demands that you hit it straight. Legendary Moe Norman used to belong to this parkland beauty in Gilford that calls out to the golfing purist who values shot selection and strategy.

The layout is 6000 yards from the back deck, leading many to think the course could be a push over. While length is certainly not the prime defence at Harbour View, menacing streams, punishing ponds, abundant trees, strategic doglegs, and subtle, tricky greens will surely test your game.  

The very welcoming short par 4 that starts you off is followed by some challenging holes over water and through dense woods. The very welcoming short par 4 that starts you off is followed by some challenging holes over water and through dense woods. These holes force you to select the right amount of risk for the maximum amount of reward. You might want to leave the driver in the bag on the par 5s, unless you wish to make some donations to the used golf ball industry. Have fun with the stream that splits the fairway on nine, it just dares you to try and get over.

The back nine is equally challenging. The 14th is a true risk-reward hole with a pond on the inside of the dog-leg and a sentinel tree wreaking havoc with the approach to the green. Seventeen is more of a candy cane than a dog-leg. Don’t cut too much of it off or you’ll block yourself with a stand of trees. The driveable finale once again makes you think about how risky you wish to play a hole from tee to green.

Course owners Kevin and Amy Watson have done a wonderful job creating a well matured gem. Fairways are full; the rough thick enough to punish the errant shot, and the greens had a very consistent roll to them. The manicuring gives a high priced feel to this great value course. 

Daily play rates and memberships are a tremendous deal here, considering its well manicured state gives it a high price feel. Eighteen holes range from $35 - $45, making Harbourview one of the Bay Area’s best golf values. 

Harbour View Golf Club

Gilford

705-456-2018