Otter Creek Golf Club

Otter Creek Golf Club
18 holes, 7,124 yards, Par 72

No smoke — much of the 300-acre parcel of land where Otter Creek Golf Club lies was previously used for tobacco farming. Otter Creek ranges from more than 7,000 yards from the tips to less than 5,000 from the front tees - suiting average and scratch golfers alike. As director of golf Darren Allan says: “it’s one of the only courses I’ve played where, from the tips, you need every club in your bag.”

The course is the vision of architect Dick Kirkpatrick (Copetown Woods). The course, located 20 minutes south of Woodstock in Otterville – a town so small there’s not even a restaurant – was routed through fertile farmland, wooded valleys and along a trio of creeks. For a first-year course, the fairways, tees and greens are all in good shape. The greens have lots of movement; many are two-tiered and several have severe slopes. Waste bunkers are prominently used on several holes, especially No. 11 where the fairway is replaced with one of these hazards from 100 yards in.

The fifth – a tough par 3 where you hit from an elevated tee down to a tight green with lots of undulation – is where the challenge really begins. On the front, No. 8 is another memorable hole. The 398-yard par 4 is a dogleg right. Hitting from an elevated tee, you get a spectacular vista of the woodland below. While not long, you must cross Otter Creek twice, so the hole demands precision.

This pleasurable golf experience ends with a deceptively tough and stunning finishing hole. While not long at 475 from the tips, what this par 5 lacks in length, it makes up for in difficulty. Hitting from an elevated tee, your drive with a long iron must carry a large pond on the left, but don’t go too far right as the fairway slopes down to Otter Creek. The second shot must cross a second creek before reaching a severely sloped green.

“I like to say No.18 is like the finishing hole at Hamilton G&CC, but on steroids,” says Kirkpatrick. “It’s a spectacular par-5 that will make or potentially break many rounds.”

Currently a trailer doubles as the director of golf’s office and pro shop, but plans are to build a 5,000 square-foot clubhouse, beginning later this year.

Location:
275 James Street, Otterville. www.ottercreekgolfclub.com. 519-879-9800

Green Fees: $48 throughout the week and $55 on weekends and holidays. After 3 p.m. $35, Twilight (after 5 p.m.) $20.

Reservations: up to six days in advance.
More articles by David McPherson