Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/130253
iG1304--rev 5/12/13 11:46 AM Page 1 BUCKET LIST GOLF BY LISA 'LONGBALL" VLOOSWYK Cabot Links ALL IMAGES CREDIT: ROB HOWARD EXCEPT WHERE NOTED Could Be Better Than Bandon Dunes CABOT LINKS When I heard that Bandon Dunes owner Chicago greeting card giant Mike Keiser was going to partner with the charismatic Ben Cowan Dewar and build the only authentic links course in Canada, Cabot Links in Nova Scotia, I had to make the pilgrimage. I took the red eye flight from Calgary to Halifax and landed at 6:00 am. I hopped in my rental car and made the 3 hour trek to Cabot Links. Much like Bandon Dunes, Cabot Links is situated in a remote area not located near a major center which adds to the mystique and the marvel of the property. It is not meant to be convenient, it is meant to be a destination. In fact, plans are underway for the second course on property and there is room for more. The second course will be a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design named Cabot Cliffs. The views are spectacular. It will also sport a hotel complex, with a potential opening date of mid-2014. This may just become Bandon Dunes North. I traveled through to the small quaint town of Inverness, Nova Scotia located on the west shores on Cape Breton Island. Coal was the major resource in the area but when the last mine shut down in the 1990's the town experienced some tough times with fishing and tourism as their major industries. Cabot Links, now ironically built on top of the old mine is the shot in the arm that this community desperately needed. I was thrilled my room was ready early so I could check in. No detail was missed in creating a golf community atmosphere with the 48-room simple but luxurious accommodations at the Cabot Links Lodge. The building blends into the surroundings and is not ostentatious, constructed from local materials such as cedar and heavy timber. As I walked past all the doors to my room I was delighted by the golf quotes that adorn each door. One read, "I could not wait for the sun to come up the next morning so that I could get out on the course again" - Ben Hogan; another stated "Even God has to practice his putting" - Unknown. What a great touch. When I entered my room I literally gasped. As I looked down the hall all I could see was this breathtaking view of the golf course through an impressive floor to ceiling window. I dropped my bags and walked over to the window and just took in the view in awe. The undulating fairways a mere chip shot from my room and golfers strolling down the hole. I quickly got changed and went out to the course. My tee time wasn't until the next morning but I had to walk out to the first tee. The starter's podium was located in the midst of fescue and rugged terrain. Beyond was the expanse of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. All you could see was sea and sky going on for what looked like an eternity. I just simply stood and stared. After walking around the property I was absolutely giddy to play, but alas I had to bide my time. I went to the Panorama dining room named for its absolutely spectacular view of the course and sea. Although I am an Alberta beef girl I was seduced by the scrumptious seafood. The scallops were to die for and there is a concentrated focus to bring in many ingredients indigenous to the area. I was like a kid on Christmas Eve that night awaiting one of the first tee times of the morning with head pro Joe Robinson formerly of Highlands Links, the most famous course in Cape Breton prior to Cabot Links. Robinson was a true Continued On Facing Page THE OTHER CAPE BRETON GEMS the tip of Cape Breton in Ingonish, it is worth the drive. It is a beautiful trip up the Cabot Trail that will have you stopping for photo ops. Late Canadian Pro George Knudson said of the course, "It's the only course 1. Highlands Links: This stunning I'd be happy to walk without clubs." Stanley Thompson design set in the 2. Le Portage: Located in the midst of the Cape Breton Highlands Acadian village of Cheticamp, this and the Atlantic Ocean has been gem is only a 45 minute drive from voted one of Canada's top golf Cabot Links. Again a beautiful drive courses time and time again. weaving through fishing villages HIGHLANDS Although it is another 2 hours to and maritime culture. There are Cape Breton is home to some of Canada's finest golf. When you make the trek to the island to play Cabot Links ensure to include on your itinerary the following 3 courses: LINKS 16TH architect Graham Cooke said, The Lakes presents the golfer with eighteen distinct postcard views. Rock outcrops, hustling streams, gorgeous views of Bras d Or Lakes, grassy meadows and lush fairways make this a must play. The PGA Tour Canada agrees and will be hosting an event this year. A 3. The Lakes Golf Club: This course Festival of Golf is planned is only a few years old but no around the tournament Sept stranger to acclaim. Course 2nd-8th... A great time to visit. fantastic views on the course of the highlands, tree lined fairways, and various elevated tees and greens that provide a fun and challenging experience for golfers of all abilities. Don't miss saying hello to the delightful head pro Dave Deluzio that makes an effort with his staff to make every golfer feel like it is their home course. THE LAKES 17TH IMAGES CREDIT/COURTESY: DESTINATION CAPE BRETON 60