Northumberland Links Golf Nova Scotia

Strategy – Hole #14, Grim Reaper

By cultural definition ..A figure commonly used to represent death. The Grim Reaper is a skeleton or solemn-looking man carrying a scythe, who cuts off people’s lives as though he were harvesting grain.
So there you have it……this hole can slice and dice a good round like the aforementioned Reaper’s scythe.

Why so scary?

The tee shot demands accuracy. As you stand on the tee, you look slightly right and there’s water, left there is the ocean crashing against the shoreline, a smartly placed bunker and 3 large mounds covered in fescue. To suggest trouble is lurking is to describe Freddy Kruger as having sharp fingernails.

So let’s get to it. Aim left of center with whatever club you have confidence. If long enough to reach bunker or mounds on left, you’ll still live to hit another shot. Too far left or long left, and there is a penalty area running parallel to the Strait.

Second shot requires the player to place the ball somewhere left of the green looking down the fairway. Distance isn’t always rewarded as the fairway runs out and away into heavy rough.

The angle into this green is of the utmost importance. If you’re inside the 150-yard marker on the short stuff, you have the chance to hit the elevated green and hold it. It slopes from back to front. A shot long will put you on defense. Getting the ball close from back of green or longer will be a stringent test. Bunkers in front and one long….along with fescue mounds, protect the putting surface. A two putt here for any score on this hole will be a good two putt…..period.

Everyone faces the Grim Reaper. Be brave and try not to let it keep you up at night!!!

Strategy – Hole #10, Bold Reward

There are two strategies that, executed properly, can lead to a stress-free par or maybe a birdie.

The first, take a driver over the trees on this dogleg left with about a 240-yard carry if on correct line. This has the reward of a chip shot onto a sloped back to the front green. Sounds enticing! Thing is, it’s a blind landing area that has funny kicks. There’s the irrigation pond just left of the green and then if you’re a little right, it could run across the fairway through the rough and into trees.

The second is a 185 yard carry down the middle, avoiding the fairway bunker at the 210-yard range. This will put you just inside the 150-yard marker. A “member’s bounce” will go left and get closer. You’re left with an elevated second shot looking at the Northumberland Strait and a very receptive green.

So which one will you choose?

“Beauty Course”

This course was amazing. Having played Cabot Link the day before it wasn’t a let down at all. The greens are in amazing shape, with subtle slopes but a high stimp rating. The holes along the water are jaw dropping. ~ Kim, Qispamsis, NB

“Worth the trip”

Had been told by several golfers we met in New Brunswick that this was a great course to play. We made a detour on our way from Moncton to PEI this year just to see for ourselves. Great golf course especially the very scenic holes overlooking the Northumberland Strait!

Phillip, Florida

“Great golf, friendly people”

We were travelling from Cape Breton to Fredricton and decided to stop for a round at Northumberland. It was a great decision. The course is a hidden gem. Our only regret was that we couldn’t stay for another day.

Sarah, Florida

“Hidden gem”

We played the front nine where the view on each and every hole surely rival Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Ballybunion or Old St. Andrews. Lush, full turf and groomed, flatness enhanced by greens that were true and perfect pace.

Mike, North Carolina

“Great course”

This is my favourite course in all of Canada. Great scenery, very fast and challenging greens and some of the friendliest staff anywhere. Watch out when the wind comes up!

Sean, South Africa

“Great golf by the sea”

We played this course after flying in from Halifax for a golf trip in Cape Breton. It was worth the stopover.

Jim, Toronto