Let’s be honest: In the summer, we like to kick off our shoes, lounge on patios, catch some sun on the mountain… Relaxation becomes second nature. Dreaded are the days when the temperature drops and, worse, we start working for the weekends again. As firm believers in work hard/play hard, don’t let the change of season keep you from what you enjoy most. The following golf clubs are open well into autumn. Stressed? Take it out on your Titleist.
Les Quatre Domaines
Whether you’re looking for a day on the green, one-on-one coaching, or even a wedding reception, Les Quatre Domaines has you covered. This club offers two courses: the first, an idyllic landscape that welcomes both new and old players; the second, a more demanding course that challenges even veterans of the sport. With reception rooms that facilitate corporate meetings and an academy for youngsters, Les Quatre goes above and beyond the expectations of a standard golf club, including online reservations. 18400 Notre Dame, Mirabel, 450-434-0048.
Owl’s Head
If you’re the type to blow off steam on the fairway, Owl’s Head probably isn’t the club for you. Everything about this club is tranquil, from the bent grass trees to the immaculately placed waterholes, no surprise that Owl’s Head wins awards year after year. Designed by noted golf architect Graham Cooke, and one of Canada’s best courses, it’s safe to say Owl’s Head is worth the drive out. We suggest you don’t ruin your experience with brevity: Stay the night. After you see the clubhouse, decked out with native fieldstone and five fireplaces, we’re sure you’ll agree. 181 Owl’s Head, Mansonville, 450-292-3666.
Meadowbrooke
Looking to stay close to home? Meadowbrooke, part of the Montreal’s golf community since the 1930s, is one of the few clubs located near the city. The facility offers a driving range if you’re looking to practice your swing, and a modest-but-fun eighteen-hole course. Check out the hole-by-hole online photo gallery to see if it’s on par with your skill level. 8370 Côte Saint–Luc, 514-488-6612.
Le Diable
The gates of hell close this year on October 23, which, while being weeks away, is sooner than you think. You don’t want to miss a last chance to golf at Le Diable any year; this is another off-the-beaten-path club, but experts tired of the same-old, same-old need look no further. Book in advance, because this club is hot at all times: Le Diable has been noted as one of the best courses in Canada, receiving 4.5 stars from Gold Digest in 2007. 1000 Chemin des Voyageurs, Mont Tremblant, 1 888-738-1777.
Golf des Îles
One more recommended club near the city’s centre, just across the river from the Port of Montreal: Golf des Îles is a compact and not-inexpensive option for Montrealers requiring a quick fix (hello, driving range). Another Graham Cooke masterpiece, the course features an above-average number of ruthless hazards. Golf des Îles recently acquired by Groupe Beaudet, owners of seven different Quebec clubs; we recommend you become a member, to gain access to all 153 collective holes their courses offer. 255 Île Sainte-Marguerite, Boucherville, 450-670-4653.
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Image courtesy of Jim Lynch.
