In Newfoundland I teed it up at Humber Valley, Gander and Terra Nova and caught salmon at Humber Falls and on the Gander River.
GOLF: The condition of the River course at Humber Valley Resort was the best I found in the province,
Humber Valley Resort's #10 hole of the River course since June and July throughout the Maritimes were cooler and rainier than usual and the courses were not quite prime. But Humber had a lushness and growth typically found in late July.
Doug Carrick's signature design favors expansive fairways at Humber Valley. Well-protected, bunkered greens and undulating putting surfaces add significantly to the challenge. The greens were fast in comparison to all others in Newfoundland and the putting lines were true at this tee to green bent grass track.
Many holes combined elevation drops to rolling valley fairways that spread out broadly from the tee. The fairway width and cascading terrain of holes overlooking Deer Lake and the Humber River accentuated both their length and loftiness.
The par 72 layout stretches to 7,199 yards from the back tees. It was Score Golf Magazine's Best New Course in Canada 2007.
“While playing the River course, you can stop on a hole running along the water and throw a line for Atlantic salmon,” said head golf professional Jamie Digby, who loves to do both.
Fishing for Atlantic salmon in Canada Photo by: Josh Tompkins The high-end exclusive four seasons luxury destination attracts an international market of second homebuyers and visitors who enjoy golf, fishing, tennis as well as skiing and other winter sports. (www.humbervalley.com)
Terra Nova Golf Resort occupies 220 acres of land on the shore of Clode Sound, in Bonavista Bay. Fingers of the North Atlantic Ocean touch the island's boreal forest at Terra Nova National Park. The resort sits within the park, adjacent to salmon rivers and the ocean.
Its par 71 Twin Rivers course stretches to only 6, 545 yards and the nine-hole Eagle Creek Course appeal to all levels. Twin Rivers winds its way along scenic ocean settings, secluded spruce-lined fairways, open links style and river holes that are very playable and aesthetically appealing.
Robbie Robinson's nine opened in 1984. Architect Doug Carrick's nine was added in 1991. Carrick's touch is obvious on holes displaying his characteristic accommodating fairways. But the forgiving landing areas are more than balanced by strategically placed, protected, and bunkered greens.
Eagle Creek was named after the bald variety of eagles frequently seen over this nine-hole gem. The par 35, 2,593 yard picturesque routing, designed by native Robert Walsh in 2001, is a favorite of players wanting a challenge or shorter round.
Eagle Creek golf course is a picturesque 9-hole layout Manager Scott Hatchard, avid golfer and salmon fisherman said, “The contrast of manicured fairways and greens set against the rugged beauty of the forest, rivers, and ocean, complete with moose, bald eagles and salmon fishing, make a round at Twin Rivers or Eagle Creek and stay at Terra Nova Golf Resort a unique experience.”
A visit, stay and play at the golf resort Is sure to please. Terra Nova Resort has 83 rooms and suites, two and three bedroom chalets, dining room and pub. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. The food is tastefully prepared.
Adding to the beautiful natural national park setting, golf and lodging is Terra Nova's ideal location for exploring the province's cultural and natural jewels. It is close to icebergs, whale watching, sea kayaking, hiking, theater, historical sites and salmon fishing. (www.terranovagolf.com)
Gander Golf Club's par 71, 18-hole course sits on a scenic setting of rolling terrain overlooking nearby 35-mile long, four-mile wide Gander Lake.
The Gander River stole my heart and touched my soul.
“Gander's distant and bucolic views, variety of holes playing both up and downhill, large bunkers and greens provide a very playable yet challenging routing." It began as the vision of a local priest and physician 45 years ago. In 1967 charter memberships were sold. Eight years later, after funding and a 99-year lease were secured, local volunteers began clearing the land by hand. The original holes three, four, five were built. Holes one, two, eight, nine were added in 1978. The natural topography of gentle hills was maintained and manually sculpted fairways, greens and tees were etched from existing woodland.
Years later members armed with a Douglas Carrick plan convinced the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency to fund the project. The dream was realized when the present day 18 opened in 2001.
“Gander's distant and bucolic views, variety of holes playing both up and downhill, large bunkers and greens provide a very playable yet challenging routing. The local golfing community and visitors play more than 25,000 rounds annually. This is a very family friendly club,” said Bert Peddle, Executive Member- Greens Chairman, who now mostly plays golf and no longer fishes. (www.gandergolfclub.ca)
FISHING: The passion for nature in the provinces emanates in conversation, demeanor and lifestyle.
Bill Nestor relaxing on the Restigouche River Photo by: Josh Tompkins Fishing guides Marcel on the Restigouche, Betty on the Miramichi, Bud on the Humber, and Ken on the Gander are all students of nature, history, fish and adherents to an ecological conscientiousness.
The Gander River stole my heart and touched my soul. Traveling many miles down river through a series of small rapids to a restored 1947 lodge in a pristine wilderness setting washed away the vestiges of travel. I fly-fished for salmon from morning to night, floated on the river, sat at the waters edge watching fish jump, waited for moose to wade, and was mesmerized by the magic of sunsets, the setting and seclusion. It is a mystical place.
“The river is more to me than a place to catch fish,” said fishing guide, singer and, songwriter Ken Raymond. Listening to the words and music from his CD, "Tunes From The River," confirms his unconstrained ardor, appreciation and desire to understand the ecosystem and preserve the river and a way of life.
Jacquie, an engineer and mother of three, who travels from her New Brunswick home to fish dawn till dusk on the Gander with a passion reserved for lovers, fishing and golf, said, “I can't get
Fly fishing in Canada is the best! Photo by: Web Young enough time on the river. The solitude, opportunity for reflection, throwing a line and catching fish is ecstasy.” Although a relative newcomer, she exemplifies a frequently observed ethereal reverence for fly-fishing.
Dr. R. traveled to the Gander from St. John. The experienced angler still lovingly pursues the oft- elusive salmon. Doc said, “I look forward to immersing my mind, spirit and body into the water to seek the catch, reflect on life and times, and be one with the line and the ebb and flow of the river.”
Hooking and landing a 20-pound salmon or a five-pound grilse-- working it, watching it leap from the water and run out the line, feeling the rushing water flowing beneath you under a clear, blue sky on a pristine river is phenomenal- much like getting a hole-in-one.
Bill Nestor writes about golf, travel and lifestyle from his home in Vermont. nestor@sover.net
Posted on 11/08/2008