We welcome a very family-oriented course with
casual atmosphere back to the GO family
Nestled on the outskirts of Keene, Ontario, on the north shore of Rice Lake, lays a hidden treasure of golf, Bellmere Winds Golf Resort. The course features breathtaking views of the Lake at almost every turn, large undulating greens and dramatic elevation changes, and all surrounded by a family-friendly resort.
A unique destination combining gorgeous golf scenery, six-month cottage life opportunities, boating, swimming, campfires and more, Bellmere has recently rejoined the Golf Ontario family of facilities. Today they kick off our Friday Facility Feature, spotlighting some of our amazing member courses.
With 400 cottages, 375 member-owned and the remaining 25 available for stay-and-play packages, Bellmere provides a unique experience in Ontario. Built in three stages after the course was initially built, the first cottage phase is situated down on the water, Phase Two is just above the golf course up the hill, and Phase Three sits more inland. As an added bonus, cottage ownership comes with 6 (yes, six!) family member golf memberships. Options to buy cottages start from just $99,900 with payment plans available.
A Jack Lally design, the course shows off beautiful lake views on nearly every hole at different elevations. The front nine is sometimes narrow with fescue-lined fairways, while the back nine is wider open, perhaps more forgivable. Most will find the front a greater yet approachable challenge. The back nine begins with perhaps their signature hole, a fabulous par-5 elevated 10th tee drive looking down to the water, followed by the 11th and 12th played along the lakeside resort (Phase One).
Bellmere has recently gone through some renovations, including the bunkers. Out of play for the last few years because of COVID, they’ve been rejuvenated back to life, and fescue has been taken away in spots allowing more errant shots to be salvageable and a quicker pace of play. In addition, the greens are in good shape, rolled a few days a week, thanks to Superintendent Eric Van Gerwen.
Although also in his first year at Bellmere, Van Gerwen has over ten years of experience as a Greenskeeper. He’s worked at various notable courses such as Peterborough Golf and Country Club, Conestoga Golf & Country Club and Beach Hall Golf Club. With this experience working on golf courses, he has learned the necessary requirements to maintain a golf course in pristine condition and the keys to exceeding golfer expectations.
Additional features at the course include detailed GPS in all carts, four different tee decks for various skill levels, a newly constructed single hitting bay to warm up on, large putting green, member events, and an outdoor grill featuring burgers and pizza with gorgeous views of the lake and the scenic 10th tee. Future plans for the course include additional irrigation and cart path upgrades.
QUICK SHOTS:
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: (Gold) 6696 / (Blue) 6203 / (White) 6022 / (Red) 5275
Bunkers: 36
Visit their website here to learn more about Bellmere Winds Golf Resort, including membership purchases, cottage ownership, and stay-and-play packages.
BELLMERE WINDS GOLF RESORT
1235 Villiers Line
Keene, ON K0L 2G0
Phone: 705-295-3000
Website: bellmerewindsgolfresort.com
Facebook / @BellmereWinds
Instagram / @BellmereWindsResort
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information or to have us out to photo/drone/visit your course, please contact:
Peter MacKellar
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca
