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On November 18, 2009, parksy of Niagara Falls (8 handicap) posted:
For those that don't hit the ball far this can be a difficult course for you. For those that don't like slick greens this will also be a difficult course for you. I loved the greens because they are lightning fast. Layout was good and conditions were good too. I just struggled with the yardage because I don't hit the ball far.
I try and make it out as often as I can to what I think is one of the premier courses in Ontario. As long as the weather holds I plan to stick it out. To be able to enjoy such a well laid out and maintained course as Lochness is truly a bonus. Fall golf at its best come out and enjoy.
2
On November 1, 2009, Smokey23 of Stoney Creek posted:
Played here on Thursday.Had a great day.This is a great layout,love the greens,very receptive and rolled true.Staff are very friendly.Only downfall was course was very wet so cartpaths only.Can`t beat the price $45 including cart.Will definitely go back and recommend it to everyone.
3
On October 22, 2009, Pjsiegs (7 handicap) posted:
Played LochNess last weekend. The course was in excellent shape for the time of year, and we couldn't believe the speed and smoothness of the greens. We found the layout to be interesting, with no "dud" holes. It reminded us of playing in Florida, but with a Scottish twist... lots of water and bumps. Would defintetly play again.
An excellent value as a red flag or normal rate. I would rate this course as one of the best in the Niagara area and a must play. The 9th and 18th holes work well as finishing holes with a great risk reward factor. And although the rough has been cut back to help slow play its still very much a links course. I will need to play this course a few more times in order to remember the proper side of the greens to miss on avoiding the dreaded three putt.
5
On October 12, 2009, Sinogirl_47_55 of Brampton (16 handicap) posted:
I played "Lochness Links" on a Red Flag Special Rate today. We arrived an hour plus early for our tee time and were shown the tee blocks immediately. With all the rain in the past while this course was in excellent shape. Lochness is links style so we didn't have to contend with leaves or branches on the greens. The greens were in beauty shape and I putted one of my best days today. The fairways were plush and a pleasure to hit off of. Some bunkers had standing water but the 2 I landed in were not a problem to get out of. I have always enjoyed "Lochness Links" try it once and I am sure you will make a return trip!!!
Played Lochness on Thursday at the redflag rate. The golf course is a links style and has a fantastic layout and has one of the best layouts in the area. Ome of the best parts is because of the links style layout, there are no leaves to hide arrant droves. Every hole has a great balance of bunkers, rolling fairways and large roller coaster like greens.
The course was a bit wet from all the rainbut for the most part drained pretty well. The greens were in good shape considering the time of year, and rolled true and crazy fast.
The only complaint are that some bunkers are under sanded and a lot of players didn't bother to repair ball marks and divots.
7
On September 29, 2009, Cheapo (6 handicap) posted:
I know this is a good course and the price is definitely right but I just don't play here very often. Once I get down this way it's hard for me to not play Whirlpool. It's too bad because Lochness has it all too...big quick greens, interesting holes, elevation changes, tempting par 5s, helpful staff and all at a great price.
8
On September 14, 2009, Ty of Toronto (1 handicap) posted:
Top notch facility. Course is outstanding, very good challange. Must play a variety of different shots with great risk/reward par 5's. I highly recommend this course dispite it's name.
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On September 12, 2009, ohyaritethere (10 handicap) posted:
Great facility.....Best $45 I've spent in a long time....I really cant say anythging bad other than the golfers that dont fix their own ball marks....But thats at all tracks....to bad
10
On September 9, 2009, Eric of Georgetown (5 handicap) posted:
Played Lockness for the first time the other day. My wife and I head to Niagara every year and have stuck to courses around town. Our experience at Lockness was so good we plan to play this course more often. This course is every bit as good as most in the region.
First thing, if you don't know how to get there, don't take google or map quest at their word. Those directions got us lost, but the helpful proshop staff got us there quite easily. If you are coming from or going to Niagara, it's a quick drive, so don't be afraid to stray from the QEW to get to the course!
The only complaint I have is the blind tee shots on some holes and others that you need precise yardages. The scorecards don't have a course layout and no GPS in the carts. Either bring a Skycaddie or pay the $5 for a yardage book. It will help a ton. If you have either of these, the blind tee shots aren't much of a problem.
The layout is great. the only issue is the blind tee shots, but once they have GPS or better score cards, it won't be an issue. Despite the fescue, the maintenance crews keep it fairly short to speed up play and help the scores. A few holes do run paralell, but the fescue has been removed to make it easier. The drive from 14 to 15 is long, I would hate to walk it.
The course is good for women. Some par 5s are long (9th has a forced carry to the green of about 130) but the fairways are quite wide. Greens are in good shape and a good speed. The fairways, greens, and tee boxes where in as good a condition as I've seen in the area. The 9th and 18th are great par 5s with better scenery.
I hadn't played in a month, so played from the second set of tees, but the back tees will be tough at any time. Give it a try and see what happens.
Service was great with helpful club house staff. The marshall was friendly. Asked us to speed up at one point but was quite nice about it.
Value is great at $45 during the week. I'd say this is a new favourite in the area and plan to play it more often.
11
On September 9, 2009, dr04yz posted:
I played Loch Ness last week for my third time this year and left for a third time feeling that I had gotten my money's worth. Teeing off early looking over the whole course with the fog just lifting gives some awesome views. The staff was very professional and the course plays tough but fair, especially putting. You realy have to work your ball to avoid the bunkers and fescue, but on many holes you will be rewarded for a successful risk. Will try to play agin this year for sure
12
On September 8, 2009, olmanracer of Georgetown (8 handicap) posted:
Got to play Sept. 7 for the first time. Read the reviews and sort of knew what to expect. First thing we noticed was the quietness of the area, especially on the course (electric carts). No cars whizzing by or trains/planes just a ship or two going by in the Welland canal. Very nice views on some holes (9 and 18) and some interesting challenges: feskew, bunkers, uneven lies and water hazaards. Greens were medium fast and rolled true with some interesting breaks. Each hole is different and the $5 hole layout booklet came in very handy (recommended and a GPS). We had a 4-some walking in front of us and they kept pace nicely. Just over 4 hours to play. The staff were all very nice and the cartgirl came around quite often. Afterwards we watched groups come in on 18 and everyone applauded good shots/putts that were made. Very nice atmosphere to the club and we will play it again. Recommended for sure.
13
On September 6, 2009, Nessman of Mississauga (16 handicap) posted:
Played LochNess for the first time on Friday with my son. Found the course to be in great shape! In true links fashion you have to keep the ball in play and away from the Fescue or you will be penalized! The fairways are a little more generous than they look. The course has incorporated some very nice elevation changes and the water on the course makes you really think about your club and shot selection. The 9th and 18th holes are beautiful and shot selection is key here! Best to play safe, but tempting with the right drives! The greens were undulating but fair if you are having a good putting day! The greens were fairly fast and putted nice and true! A great red flag value at $46/golfer for LMG members! Would recommend this course to golfers looking for a great price and value for your hard earned dollar! We will go back to this course again! Thank you,
Nessman
14
On September 6, 2009, RJ of Cobourg (5 handicap) posted:
One of the best golf deals in the Niagara area. Generous fairways, great greens and challenging golf holes, an excellent deal for LMG nation. The walk (we had carts) would be awful from 14th green to the 15th tee. Bottom line, my top pick for course of the year that I have played.
Loch Ness is a great links style course with pot bunkers, fescue and more water than you might expect. The 9th and 18th holes are absolutely wonderful and are quite hard even when playing them safe as I would highly reccommend.
Most of the greens are very large with no lack of speed and depending on the pin position, a great deal of slope to contend with. As difficult as this can make some putts I really enjoy having to read some of the crazy putts and use some imagination instead of the usual couple inch breaks right or left.
The price can't be beat especially with a $45 last minute deal. Come and give this one a try as it is one of the best in the niagara area.
Used up some weekday passes to play this course. The service was good right from the start as we were greeted at the club dropoff and clubs were put on our carts. No problem redeeming weekday passes in the proshop. This is a links style golf course with many bunkers and some water that comes into play. Fortunately it was not windy the day we played but it would be a real challenge if it is windy. The greens were very receptive since they were soft and well looked after. The only downfall was there was a school qualifying tournament on which led to a long round. Will definitely go back to play again!
Excellent golf for the buck. Links style course with deep pot bunkers throughout the fairways with good opportunities for that all enticing risk reward scenario. The only improvement would be GPS systems on the golf cart otherwise a wonderful track with friendly staff and enjoyable golf.
18
On August 31, 2009, Paul of St. Catharines (18 handicap) posted:
Played there yesterday August 30th and it is in good shape although a little wet in some of the lower fairways, greens were in great shape and I like the links wide open view of the course. Staff are friendly and always offer comments if something is a problem out on the course. Best deals are during the week. Very good value for you dollar in the Niagara area.
19
On August 19, 2009, Vic Mair of Stoney Creek posted:
Lochness has to be the closest to what an average Joe like I can hit to the British Open!!! From the time you pull in, to the time you shank your last appoach into the pond on 18, you will be amazed. The view working yourself back to the clubhouse on Hole 8, 9, 17 & 18 will make you want to book another tee-time on your way out.
The fairways play very fair and you will get punished if you miss them. Each hole has fescue that will cost you if you go in it. The first cut of rough is just enough to warn you to sharpen your swing before the next hole. Each green has its own character with the spines they have placed in them to keep poor approaches away from the hole. I golfed there last week and the Stipmeter was at 10. That's just shy of major championship speed. What a job they have done to this place.
If you like wind, this place has it. It's not overpowering on a regular day at all, it just blows from north to south, the same way the course is laid out. You will not have a strong cross breeze to carry your shots off the line you shot them. Golf smarts are needed to get your distances correct with the wind!!!
It's easy to get to and a very nice staff is there to greet you when you arrive. Some advice will be to get the course pocket book and carry it to every shot. Fair, but tough.
Keep it in the short grass and check this place out!!!
We played the day after the course was clossed due to severe rains so there were still some wet areas, but they did a great job in getting it ready again. Hats off to their grounds crew for a great job. I think it needs some trees other then that it was a great day of golf. The staff was friendly and very attentive to any needs you had. Tough course it you are not on the fairway!
We had not played this course in a few years and even with the heavy rains and bad weather of late it was in excellent condition. We were booked to play on Monday of this week but with the rain they did not open first thing Monday morning. The shop staff took the time to phone people and notify them. Excellent customer service. We went back on Tuesday to make up our round and loved the course and the service. The restaurant did not open until 11:00; only a small nock but the halfway house was open. We will go back again!
One of my favorite golf courses. Lochness links sets up perfectly for my game with fast undulating greens and the need for accuracy off the tee for any wayward shot will be swallowed up either by water or fescue. A great test of golfing skill for an LMG price of $45.00 its worth the drive to Thorold.
Bring lots of balls. If you are a grip it and rip it type of player like me and 'lay up' isn't in your vocabulary, you'll need lots of balls. Every score you get you earn. I lost 7 balls and only 1 in water. The other 6 just disappeared in the fescue. (they've cut a lot of it down since the previous time I played.
Hands down the most difficult course in the Niagara Region, yet one of the prettiest. With the fescue, rolling hills, well protected greens with water and bunkers this course definately requires 'smart play'. Very picturesque, the greens were in great shape but very fast and difficult. The fairways were in great shape, with the copious amounts of rain in the region recently there was not much roll to be had. The bunkers varied from perfect to terrible (due to the rain). The clubhouse is gorgeous and with the last minute price of 45.00 this course cannot be beat.
Definately one everyone should playy at least once. It beat me today, but I cannot wait to get out there again and give it another shot.
24
On July 30, 2009, Grizz of St Catharines (20 handicap) posted:
We were able to sneak out yesterday before the heavens opened up. This was the first time I've played this course and it was beautiful. The greens were very tough and fast but fair as they were all the same. You could tell where your putt was supposed to go. We putted off the green a few times b/c it was so fast but that was more due to our ability than the course.
I'll definitely be back. $55 including cart is hard to beat.
For those that don't hit the ball far this can be a difficult course for you. For those that don't like slick greens this will also be a difficult course for you. I loved the greens because they are lightning fast. Layout was good and conditions were good too. I just struggled with the yardage because I don't hit the ball far.
