BY JOHN SUTTON
In keeping with recent social trends which have precipitated a
major boom in the sport, Prince Edward Island has become one of the
most popular summertime destinations for golfers across Canada and
the U.S.A. Thanks to a number of challenging and very scenic new
courses which have opened throughout over the last few
years golf has evolved into one of the most prosperous aspects of the
tourism industry on the Island. Boosted by the efforts and success
of Charlottetown native Lorie Kane, one of the most consistent LPGA
professionals on tour and an active figure within her home community,
throngs of new golfers of all ages now flock to the Island's various
courses.
Utilizing the striking natural beauty of the P.E.I. landscape,
many local courses provide a stiff test for linksmen while the
surrounding scenery provides countless mesmerizing views and vistas
so characteristic of our province. Courses in Brudenell and Mill
River, both part of the chain of Rodd's classic hotels and resorts,
and the Green Gables course in Cavendish have been open for years and
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Green Gables Golf Course
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are still among the most highly rated and popular courses in eastern
Canada. People are encouraged to book tee times well in advance in
order to ensure access to these busy courses which continue to draw
large numbers of golfers year after year.
In addition to these fine courses and as a direct result of golf's
ever-increasing popularity a number of new courses have been built
across P.E.I. in recent years. The 18-hole Clyde River Golf Course,
nestled picturesquely into the hills surrounding the West River, has
gained acclaim for its stunning scenery and lush greens, making it an
ideal venue for all golfers. As well, the newly opened Dundarave
course has been touted as one of the Island's most beautiful and
challenging, sure to be rated as one of the top courses in the region.
The crown jewel of P.E.I. golf courses is quickly gaining reverence
as one of the top golfing destinations in North America. The Links
at Crowbush Cove, located in Lakeside on P.E.I's beautiful North
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Long green fairways
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Shore, is rated a championship caliber course and in the summer of
1998 was the host site of a PGA Skins Game. A number of top-name
professionals, including Fred Couples, Mark O'Meara and Canadian Mike
Weir participated in the event which drew huge crowds to Crowbush.
Rated as a major success by all involved, the Skins Game served to
heighten Crowbush's status as a top-notch course.
The summer of 2000 promises to be another exciting year at
Brudenell as well. Thanks largely to Kane's efforts the course will
play host to an LPGA Skins Game featuring Kane and a number of other
top professionals. The excitement generated by hosting such events
offers an opportunity to gains perspective with regards to golf's
immense international popularity and in turn aids in increasing the
appeal of the sport on P.E.I. in particular. This appreciation is
the major factor which aids in contributing to golf's ever-growing
economic importance on P.E.I. In short, golf is quite simply one of
the most enjoyable activities in which to partake, and P.E.I's wide
array of courses make the province a veritable haven for all lovers
of the game.
