Belleville, Bay of Quinte and Wine??? Maybe next time!
Living in the Greater Toronto area for most of my life, I have driven past the Belleville and the Bay of Quinte area on countless occasions on jaunts to and from Ottawa and Montreal. I had heard that there was some pretty good golf in the area, most had popped up during golf’s hay day. Pretty much every time I passed the area, like a broken record, I would always repeat to myself – I should make the time to check out these courses I kept getting rave reviews about. I never had an excuse and frankly no one ever gave me an excuse. Now I have an excuse, and now I am sooo disappointed that it took me so long to make a visit to the area. Maybe taking some liberties from the political pandemic, even before restrictions were eased – no, not me! – my best buddy Brian and I had ventured out on some trout fishing excursions up here in the Collingwood area. He had, just a few months prior taken a Plant Manager position in the automotive field, and it just so happened to be in Belleville. As soon as the golf restrictions were eased – game on, I was heading to Eastern Ontario. Even though bars and restaurants were not permitted on the “things to do” list, I could see that the infrastructure for a good time getaway was here, Golf or otherwise.
Pretty much right next door to Black Bear is another outstanding track, Trillium Wood Golf Club giving you a dynamic 1 – 2 punch should you care to make the trek to Belleville! Believe me it is worth it! Club President Stephen McCurdy describe it as the local’s favourite. A combination modern-day parkland and links style layout, with its own set of wow factor visuals. Definitely could be described as more playable for the average golfer – especially after a round at Black Bear. We were fortunate enough to be paired with a couple of locals for our round and they certainly agreed with Stephen. Both were excited to have the opportunity to play Black Bear but both preferred the format there to be a scramble!

What I am thinking of though, is a return visit to Belleville, Bay of Quinte and next time adding in some wineries of Prince Edward County. 40 some odd wineries and apparently Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the headliners. My buddy Brian is a keen fisherman, so I can see this being somewhat of a long, maybe a real long, weekend. https://www.visitpec.ca You see, just about 20 minutes east of Belleville, in Brighton is another hidden gem which I have yet to set foot on, Timber Ridge Golf Club and that needs to change. Accolades include Top 100 in Ontario; Top 50 you can play and Peoples Choice – Ontario Top 50! I will check it out, you should too! http://www.timberridgegolf.net Two more historic courses lie almost in Brian’s backyard and will almost certainly be warranting a visit.

By: Claudio DeMarchi www.TravelingGolfer.net WHAT'S YOUR REACTION?