This week we selected Red Sands in Clinton. northeast of Kensington, about 35 minutes from Charlottetown and this is a wonderful, manicured course, only 9-holes, but the quality of the grass and the variety of its holes and layout are well worth the effort of getting there. And, getting there is definitely half the fun. Coming from Charlottetown, take the Graham's Road off Route 2, and watch for the Princetown Road sign. It appears to start in someone's side yard, but very quickly turns into one of those "trees closing over your heads, red clay roads" that would have done Anne of Green Gables proud. Although not a designated Heritage Road, this could easily pass as one and as the photo will attest, it is eminently travellable. It also gets you in the mood for an adventure.
The first hole at Red Sands is a treat, as is the website for Red Sands which gives a layout picture and a great description of each hole. You are tempted to drive to the green and you risk going into the water (lake to the centre and left of the green) or out of bounds on the right. If you can control yourself and lay up just in front of the green, you can reasonably be putting for par. A great way to start your round. We played the 9-hole course twice and on the second round played with a lovely couple Bud and Anne from Summerside who are members. There are challenges on each hole, but there always seem to be ways in which you can avoid the challenges - if you practice good course management. The course is in superb condition - the fairways are a bit like carpet and the greens were dewey wet on the first round and dried off and fast on the second round, so there was discovery aplenty for some of us. I'd also like to mention the ninth hole - there should be a special place in Hell for the designer of this hole. On paper, it looks like it should be a simple par 3 to finish off your round, but it's all uphill and the green is really hidden from view from the tee boxes. Careful play can mean that you're putting for par, but there are all together too many chances to blow it on this hole.
There is wildlife too - Canada Geese in the pond between Holes 1 and 3; a fox patrolling on Hole 4 and birds all over the place chirping and whistling. All of them seemed to be enjoying the day as much as we were!
When we arrived at 7:35 a.m. on Sunday, we were surprised to note how many cars were already in the parking lot, but play on the first round was quick - we were able to finish it in less than 2 hours. However, on the second round, we had a group of beginners ahead of those who were playing before us who held us up quite a bit and it gave us several opportunities to discuss all manner of things with our player partners and those ahead and behind us. Still, we finished our second round in 2 1/2 hours. There are only par 3's and 4's on this course, so the yardage isn't long, but it is varied and interesting and in great shape. There is a lovely putting practice green and a driving range.
Until next week, Jane
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