ONTARIO'S PEBBLE BEACH

pebble beach
The lighthouse is recognized as an area landmark, as well as a symbol of Cobble Beach Golf Resort.

Go for golf, stay for the lifestyle

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Some of the neighbours like to boat over and tie up to enjoy lunch at one of the two eateries on the property.

Cindy-Lee Rogers, who splits her time between London and Beaver Valley says, “I love it because it gives me a taste of the Maritimes.” She enjoys playing and staying at Cobble Beach Golf Resort so much that she’s visited it seven times over the years.

From single-day visits for golf outings to a weekend away with husband Perry Ferguson to a multi-day girlfriends’ getaway, Rogers has experienced all that Cobble Beach has to offer. According to Jennelle Willis, marketing manager, repeat visits are not unusual.

Since its inception in 2007, Cobble Beach Golf Resort, with 2000 feet of waterfront, has been a destination course. Located 10 minutes from Owen Sound, it is modelled on California’s famous Pebble Beach, offering both a resort atmosphere - with restaurant, spa and accommodations – and a housing development, all spread over 574 acres.

Designed by Doug Carrick, it is one of the top golf courses in Ontario, rated by SCOREGolf, and Willis says the stay-and-play package is their most popular. Guests enjoy a one-night stay and play one round of golf. Breakfast is included with packages. “We have the best sunrises, looking out onto Georgian Bay for your breakfast view.”

During the season, golf packages are mandatory, but in the off-season, spa packages and regular hotel stays are offered. “Real golf enthusiasts like using our indoor golf simulator in the winter,” explains Willis.

golf club

The resort offers expansive views of Georgian Bay from the inn’s rooms, dining room, club house and golf course.

adirondack
Relax after a round in a Muskoka chair by the water.

hotel
There are 10 rooms in the top floor and five cottages onsite.

living room
The rooms are luxurious but comfortable.

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Cindy-Lee Rogers enjoyed the food in the restaurant and the patio on each of her visits.

There are 10 rooms in the inn over the clubhouse, each uniquely decorated, and five cottages that sleep up to eight people. “This is a five-star hotel, so we offer a luxurious experience,” she adds. “Guests love the quaintness of the Nantucket style.”

Rogers has stayed in the inn and says, “it was a clean comfortable environment, with excellent service.” She adds that the restaurant service – in both the dining room of the Sweetwater Restaurant and on the Creekside Terrace Patio – was also impeccable. “The manager made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. The food and atmosphere were excellent, as well.”

Rogers and her friends also enjoyed their time at the spa, saying that it is on par with other destination hotels she has visited. “They were very accommodating.” The spa offers a full slate of services, including a couple’s massage room, as well as a plunge pool and an outdoor hot tub.

The real star of the show is the golf course, which Rogers terms “rolling” and “stunning.” “I’m from the Maritimes originally and with the lighthouse and golfing along the water, it gives you a real Maritime feeling,” she adds. “I also really love that you can walk it.”

Though several holes offer water views, Willis says that the 17th hole “has the best view in Ontario of off any hole.” Recreation options are numerous at Cobble Beach.

It offers 18 kilometres of hiking and biking trails, some of which traverse the ‘enchanted forest,’ with its wood carvings and bird feeders.

The Bruce Trail winds its way nearby. “The area has outstanding hiking,” says Rogers, “along one of the nicest sections of the Bruce Trail.”

All of Georgian Bay’s water activities are available: swimming at the private beach, kayaking or canoeing (bring your own). Willis says that boating in and mooring at the dock while enjoying lunch or dinner is popular with locals.

This active mindset extends to Cobble Beach’s housing community.

old car

Many golfers stay at the resort for a weekend and enjoy it so much that they return to purchase one of the attached townhome-style or free-standing condos.

apartment
Cobble Beach Golf Resort's luxurious spa offers a menu of treatments to help you relax during your stay.

There’s a private beach club for residents. Willis says that phase two – 176 units – of the development is now for sale, with townhouses built by Reid’s Heritage Homes starting at $600,000 and detached bungalows by Georgian Villas Custom Homes starting at $800,000.

“With more people working remotely, we have people that have sold their home in Toronto to escape the city to move here for the lifestyle,” explains Willis.

Many who visited to stay and play are now residents. “That happens all the time. People come and love it and end up buying here,” she adds. Like Rogers, many return to enjoy the beautiful views of Georgian Bay while golfing and return each year to enjoy it a little more.