Rankings:
The Takeaway: A links inspired layout, Eagle’s Nest is one of Ontario’s finest public courses. With plenty of elevation changes, engaging holes, and excellent conditions, Eagle’s Nest should be visited when in Toronto. Grade B
Quick Facts
Designer: Doug Carrick 2004
Cost: $165 - $220 (cart included) Click for current rates
Phone Number: 905-417-2300
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Eagles Nest Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 10000 Dufferin St, Maple, Ontario L6A 1S3 – CANADA
Photos: See additional photos of Eagles Nest Golf Club
What to Expect: While certainly not fitting the true definition of a links course, Eagles Nest is a links inspired layout with fescue encompassing the areas outside the first cut and designing greens that can be approached both through the air or with a shot that runs up onto the putting surface. Unlike a traditional links course, most players will navigate Eagles Nest with a cart in order to contend with the large elevation changes throughout the round; none more impressive than what players find on the dramatically downhill 3rd hole. While the entire course is certainly enjoyable and varied, the front nine is the stronger nine of the two and finishes with a landscape view of downtown Toronto. One thing you’ll notice right off the bat is how well the course is maintained which can be credited to a superintendent that has been working the turf at Eagles Nest since its infancy when the course was devoid of any housing outside the course. The spacious clubhouse is pure class and stands as a wonderful venue for hosting large events including 36 hole matches with lunch between rounds. In an area where the majority of top courses are private, Eagles Nest is a can’t miss venue that John Q. Public is fortunate to tee it up on as much as desired.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle | 72 | 7476 | 75.6 | 138 |
| Black | 72 | 7085 | 74.3 | 135 |
| Gold | 72 | 6680 | 72.6 | 131 |
| White | 72 | 6225 | 70.3 | 127 |
| Green (Ladies) | 72 | 5677 | 73.3 | 135 |
| Bronze (Ladies) | 72 | 5183 | 70.0 | 125 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 8th Hole – 164 Yard Par 3 – The signature hole at Eagles Nest offers a panoramic view of Toronto's downtown skyline which is an inspiring sight indeed. The downhill tee shot plays to a tiered green encircled by a half dozen sod faced bunkers that stand ready to test your European inspired sand game. The back third of the green is the most difficult to stick a shot close to the flag on given the smaller shelf players have to work with.
Best Par 3: 5th Hole – 191 Yards – When standing on the 5th tee the feature that grabs players' attention is the massive bunker that stretches over 50 x 50 yards and dwarfs the size of the green. Staying away from that bunker will call for a tee shot at the left edge of the green with a fad that cuts the ball back towards the center of the green. Balls that don't cut can find themselves scooting over the back to a tightly mown chipping area where saving par will take a deft short game. Pins in the back right portion of the green are the most difficult to get close to with the least amount of putting surface to work with.
Best Par 4: 3rd Hole – 450 Yards – Eagles Nest takes things to the next level on the 3rd hole with this dramatic two-shotter with the most exciting tee shot of the day. The hole descends 80 feet from tee to green with shorter hitters being concerned with the fairway bunkers on the left while longer hitters need to stay out of the trio of bunkers on the right. Tee shots that stay up the left side will have the optimal angle into the green in an effort to take the pot bunker at the front right corner out of play. The green features some crafty breaks which make some pin positions a challenge to two putt.
Best Par 5: 9th Hole – 582 Yards – With the view of downtown Toronto continuing from the 8th tee, the 9th hole is a three-shot hole to close the front nine out with. This straight away hole features fescue covered mounding on each side of the fairway along with a group of bunkers on the left side that should be able to be carried off the tee; or at least skirted to the right of. The long rolling fairway creates a variety of different lie angles to potentially deal with which can require some shotmaking on the approach shot to this small green that features a deep green on the left and steep falloffs on each side.
Birdie Time: 6th Hole – 359 Yard Par 4 – Eagles Nest's version of a Hog's Back hole, the 6th offers a large, flat landing area for players that elect to layup between the fairway bunkers while players that can bomb it over the Hog's Back will have a wedge into the green. The green is large enough to play aggressively to the pin location though staying near the center of the putting surface will keep the edges out of play where steep falloffs are found. Ultimately this is a hole to take advantage of as long as you get in proper position of the tee.
Bogey Beware: 18th Hole – 484 Yard Par 4 – While the front nine is the superior grouping of holes at Eagles Nest, the finisher is one for the memory book. The tee shot plays well downhill to a fairway that features a pair of bunkers in the driving zone on the left while a lake imposes in from the right. The fairway doglegs around the water and features a demanding approach shot to a narrow green hugged tightly on the right by water and protected by a pair of bunkers on the left. Accuracy, length, and finesse; if you don't have command over all three of those things then bogey or worse is staring you dead in the face.
