Course Review: The Bluffs of Port Stanley Golf Club, by Jeffrey Reed (September 2005)

Copyright 2005 London Ontario Golf

Trust me when I tell you, there isn’t a more scenic hole in London and area than No. 4 at The Bluffs of Port Stanley Golf Club, a quaint 9-hole course just a half-hour south of London along the shore of Lake Erie. In fact, when tackling this 555-yard par-5 monster, you’ll wish you could prolong your stay – without adding strokes, of course.

Measuring just 2,558 yards from the tips, and with blocks at 2,012 yards and 2,335 yards, The Bluffs of Port Stanley GC is a hidden gem. It’s not neighbouring Redtail Golf Course, one of the most exclusive clubs anywhere grass grows, but it does boast a quiet country atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of urban links. At par-33, and featuring surprisingly quick, small, undulating greens, The Bluffs of Port Stanley provides gorgeous rural surroundings along the route of this tricky 9-hole challenge.

Right off the first tee, you are faced with a 295-yard par-4 with some real nasty natural grasses to the left, and water to the right of a fast green. No. 2 appears at first to provide an easy birdie – it’s a 270-yard hole calling for a solid 3-wood. However, a small, elevated kidney-shaped green makes for a difficult wedge onto the putting surface: sticking your tee shot is very difficult here. Onto No. 3, and start scratching your head as to which club to hit into a 206-yard par-3, downhill onto a slick green bordered by a steep hill on the left, and bunker to the right.

No. 4 should be a relatively easy par-5, but you will find yourself distracted by the numerous sailboats on Lake Erie, not to mention a variety of wild flowers in the area, and birds flying overhead. I stared forever at an eagle (my apologies to the following foursome). You can bomb your tee shot on this dogleg right, but watch for the ravine at the landing area. It’s clear and quick to the green on your approach shot, but here you will face miles and miles of turquoise blue lake water, and various vessels from the Port Stanley marina. It’s a Monet painting come alive – but you still need to nail your approach shot. Par is a good score here.

No. 5 at The Bluffs of Port Stanley GC is a challenging par-3 measuring 176 yards over a ravine, and onto another slick green. The signature hole, No. 6, is simply gorgeous. An elevated tee shot over a beautiful, thick ravine demands pinpoint accuracy onto a small, fast green guarded by trees. It plays longer than the 136 yards listed. I nailed an 8-iron and it proved to be the right club here. Following the par-3 No. 7, 185 yards uphill with a pond front right of the tees, No. 8 provides the toughest challenge of the day. A dogleg left measuring 370 yards, and often with wind howling at the blocks and in your face, this par-4 demands a tidy little draw at a tight pin tucked in the corner of a tough green. Your tee shot is aided by downhill terrain, but your approach is uphill and into a green guarded by out-of-bounds everywhere, not to mention some thick rough. Again, par is a good score here. The finishing hole is a par-4, 365 yards and provides a good birdie opportunity as the ball will run up to the quick green.

Rounding No. 9, I could hardly wait to tee it up again at No. 1 in order to play 18 on this beautiful sunny afternoon. Perhaps it was because I knew No. 5 was just around the corner. It really is a wonderful hole that will only get better once this golf course matures.

The Bluffs of Port Stanley GC has provided breathtaking views and enjoyable for five years – three under current owners, John and Wendy Moffat. Located on the site of a former horse farm along Lake Erie, the course still needs to mature in order to offer a real challenge, but that will come. In fact, it may expand to 18 holes in the near future, and in doing so provide even more breathtaking views of the lake.

John Moffat is an experienced golf industry member, having learned the game from his father, John, who was the professional at Thames Valley Golf Club in the 1960s. Eventually John Jr. was head pro at Erie Shores in Leamington for 22 years. He left his last post at Orchard View Golf Club near Leamington to take over at The Bluffs. A certified club maker offering personal club fitting, Moffat provides authorized fitting for lines including KZG. His CPGA Teaching Professional, Brad Nelson, competes on the Great Lakes Tour and plays the KZG driver, as does Moffat’s daughter, Keri, a CPGA Teaching Professional at Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club in Richmond, B.C.

With a complete club making and fitting shop, a cozy clubhouse with very friendly staff, and an enjoyable nine-hole track boasting breathtaking views, The Bluffs of Port Stanley GC is a must-play course during your travels in southwestern Ontario.

The Bluffs of Port Stanley GC
Port Stanley, Ont.
519-782-7447
Green Fees:
Weekdays: 9 holes, $17; 18 holes, $24
Weekends & Holidays: 9 holes, $19; 18 holes, $26
Power Carts: 9 holes, $18; 18 holes, $28
www.thebluffsgolfclub.com