Course Review: East Park Golf Gardens, by Jeffrey Reed (July 2005)

Copyright 2005 London Ontario Golf

There’s a good chance more Londoners have played their first round of golf at East Park Golf Gardens than any other local course. I did, at age 11, and I still remember my first round with my father. My 3-iron was the stick of choice that day, and no surprise. A heavily-treed 18-hole layout, out at 1,706, and in at 2,440 for 4,146 yards, par-62 East Park puts a premium on accuracy off the tees on numerous par-3s.

East Park, opened in 1963, is part of an ownership group which includes Maple Ridge Golf Club, and now Westminster Trails Golf Club. There are membership packages available which include playing privileges at all three clubs. A very busy course, it’s amazing how well manicured East Park remains throughout the golf season. Although the greens are well maintained, they are relatively slow, but the fairways rival many private clubs. And with the Thames River hugging part of the pretty layout, East Park offers a relaxing round of golf.

The front 9 and back 9 at East Park are polar opposites. The front only requires driver on No. 2, measuring 326 yards. Most holes on the front 9 demand just a short iron, but fairways are relatively narrow thanks to overhanging trees. No. 3 is a tough par-3, 182 yards from an elevated tee towards a sloping green protected by trees.

The back 9 at East Park has more character than the front, and will see you pull just about every club from your bag. Par-3, 174-yard No. 10 boasts an elevated tee towards a tricky green guarded by a nasty bunker on the right. No. 11 features a narrow opening at the blocks and requires an accurate tee shot from 242 yards. My favourite hole at East Park is No. 12, a 157-yard par-3 with an elevated tee and undulating green with bunkers front and right, and nasty rough everywhere. Par is good at this hole. The finishing hole allows you to grip it and rip it at 477 yards from tee to green.

There is plenty to do at East Park Golf Gardens: miniature golf; the adopted Wally World Water Park; rock climbing; go carts; batting cages; a two-way driving range with mats and grass tees; plus a picnic area – and more. It’s a fun place for the entire family.

A lot of golf memories are made at East Park Golf Gardens, whether they involve a youngster’s first round, or a foursome playing in one of East Park’s many charity and corporate tournaments. It’s a busy place, so make sure you book a tee time in advance – and don’t forget your 3-iron.

East Park Golf Gardens
London, Ont.
519-451-2950
Green Fees:
$24 weekdays, $27 weekends and holidays, cart $26
www.eastparkgolf.com