How to Birdie the Five Most Challenging Holes at Fox Harb’r

Fox Harb’r Resort’s golf course can be divided into two wondrous golf experiences – the outward nine is familiar parkland golf while the back nine is  pure, classic, Scottish-style links. This makes for diverse and spectacular beauty, but it also makes for some of the most challenging golf most people will ever get the chance to play. We spoke to Elliott Isenor, Director Golf Operations at Fox Harb’r, for his take on the five most challenging holes at Fox Harb’r. And we also got a few tips on how to birdie them.

Hole Nine

This hole at the end of the front nine is uphill and long. Your shot from the centre of the fairway might be blind, so aiming for the front of the clubhouse is a good idea. The green itself is also very long and three-tiered, which makes picking the right club very important. Hole nine, the fifth-most challenging at Fox Harb’r, is a par five.

Elliott’s Birdie Tip:“Get the ball on the right level of the green.”

Hole Ten

This dogleg right par four is Fox Harb’r’s fourth most challenging hole. The three fairway bunkers on the right tend to trip up most people, but if you’re a long hitter go ahead and challenge them. The elevated three-tiered green is difficult to read.

Elliott’s Birdie Tip:“Keep your ball out of the fairway bunkers and take one extra club.”

Hole Seven

To the left of the fairway, you’ll find a water trap. It’s more like a lake, though, in that it runs most of the fairway. To the right, there are bunkers. But again, they run most of the fairway. Even if you stay out of those hazards, remember that balls landing short of the green won’t run up it. The green itself is large and consists of three levels. This, the third-most challenging hole at Fox Harb’r, is a par three. Take heart: even if you foul up your chances for a birdie, or even for par, at least you’ll have some extra time to enjoy on of the most beautiful spots in the whole course.

Elliott’s Birdie Tip:“One extra club off the tee. If you miss your shot, you miss it long.”

Hole Eleven

The second-most challenging hole at Fox Harb’r is a long, uphill par five. There are bunkers to the right of the fairway. Oh, and the ocean is on the right too, so expect wind. The green has a severely left-to-right slop, so approaching from the right is smart. And remember: foul your drive up too much and the ocean doubles as a water hazard.

Elliott’s Birdie Tip:“You must hit a good drive so you can set yourself up for a good third shot. The left side of the fairway is the best place for your drive.”

Hole Three

The fairway is long, narrow, and flanked by thick stands of trees on both sides. Drive well, and you can still expect a long iron uphill approach. At the end you’ll find an elevated green, divided by a large square. The most challenging hole at Fox Harb’r is a par four.

Elliott’s Birdie Tip:“You must hit a very good drive and keep it out of the trees. Distance is your friend on this hole.”

A Little More Clubhouse Talk

As you can see, making birdies at Fox Harb’r means making powerful, accurate drives in order to tackle some of the long distances and avoid extensive stands of trees and rolling bunkers. But, we can promise that you’ll never play another course quite like this one. We think it’s the most beautiful course in Canada. We’re biased, but we’re also right.