The Best Golf Canada Has to Offer

Embarking on a golf adventure to Nova Scotia was no small task. My journey started with a 16-hour drive from the Greater Boston area, a commitment that tested my endurance but proved entirely worthwhile. Over three days, I immersed myself in one of the most unique golf experiences of my life.

On the first day, I played 36 holes between Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links. The second day was an even more ambitious 46 holes, spanning the Links, Cliffs, and The Nest, a 10-hole par-3 course. On the third and final day, I crossed the island to play the breathtaking Cape Breton Highlands Golf Course, completing an astounding total of 100 holes in just three days.

While the golf itself was the highlight, Nova Scotia’s natural beauty elevated the trip even further. I took time to hike in Cape Breton National Park, where the rugged coastline and lush forests provided a serene counterpoint to the intensity of golf. I also visited the Bay of Fundy to witness the highest tides in the world at Hopewell Rocks, a natural wonder that left me in awe.

A Town and Course in Harmony

Arriving at Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links, I immediately noticed how seamlessly the courses integrated into the town of Inverness. The area felt like a slice of Scotland, with its coastal charm and the deep connection between the community and the game of golf. It was a fitting introduction to what would be an unforgettable experience.

My first round, directly after the long drive, was at Cabot Cliffs, and I opted for a caddie—something I highly recommend. Their insights into the course and the local area added a layer of depth to the round that I couldn’t have achieved on my own.

The property is laid out thoughtfully, with the Cliffs and Links courses located about five minutes apart. Convenient shuttles run every 5-10 minutes, making it easy for golfers to move between the two. Interestingly, Cabot is actively attempting to acquire the land between the Cliffs and Links courses to unify the property further,but negotiations with current landowners have yet to succeed.

Cabot Cliffs has the only driving range on the property, equipped with Trackman simulators and HD televisions at each hitting station, though it lacks a full-fledged clubhouse. The pro shop is modest, reflecting the course's status as the newer addition to Cabot. The Links course, in contrast, lacks a driving range entirely. Development is ongoing, with new accommodations under construction near the Cliffs course,likely completed by now. These additions promise to enhance the overall resort experience, which already includes the charming 10-hole par-3 course, The Nest.

"This course features a distinctive layout of six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s, creating a one-of-a-kind golfing experience."

An Overview of the Cliffs Course

Cabot Cliffs is the course you’ve undoubtedly seen in photos or heard about from friends. Its stunning vistas and unique design make it a destination in itself. The course features a distinctive layout of six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s, creating a one-of-a-kind golfing experience.

The staff’s saying, “People come here for the Cliffs course but come back for the Links course,” speaks to the allure of the Cliffs, though I’ll share my personal take on that later.

Cabot Cliffs is widely regarded as the more accessible of the two courses, though it still presents its fair share of challenges. Forced carries, prevalent throughout the course, might tilt the difficulty for some golfers. Walking the Cliffs course is more strenuous than the Links, though both are comparably challenging in their own ways. Taking a caddie is highly advisable, as their expertise can help you navigate the course’s nuances while offering insights into the town and Nova Scotia at large.

The Outward Nine: Twists and turns and lots of hills

The opening hole at Cabot Cliffs is as forgiving as it gets, offering a fairway as wide as a football field. The adjacent 10th hole runs parallel to the right, further increasing the margin for error off the tee. The real challenge emerges on the green, where going long can turn a promising approach into a scramble for par, as evidenced by my two pars on this hole.

The second hole stands out as one of my favorites on the course. This visually stunning par-4 begins with an intimidating forced carry over unplayable dunes and long grass. The uphill approach to a green with two false fronts demands both height and precision. Missing your carry distance here can funnel your ball into hazards, making it a true test of skill and nerve.

The third hole continues the theme of forced carries and penalizing long shots. A short par-4 with a raised green, it offers little room for error on the approach. On this hole, I used my putter as a Texas wedge, preferring its predictability over the riskier margin of error that comes with chipping.

The fourth hole is a quirky par-3 with an intriguing backstory. Coore and Crenshaw, the course architects, couldn’t agree on the green’s placement. One envisioned a shorter hole with a tricky, bunker-guarded green, while the other preferred a longer hole with a flatter green. In the end, they designed both options, alternating pin placements between the two greens daily. Having played both, I found each equally challenging and enjoyable, with distinct characteristics that kept the experience fresh.

The fifth hole is a dogleg leftpar-4 that tempts low-handicap golfers to cut the corner for a shorter approach. While not truly driveable, a risky tee shot over the water can yield a shorter chip, though the safer play to the right leads to a more manageable mid-to-long iron approach. I tried both strategies and found little reward for the riskier play.

The sixth hole is a downhill par-3 with a dramatic two-tiered green. A poor tee shot can leave you with a putt reminiscent of mini-golf, adding to the hole’s charm and challenge.

The seventh is the course’s most demanding forced carry, earning its status as the number one handicap hole. The carry over water, dunes, and bunkers is intimidating, though I found the walk to be more exhausting than the play itself.

The eighth hole, a par-5, runs alongside the new housing accommodations being built on the property. It’s a strategic hole, with challenging bunker placements and a sloped fairway that makes going for the green in two a risky endeavor.

The ninth hole is a picturesque par-3 featuring an infinity bunker perched on the edge of the cliff. Missing this green can lead to dire consequences, both for your scorecard and your nerves. When the wind picks up, club selection can be the difference between success and disaster.

An Inward Nine to Remember

The 10th hole is a scenic par-5 that runs parallel to the ocean and sets the tone for the back nine. The tee shot demands a fade, while the approach tempts you to go for the green in two. However, the green is well-guarded and punishes imprecision, making a layup the safer option. After completing the hole, I stopped by the halfway house, where I enjoyed the best lobster roll I’ve ever had—a culinary highlight that perfectly complemented the golf.

The 11th hole is a relatively straightforward par-4 that plays uphill to a green guarded by bunkers. After a birdie-less front nine, this was the hole where I finally carded my first birdie, setting a positive tone for the back nine.

The 12th is a long and demanding par-3 featuring a green that slopes heavily from right to left. This hole is as much a test of precision as patience. Missing to the right of the green almost guarantees a bogey or worse, while missing to the left leaves a treacherous uphill chip. Short is the best miss, but even then, you’ll need to avoid a punishing bunker that awaits misjudged tee shots.

The 13th hole is a par-4 with a fairway that slopes from left to right, leading into a blind approach shot to a bowl-like green. If your drive finds the fairway, the hole plays relatively easily. It’s a rewarding break from the intensity of the earlier holes on the back nine. The 14th is a distinctive two-tiered par-3 that forces players to avoid the hazards at all costs. Missing short on this hole is a recipe for disaster, as deep bunkers and steep slopes make recovery extremely difficult.

The 15th hole is a breathtaking par-5 that seems to plunge into the ocean. The dramatic tee shot and the approach both feel like you’re playing into the sea, creating an unforgettable experience. This hole is as visually stunning as it is challenging, with the ever-present risk of missing the fairway or green adding to the excitement.

The 16th is Cabot Cliffs’ signature hole and one of the most photographed par-3s in the world. The tee shot demands a carry over a cliff to a two-tiered green that offers no forgiveness for misses short or long. While the green itself is challenging, it’s the incredible views and dramatic setting that make this hole a true standout.

The 17th takes the drama of the 16th and amplifies it. This driveable par-4 features another cliff-side tee shot that tempts longer hitters to go for the green. The setting is so unique that this hole easily rivals the 16th in memorability. Hitting a precise tee shot here is critical, as the cliffs leave no room for error.

"It's a remarkable ending to a course that continuously delivers beauty, challenge, and excitement."

Finally, the 18th hole closes the round with a stunning par-5. From the elevated tee, you can see much of the Cabot Cliffs property, the ocean, and nearby islands. The hole demands a precise drive and approach to a tricky green that offers one last test of your skills. It’s a remarkable ending to a course that continuously delivers beauty, challenge, and excitement.

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Cabot Cliffs: The Pride and Joy of Canada

Cabot Cliffs exceeded every expectation I had, solidifying its place as one of the best golf experiences I’ve ever had. The course offered not only breathtaking views but also an innovative and unforgettable layout. Over the two rounds I played, I shot 76 and 78, including a 1-under back nine during my first round—a testament to how well the course balances challenge and playability. Playing from a combination of the Black and Green tees at a total yardage of approximately 6,650 yards, I found the course to be demanding yet fair.

Cabot Cliffs offers plenty of scoring opportunities, especially with its unique six par-5s. However, each par-5 demands precision and strategy. Birdies here don’t come easy, as they require three solid shots to navigate the strategic design and hazards. The six par-3s stand out as some of the most memorable I’ve ever played. Remarkably, no two par-3s feel the same— a rare accomplishment for a course with so many of them. The variety in lengths, designs, and challenges is a testament to the genius of Coore and Crenshaw.

The layout of six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s is both unconventional and exciting. It creates a rhythm that keeps you engaged throughout the round.The forced carries, dramatic elevation changes, and cliff-side holes add to the excitement, while the walking-only policy enhances the connection to the course’s natural beauty. Push carts and caddies are the primary options for navigating the course, with motorized carts allowed only for those with medical disabilities.

While I also played Cabot Links during my visit, Cabot Cliffs left a deeper impression on me. The Links course is a strategic masterpiece, offering challenges that demand precision and thoughtful play. However, I found Cabot Cliffs to be more visually spectacular and enjoyable overall. The Cliffs course may not have the same level of strategic complexity as the Links, but its stunning views and unique design made it a more rewarding experience for me.

As someone who values breathtaking scenery and innovative course layouts, I was captivated by Cabot Cliffs. From the first tee to the 18th green, the course delivered unforgettable moments. It may be considered the "easier" course of the two, but it never felt simple or uninspired. Instead, it struck a perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment, which is exactly what I wanted from a destination course.

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Bonus Material: The Nest

The Nest is a 10-hole par-3 course located on the Cabot Cliffs property, designed by the legendary duo of Coore and Crenshaw. It’s a charming addition to the resort, offering a more relaxed and playful golfing experience while still maintaining the high-quality conditions of the main courses. Each hole features funky green undulations that mimic those found on miniature golf courses but with the pristine conditions you’d expect at Cabot.

Playing The Nest felt like a fun departure from the intensity of the Cliffs and Links courses. The design encourages creativity, allowing you to tee up from practically anywhere. This makes it perfect for casual rounds or quick games during your stay. While enjoyable, I’d recommend playing The Nest only if it’s included in your resort package, as the greens fee of over $70 can feel steep for a short course.

One of the most memorable aspects of my time at The Nest was playing the final holes at sunset. The glowing horizon over the cliffs provided a surreal backdrop to the round. Adding to the uniqueness of the experience, I stumbled across a group of social media influencers who made a hole-in-one on one of the holes using a hockey stick— something I later saw go viral on Instagram. I managed a birdie on the same hole with my trusty golf club, but their unconventional success story was certainly a highlight of the evening.

The Nest is a delightful complement to Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links,offering a lighter, fun-filled experience that rounds out the resort’s offerings. While it may not have the dramatic vistas or strategic challenges of the main courses, it’s a great way to unwind and enjoy the stunning scenery of Cabot from a different perspective.

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