Highlands Links - Ingonish, NS

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
1-800-441-1118 | (902) 285-2600 | Fax: (902) 285-2734
W: www.highlandslinksgolf.com | E: www.highlandslinksgolf.com

Here between the majesty of the Cape Breton Highlands and the roar of the Atlantic Ocean, Stanley Thompson's masterpiece has grown in stature to be regarded as a national treasure. It is constantly ranked as Canada's top public golf course and its regular inclusion in Golf Magazine's 'Top 100 Courses in the World'. The late Canadian professional George Knudson said of Highlands Links' beauty that "it's the only course I'd be happy to walk without clubs."

Located in the heart of one of North America’s most beautiful national parks (Cape Breton Highlands ranked #2 National Park in North America-National Geographic Traveler Magazine, 2005), this 18-hole journey showcases breathtaking mountain views and ocean vistas. The brilliance of Thompson’s design is apparent to all with his famous bunkering and magnificent routing, winding its way seamlessly through rocky headlands and wooded glens. Many have referred to Highlands Links as Thompson's homage to golf's Scottish roots and St. Andrews in particular. Holes have names like “Heich O' Fash” (which means “Heap of Trouble”) and many of the fairways are remarkably similar to Scottish topography. The seventh hole, Killiecrankie, resembles the long narrow pass of Killiecrankie in the Highlands of Scotland – a wooded gorge that played a significant role in Scotland's history in 1689.

An enormous restoration effort will pay off in 2012 at Highlands Links. Under the guidance of Ian Andrew, greens have been returned to their original size and their drainage improved, resulting in putting speeds not witnessed in years. Sand bunkers have been restored, as have sight lines where trees encroached. As word of the improvements spread, it led to a significant increase in rounds played late in the 2011 season.