The day started with some clouds and a few scattered showers, with a 5 Celsius weather, but no wind. Despite of these weather conditions, i played Leopard's Chase this morning. The guy at the bag drop said to me i was courageous to play with this weather. But i have already play with this kind of weather in Canada, during the spring and fall seasons.
As was the case at Tiger's Eye last week, i received a quality welcome and attentive service. And after checking in, i was ready to start my round, a bit ahead of my tee time scheduled. I played alone, behind a duo of seniors. After the first nine holes, i asked them to play ahead of them politely and they accepted, so i finished my round under 3 hours.
I loved Tiger's Eye a lot last week and quite frankly i loved Leopard's Chase even more today! Both were designed by Tim Cate. A well-known and great golf architect. For Leopard's Chase, he imitated a bit Pete Dye, meaning he has builted a difficult course with a lot of sand traps, in the fairways and at proximity of the greens. And water obstacles could be in play on many holes. After counting fifty sand traps, i decided to stop counting that and concentrated on my game.
It is a course that is played 6,165 yards from the white tees. I played from these tees, except for three holes (yellow tees). There are a lot of obstacles (sand and water). It is tough golf course, the rating and the slope 70,3/135 say it all. I played 45 on the front nines and 42 on the back. There is 5 par 5s and 5 par 3s (the longest is 157 yards, Hole 8). All offers a good challenge . Precision is very important if you want to finish with a good score.
The nicest hole is the 18th, but i would advance that all the holes have a great design. Like a wrote last week for Tiger's Eye the conditions are very good. However the grass in the fairways is rather thin. The greens are a bit slow, 7-9, with a lot of ondulations, but in a very good condition. All have a nice design, like the bunkers. Bunkers around the greens could be very dangerous for your score. Some are very deep.
In short, a very pleasant experience, except for the weather. I will certainly come back to play Leopard Chase, it is such a great golf course.
''It's just golf, let's have fun''
If Big Cats will keep up the maint, LC is a good option now
on Package. The Pkg rate is lower than a lot of mid level courses.
It does not appear to use dynamic rates.
Thanks for a great review + report!
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''I consider Leopard superior to the other three courses at Ocean's Ridge. The layout is excellent - but doesn't get the play of Panther, Tiger, or Lion because it is a much tougher golf course and the members just don't play it as much. I love the routing and variety of the holes - 5 par 3's and 5 par 5's. Was very disappointed after the first two holes as the greens were awful - after that, however the greens were OK but not great. Bent grass, they were a medium speed. The rest of the course was soft, but we were off the path. Cart paths are good - we played as a six some in 4 hours (no one behind us to complain) If you're looking for a challenge, Leopard will certainly provide it. Got to hit it in play off the tee - pretty tight on a lot of holes. Helps to have played here to know where to hit the drive. Overall, after the first two greens I was glad I made it out there after a year. # 18 is a terrific finishing hole. ''
I stumbled upon this Leopard Chase review written by UGP a few years ago. I think it's still relevant, having played Leopard Chase Tuesday. The change of course superintendent and the infusion of money to better maintain the course have made it a very good value for money. The only thing that's wrong is the clubhouse, which really isn't up to par with the quality of the course. But, the quality of the course designed by Tim Cate makes it one of the best among those in the mid-tier golf courses.
''It's just golf, let's have fun''
@s333h
You need to make it clear that the old UGP LC review is a old review.
It currently appears like it's your review, until you say you found it.
For those hoping for a good pace, LC single tees and isn't too
popular, but that may change if conditions at Big Cats keeps
improving.
I also feel the clubhouse hurts attracting golfers, who may want
to have a drink or lunch after play. They have limited food and
drinks, but it's the small size that affects if you have more than
a foursome.
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i mentionned that it was a review written by UGP dating of a few years ago. Maybe it was not enough clear. So i will put in bold his review.
''It's just golf, let's have fun''
@s333h It's clear now.
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Nice to hear the CATS are upping their game. We have always wanted to play them but wasn't willing to pay the price.
Let the Big Dawg Bark!!!
