Simple strokes in Steep Rock

For those who have been very busy at the end of June, the sudden mid-week statutory holiday to celebrate the best country on this planet may have caught you off guard. How can one get out of Winnipeg on a mini road trip that’s not too short, but not too long? Unfold the highways map — ask a grey hair — and trace a route up through the Interlake to Steep Rock, Man.

The limestone shoreline here on Lake Manitoba has some wondrous cliffs, caves and beaches to explore. Folks can hike along the shore and trails to seek their adventure. Paddling a locally rented kayak, or the canoe you thatched onto the roof of your Civic, is also a great option. Most family members would be delighted rumbling about with all that accounts for Steep Rock’s name. For others, there’s always a need for activity that absorbs time and that is less physically demanding. I hear this rally cry, and in response, I present the Hard Rock Golf Course.

I had the great pleasure of meeting the head greenskeeper who goes by the name of Mac. He talked about the team of volunteers that help him maintain the links. He also spoke of how the community has brought exciting additional attractions to the area, including new hiking trails that lead to an elaborate camp ground complex. This new, sprawling seasonal community includes a marina and bouncy castle pavilion. COVID gave Steep Rock’s popularity a boost, and folks are now coming and staying for the season.

The original town site is relatively small, but if you are a landmark person, seek the old church. At the northwest corner of said church is a picnic table, and the first tee. Cost is $10/round, or free for those under the age of 16. Membership fees for the entire golf season will run you a staggering couple of greenbacks ($40 CDN). There’s no pro-shop. You just plunk your money in the strong box bolted to the picnic table, and get your score sheet from the fishing tackle box, also bolted to the table. Bring your own snacks and hydration, but please use the refuse cans provided. If you forgot, the local shops, a small stroll away, have yummy supplies on hand.

This is a par 3 course, and a very short one. To make the most of the small grounds, Mac laid out the course with nine holes, but two greens per hole, bringing an 18 hole feel to the run. You needn’t bring the bag; just a mid iron, a pitching wedge, and a putter. Take note, the flag sticks are not pulled out here. Hole 1’s green is only 80 metres away from the tee, but a large garden that includes metre tall statues of Canada geese fronts the dance floor! No bump and run shot available here. Speaking of greens, this course uses a form of sand green. The material is very fine particulate, a byproduct from the local limestone production plant you passed on the way into town. This material is better than sand, as it packs very tightly and provides a really nice puttable surface. Be kind, and drag the mat after your foursome leaves the green. That huge boat hazard on #4/13, containing all sorts of flowers, is a free lift zone; do NOT play it where it lies.

The score paper has rules and score tallies on one side, and a course map on the other. Keep that map handy — your GPS app won’t help you here, kids. For example, #3/12 tee is in a lovely little nook carved out of the brush, but it is across the road from the main portion of the course. If you don’t read the map right, you’ll be looking for quite a while. You also need to consult the map to keep track of which green is in play. The main body of the course has a cluster of five or six greens very close to each other, and the map helps you sort it all out.

The course encircles a recreation pavilion with benches, shade, and a new pickleball court. The tee for the signature hole is at the end of said court, and this has two of the course’s trickiest greens. For the eighth, you can see the indented ditch-like green. For 17, there is a bush blocking your view of the green. This goal area is the opposite of Hole 8, in that it is dome shaped. If you don’t throw a high lob dart, you ball may land, but you’ll likely roll off!

Tee times are not a thing here, so no need to call ahead. That said, according to Mac, weekend afternoons are often busy with tournaments, so plan on early or late play en fin de semaines.