Roblin links a hidden gem

In between Manitoba’s “mountains” Duck and Riding lies the town of Roblin.

And nestled on the northern edge of this lovely Parkland community sits the Roblin Golf & Country Club, where the links are built around a picturesque water hole with rolling changes of elevation.

As the province get into the winds of autumn, be mindful that — although there are trees and brush — these placed growths offer little protection against stiff breezes.

The clubhouse is large and has a very good restaurant. There is a fleet of electric golf cars here for rent, and if anyone has mobility issues, a car is a good idea here. The course contains enough elevation changes that someone with that trick knee from high school sports might have a bad day.

Looking down the first fairway will provide evidence that this course has been here for a good long while. The grass is well established, the greens are in great health, and the tree and shrubbery placements are mature and strong. This opening par-4 is slightly uphill, but plays without surprise.

But if you didn’t rent a car for your round, you might want to call an Uber to play the second fairway. The second hole is a very long par 5, and just before you reach the green, there is a fast moving little creek crossing the fairway. My ball ended up here, and by the time I got up to the green, my ball had been washed 15 metres downstream.

I don’t believe this stream is a permanent feature. Rather, it is likely a path of relief from the adjacent pond bursting its banks from the recent rains. In any case, it adds to the play.

The third hole is a slight dog leg left, and a gong along this fairway tells the folks back on the tee you’ve cleared the bend.

Awaiting you at the fourth hole is a tricky green as its slope from rear to front is quite steep.

Some relief, and some sightseeing, come along on the fifth. This is a par 3, but it plays downhill, and there is a large water hazard backing the green. I would shoot high and try to land hard here, because rolling off is highly probable. Behind the water hazard is view of the town’s communication towers and a hint of the the ninth’s fairway.

The sixth hole plays uphill with no sight of the green. That’s OK though, just hit a decent drive, and you’ll see it once you’re on top the ridge.

Comparatively, hole seven plays downhill, and has a dog leg to the left. You really need to hit a long one, slightly to the right of the fairway, to get into a decent position for your second shot.

The penultimate hole is my pick for the signature hole, but I think the course designers intended the ninth for that designation. There is no fairway here on this 117 yard par-3, just a water hazard. The swollen waters from the rains took away any hint of fairway grass before the green. You can try to hit over the hole, but there are trees, and the green’s angle doesn’t make a backtracking chip very easy.

Coming home on to the ninth hole, you have the same water from the eighth running all along the right side, and the left side is a tree line forming the out of bounds. This hole’s biggest challenge is the sudden 90-degree dog leg right at 230 yards. You could go for it, adopting an over-all-the-obstacles shot, but nine’s green is protected by trees on the left and back, and water on the right towards the front.

Beginning players might want to try three shots. When I was there, the bend was quite wet, and hitting from there was a bit of a slog. When you go, I hope it is a dryer day and you can play this very pretty hole as the designers intended.

Normally I put more descriptions into my articles, but the scorecard here has a running narrative for each and every hole. Their words are better than any I could provide after only one visit. Do give it a read before you head out.

When you go, try paying for your fees with cash or debit cards. This particular facility charges an extra percentage on credit cards.

And the course is also very busy, so do call ahead for tee times.

Take Nine is is the sports section newest edition where freelancer Ryan Desjarlais highlights nine-hole golf courses around the Keystone province.