A Club Designed To Rise Above The City
The Summit, at 989 feet above sea level, provided an awe inspiring vista of Toronto and the surrounding country side. It was designed to be a retreat; secluded and exclusive. In 1912 George Cumming, the pro from the Toronto Golf Club did the original routing of the 18 holes. While 332 shares were sold (at a share) to finance the club it took another 7 years to break ground. Stanley Thompson was hired in 1919 to translate plans into reality. Thompson put his touch on every hole. His trademarks can be seen throughout the course from the first hole that welcomes the golfer with an open fairway that drains everything to the centre to the challenging 18th hole that tests any golfers nerve. For the princely sum of ,000 Thompson finished off the job within two years and the Summit was officially opened on July 19, 1921.
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The First Hole
As golf writer Lorne Rubenstein observes in his book commerating the Summit's 75th Anniversary " All of Thompson's courses bear his imprint: pleasant opening holes that generally play downhill, a routing that takes the player what is best in the environment - in Summit's case, woodland, rolling land, plateaux and valleys- and on to a challenging finish." The only surprise to me on this hole is that it is ranked the hardest hole on the course (445 yds from the blues with elevated green). Not typical for Stanley to start your round off with such a brute. Our only guess is that he had no choice and had to work with the original routing and modify things as we went. |
A Signature Hole
The 8th hole plays 412 from the blues. Considered the 7th hardest hole on the course this tee shot reward accuracy setting up an elevated approach shot to a forward sloping green. You don't want to be above the flag on this hole! |
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Just A Little Time On Our Hands
It's Sunday morning. Our tee off time was 11am. To date we have not had anyone behind us or in front of us. Considering how secluded every hole is you feel like you are playing on your own private golf course. |
Let Er Rip Baby!
Brother Mark hits his drive of the day (and I got it on film - what are the odds?). The par 5 14th hole is a driver's dream. Elevated tee box. Generous fairways. Well rewarded for distance and accuracy. Challenging elevated green with sand traps ready for any errant shot. Rated the 5th hardest hole on the course this 541 yarder gives you everything its got and more!
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How Appropriate - An Artesian Well
They call the 16th hole simply LONG. The day we played LONG the wind was blowing in our face and the blue tee markers were just under 600 yards. We were working up a thirst swinging our way to glory on good ole LONG until our host introduced us to this artesian well that was, as tasty as any well water we've ever had the opportunity to enjoy. Needless to say LONG took its toll on us and the only condolense was the fact it was the second hardest hole on the course. |
Coming Home
The 18th hole is as pretty as a finishing hole as you will find anywhere. While relatively easy to get to (400 yards from the blue) the green is undulating and sloped making sure that you cannot take for granted a two putt unless your iron shot is accurate and below the hole.
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Score Card
Unfortunately our picture of presenting Dave his set of Stanley Screwdrivers did not turn out...drats these digital cameras that wait staff can't figure out. Needless to say Dave was a wonderful host. His 75 wasn't bad either (did someone say WOLF?). Actually, being able to meet folks like Dave and Jack, golfing a round on such a beautiful course and kicking back and watching the final round of the PGA Championship in a lovely club house is what living is all about. Thanks to all who made this a really special day. |
