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Let's Get Right To It
I will fill you in on the history and who owns Bellmere Winds Golf Resort at the end of this story. Right now I want to go straight to our pre-round snack and then I will comment on the golf course.
My playing partner for the day was my very good friend Andre, who lives in Stoco, just outside of Tweed. I was coming from Belleville, so we decided to rendezvous in Springbrook. Andre parked his 1/2-ton truck, tossed his gear into my car, and off we went to Keene and Bellmere Winds Golf Resort. From Belleville, Bellmere Winds is just 89 km away.
We had about an hour to kill before our tee time and wanted a bite to eat. After checking out the menu at the Bellmere Winds 19th Hole Patio and Grill, we decided to stay and eat right at the golf course.
Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich Wrap - EVER
Man oh man, did we ever make the right call. We both ordered the Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich wrap that also contained ham, turkey and roast beef. By far, it was the best sandwich wrap I have eaten at a golf course.
And that says a great deal coming from someone who loves making sandwich wraps for my rounds of golf. I even wrote a blog about it entitled Top Five Sandwich Wraps to Take to the Golf Course.
About the Golf Course
I played Bellmere Winds Golf Course several times about ten years ago and really enjoyed it. I was excited to play it again in 2024.
The rolling terrain and elevation changes make for some exciting shots, especially with the stunning backdrop of Rice Lake visible from several holes.
We played the white tees. At 6,022 yards, that was a little long for my game these days. We considered playing the red tees but, at 5,275 yards, that seemed a little short. If my buddies and I played this course on a regular basis, I am sure that we would develop a hybrid scorecard that brought the yards down to around 5,500 yards. Might be a good thing to add to a future scorecard.
It's worth noting that this course doesn't allow walkers. I personally enjoy walking 18 holes when the terrain is fairly flat, but not many would want to attempt walking Bellmere Winds anyway—it's very hilly.
Here's a Google review written by Joseph Smith in July 2024 that sums up what it is like to play Bellmere Winds quite well. Here is Joseph's review;
Golfed here yesterday with my buddies . First off ..incredible location . Great views from the tee decks . For all the great reviews I couldn't wait to try this course . All four of us are single hcp players who have played all over North America . Very basic parking lot with gravel and the check in was in a portable trailer type of building . No clubhouse ...just a deck and a portable. The weather was great so outside was ok. If the weather was not good there is no place to get out of the heat or rain . So this was a negative and not what you would expect from such a beautiful course . I would expect being a resort course there would be better player comforts after the round . Staff were great , check in was good , starter was fantastic. Played in 4h 30 min ..great pace for being so busy . Only saw the drink cart 3 times in 18 holes ...first two times on hole one and 4 ...then 17 . The layout is great ..played from blues . Lots of elevation changes and the green complex were very challenging. Not a good course for a high hcp or casual player . Very difficult approach shots and greens are well sloped . The pins were set for some reason in the most difficult locations on most greens . Conditions of the greens were top notch . Bunkers were great . Only condition issue was the fairways . The fairways were very long excellent condition but hard to get clean contact on iron shots do to grass getting behind the ball taking spin off approach shots causing the ball to roll off many greens with no check. Over all a must play for anyone who enjoys a beautiful course and amazing staff . Will be back for sure as the price point is great value for what you get .
How it All Began
Bellmere Winds Golf Resort was originally developed as a family-owned property, with the golf course and resort facilities being built to cater to both golfers and vacationers. In the early 2000s, the resort began establishing itself as a popular destination along Rice Lake.
Over the years, the resort gained popularity, attracting both local visitors and tourists looking for a scenic golf and vacation experience.
By the mid-2010s, Bellmere Winds had established itself as a go-to destination for those seeking stay-and-play golf packages in the very popular Kawarthas region.
Aquisition by Great Blue Resorts
In 2015, Bellmere Winds transitioned from being a family-owned business to being part of Great Blue Resorts, a large hospitality group specializing in cottage and vacation properties.
This acquisition marked a new phase of development for the resort, with expanded facilities, upgraded services, and more comprehensive marketing efforts aimed at a broader audience.
Accommodations at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort
When I first played Bellmere Winds about 10 years ago, some cottages had already been built and others were in the plans. Even back then, they were promoting their Golf Stay & Play packages.
Having now played it in 2024, I can see the whole development in it's full glory. The development is still expanding but construction is far from the golf course.
You can visit the Great Blue Resorts' website to learn all about ownership at one of the cottages at Bellmere Winds. Property owners have some really great golf perks such as unlimited golf for six members on an owner's immediate, preferred tee times, advanced booking, and more.
Stay & Play Golf Deals
My recent round at Bellmere beat me up pretty good, and I'd love to have another crack at this golf course, or maybe even two or three.
A golf getaway with the gang—two nights and three rounds of golf—sure sounds like a ton of fun. I guarantee you won't get tired of playing this course. Who knows, maybe by the third round, you'll be able to go out there and show it who's boss.
I could definately see myself spending a couple of nights at a cottage like 71 The Point Drive. We could re-live our adventures on the golf course while enjoying a bonfire down by the shores of Rice Lake.
You can see all Stay & Play Golf Packages for both Bellmere Winds Golf Resort and nearby Bonnie Lake Resort, HERE.
If you go when the fall leaves are at their prime, don't forget to take lots of pictures.
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