Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook Hotel |
The Crowne Plaza also abuts the Saint John River and offers access to about sixteen miles of biking (mountain bikes available for rental) and hiking trails. Walking across the Old Train bridge, for example, is a great photo opportunity and gave us the chance to meet and greet other friendly strollers.
Be aware that Fredericton is not a late-night city. Although you can still get a coffee at Tim Hortons (the equivalent of Dunkin Donuts) or a Moosehead Light at the local Snooty Fox Pub, the streets are pretty much deserted.
Our first day of golf in Canada began with a hearty breakfast on the patio of the Terrace Room of the Crowne Plaza and then we drove about ten minutes to one of Fredericton, New Brunswick’s signature golf courses.
Being beaten at golf by an eleven-year-old who weighs about eighty pounds soaking wet can be humbling but it also taught me a few things about how I can improve my own game, for example:
2. Keep shots in the short grass and, if necessary, get the golf ball back into the short grass whenever possible.
3. Lay-up to your “go-to” short game shot. Graham laid up all fairway shots to about 100 yards. Pick your favorite distance, the one you are confident with, and strike with confidence.
4. Try to two-putt every green: get the ball within the “circle of trust” then get it in the hole.
Stacy Solomon, NB Junior Champion Graham Gourley with Jeffrey Hutt of GolfNB.com |
A good night’s sleep (yes, the Sleep Advantage Program at Crowne Plaza really IS comfortable) and we’re off to to play golf at Fox Creek Golf Course in Dieppe, another challenging layout by Graham Cooke, along the Fundy Bay Drive in Atlantic Canada. Then, we’re off to St. Andrews by-the-Sea to play golf at the Algonquin Signature Course and to catch a glimpse of a ghost at a haunted hotel!
To visit New Brunswick and experience the natural wonders for yourself just hit a good, long drive! Watch for part two of my Golf Canada Adventure in the Maritimes on Golf for Beginners. You can also view a few additional pictures on our Facebook page.
Thanks for the hospitality:
Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, Fredericton, Canada
Kevin Johnston, Manager Kingswood Golf Course
Jeffrey Hutt, Golf New Brunswick
Bari Gourley, Teaching Professional, Kingwood Golf Course
And to all of the people of Canada that we encountered during our stay who were very friendly and welcoming!
Follow Golf 4 Beginners on Twitter!