Fall is a perfect time for golfing at Humber Valley Resort in Western Newfoundland

by Keith and Heather Nicol    

Fall in the Humber Valley of Western Newfoundland means brilliant autumn colours and where better to enjoy these than on Newfoundland’s top rated golf course at Humber Valley Resort.  Heather Oke, the resort’s marketing and events manager, told us that the golf course has recently been ranked as the 10th best modern course in Canada by Golf Week. “This has been our busiest summer yet and we have had people from all over to play golf.  The course continues to be a big draw for golfers from the St. John’s area but we also from Ontario and B.C.  We hope to be open until the end of October so there is still lots of golf left “she added.   Heather at the first tee      We had a chance to play the course on October 1 and it was in very good shape. The weather was perfect for golf with temperatures reaching 21 C in the afternoon. This course will test all of your golfing skills from tee to green. There are over 100 sand traps that will penalize the errant drive or approach shot and the large greens will test your putting skills.  Be sure to bring your camera since the front nine features fine vistas of Deer Lake, especially on the first 5 holes. In fact, the par 3 fifth hole is right along the water. Some courses have 1 or 2 signature holes, but the course at Humber Valley Resort has many, perhaps the most famous is #10 which provides a magnificent view of the Humber Valley. The back nine winds toward the Humber River and both #14 and #15 are right along the river. For more information on the Humber Valley Resort golf course see: http://humbervalley.com/ Keith on the signature 10th hole       If you are looking for a place to stay while you are golfing or visiting the Humber Valley then have a look at the The Lodges at Humber Valley Resort (http://www.humbervalleylodges.com/). Jean and Simon Burch manage 9 luxury vacation homes at Humber Valley Resort and on our most recent visit we stayed at Lakeview Lodge. It has good views of Deer Lake and the birch trees on the property were just changing colour. We enjoyed a glass of wine on the large deck before cooking dinner on the BBQ. These 4.5 star vacation homes have between 3 and 5 spacious bedrooms and a kitchen, dining and living area for entertaining. All you need to do is bring the food! The Lodges also has a bed and breakfast for anyone not wanting to rent an entire lodge. A large deck leads off the dining room at Lakeview Lodge  Jean told us that they have had a very busy summer. “Most people who stay here play golf at the resort but they also use it as a base to head to Gros Morne National Park one day and Corner Brook or Cox’s Cove the next day. We also have an active winter season in February and March with skiers and snowmobilers staying at our lodges." Jean adds with a grin.    The master bedroom also leads to the large deck