Cabot Cliffs

I've been lucky enough to play dozens of "five star" courses, but I almost always give them 3- to 4-star ratings for value because these bucket-list courses are quite expensive for the average golfer. I gave Cabot Cliffs five stars in every GolfPass ratings category (perhaps a first for me) - even 5 stars for value - because I would gladly pay its rate to play it again. In my mind, I can relive the round shot by shot, something only the best courses can do. You need memorable holes to stick in the memory banks for an extended period of time. Cabot Cliffs does this throughout the round. The finish from no. 15 in defies logic in how these coastal holes play and present.

This was a bucket list course for my hubby and I. It lived up to all the hype. We played on a cold, windy nasty day with pelting ice at tee off and I was 6 months pregnant. It was still one of the best rounds of my life.

I had a caddie and cart due to my pregnancy and was treated like gold. Caddie made the round way more fun. The scenery is unparalleled and the course is well thought out to take advantage off all the views.

Tough course in the wind - I was hitting driver on a par three that would normally be a mid iron. But that was part of the charm.

Would love to return on a sunny warm day!

I played Cabot Cliffs with my good buddy and since this is a walking course I needed to get a cart and caddy. I understood later why you could not drive the cart yourself.(alot of restrictions where the cart can and can not go) First time with a caddy and greatful i had one to show me where not to go and the wind directions that swirl. The course is one of the best manicured i have played on. The course was challenging but fair. We stayed at the hotel located on Cabot Links, gorgeous views. Wish i lived closer would love to play it again and again.

Cabot Cliffs combines a playable friendly layout for golfers of all skill levels with spectacular breath taking views. It truly is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I don’t normally walk courses but this is one that you’ll enjoy and be very glad you did. Conditions are pristine for a course that’s only been open for a few years and hasn’t quite matured yet.

The public house at the Links course is also a great spot to grab a bite and enjoy the sunset!

I’ll recommend Cabot to everyone who loves golf and loves traveling to new places for it.

I emailed reservations, securing a "B" Caddy which was confirmed. Arrived at the course and was eventually introduced to my "B" Caddy by an employee of the ProShop. Had good conversation, played solo, and then around the 5th hole, he says to me..."when we were introduced, was I described as a "A" or "B" Caddy". I replied by saying, that I requested a "B" Caddy and had confirmation. He says, "that's wrong, because I've been here for 5 years and I'm an "A" Caddy" He went on to remind me the difference in fees, and immediately made me feel like I was taken hostage.

He knew how much I paid to play (+$300). How big of a jerk would I look if I didn't pay him the "A" Rate. The rest of the round was tense, the conversation suffered, the experience clouded.

I discussed the matter with the ProShop, was given Ted Stonehouse's email address, which has gone unanswered in 8 days.

The other part - I wholeheartedly feel that this course is #1 in the country because of its location. I play in the jewel of the Niagara Region, and there are a handful of courses within an hr's drive that if were on the ocean, would also be ranked #1 in the world. The design wasn't THAT much better than other courses, and certainly did NOT warrant the green fees.

Warning: Before you spend $400 on a round of golf here (not including caddy), you may consider playing 4 rounds of golf somewhere else without spectacular views. FOUR ROUNDS of GOLF.

Let's just say, I wouldn't spend this much for golf, if I knew this is the experience I'd walk away with

While Cabot Cliffs is a beautiful and generally good course, it didn’t quite live up to the hype and glowing reviews coming in from all corners of the world.

While the course notes above say there is no driving range, there is a range at Cliffs which serves both courses.

The course starts strong. The par 4 second is a great hole. Generally a layup off the tee to a very wide fairway. But choosing where to be in the fairway is essential to set up the best angle to the pin over a large dune that I guarantee you do not want to be in. The green is quite interesting with a plateau on the back part of the green. The fifth is a great Cape par 4 with the added challenge that approach shots will tend to run long and left into trouble. The rest of the first 8 holes are all quite solid.

Then we get to #9 - a short par 3 that many will compare to Pebble #7. None of our group liked this hole. It seemed contrived and it’s locstion creates an awkwardness in the flow of the course. It’s a great view and normally everyone likes a short par 3, but this one weakens the front nine.

But the 10th restarts the momentum and it carries through 12. The par 4 13th is not a bad hole, with the green perched on top of a steep slope, but I can’t say I was overly fond of coming up a foot shot on the approach and watching the ball roll 50 yards back to me. 14 and 15 are fine and then you get to the two most photographed holes in Canada.before a strong finishing par 5.

16 is a beautiful looking par 3, but I don’t think it works that well as a golf hole. From the tee, you can’t really see or understand what the hole is trying to do when the pins on the left (and from the forward tees, you might as well take out a putter and try to roll it down a bending slope because the angle to the green is horrible).

17 is that new craze - a drivable par 4 for everyone (though if everyone can do it, why is it a par 4?). It’s a blind tee shot that toys with the cliffs and then with enough carry, tumbles down a steep hill to the green. It’s more about luck than skill - round 1 I drove it and made eagle; round 2 my tee shot came up a foot short of the tumble and I hit a 6 inch putt for my 2nd that tumbled the remaining 50 yards. It will be widely debated if this is a great hole or just a gimmicky one (doubly so since it’s the penultimate hole).

The course was in excellent condition, especially for how young it is. Some might say the greens could be faster, but with the course playing firm and if the wind blows, I’d say they have them at the right speed.

Most interestingly, in talking with the Cabot team (caddies, pros, golf staff, other staff), they were unanimous in saying Links was the better course. To paraphrase one team member, after 2 rounds on both courses, my recommendation would be come to see Cliffs, come to play Links.

Finally, a review of this course would be remiss without mentioning the outstanding team at Cabot. Everyone was very friendly and I have never been anywhere else where everyone on the team was asking about our experience and really wanted to know what we thought (not only about Cabot, but how their complex compared to Bandon and Sand Valley which we have played).

Unbelievable scenery matched to a very enjoyable golf course.Not a true links in the strictest sense, it does play linksy at times,, at other times its more billy goat territory. Course was in great shape after a wet spring,, not a lot of roll to the fairways, huge greens that at times will let you run there ball in, at times it's all carry. Magnificent bunkering. The course has it all, dog legs left and right, blind shots, forced carries and above all else the views! Not sure why people don't like the short 17th, it's a bit gimmicky but still very fun to play so who cares. Currently ranked #9 in the world, the only thing holding it back from a higher rating is the clubhouse: one yurt for the pro shop another for the bar/halfway house. A bit tougher walk then Cabot Links but not an issue if you are used to walking a golf course. Well worth a visit

I had high hopes for Cabot Cliffs. I'd been to Cape Breton twice before and the third time around, finally got a chance to play the course (twice, actually). Expectations were certainly met and in some ways exceeded. We've been seeing images for the famous cliffside 16th hole for years now, and have heard about the controversial, short par-4 17th. But frankly I was blown away by many other holes on the course. The par-4 2nd is incredible, and I love the par-3 14th and par-5 15th holes. There are a lot of birdie opportunities with the equal amount of par 3s, 4s and 5s. I don't think I've ever played a course with three par 5s in four holes, and they all play a different direction. That's important because the wind can blow up here on this exposed position (though holes that wind farther inland tend to get a little more benign).

I vividly remember every hole a week or so after we played it. Every tee box has a different look and challenge to consider. It's really one of the great amateur courses in the world. I'm sure better players could chew it up since it's just 6,700 yards from the tips, but catering to the pros is never the point of a Mike Keiser-backed project.

We played the course twice with caddies and while the afternoon round got a little slow, we were one of the first groups off the following morning and got around in 3:30. What a treat that was!

Cabot Cliffs (and sister course Cabot Links) are definitely worth the trip. These are 5 star links style courses. Both courses are in great shape (links style). This is yellow/brown and some green, hard and fast fairways, firm but slow greens. Lots of danger around but reward if you play the right shot. Basically really good links courses. Cabot Links is more "links". Both are walking courses the links being an easier walk. Get a caddie (even a carry caddy on the Cliffs).

Played 2 rounds on Cliffs and one on Links on July 17,18. Weather was perfect. Warm (27 Celsius with humidity, light breeze).

The Links course was very enjoyable. Ocean views on almost every hole. Fair but challenging layout. Greens were firm but receptive. Tight lies so get used to playing differnt shots.

The greens were slow (very slow on Cliffs). The second round on Cliffs I started to get the speed and make some putts and more importantly got the ball to the hole.

The Cliffs but the signature holes of 16,17,18 at the maybe the best 3 closing holes in golf with respect to the views and setup. 16 from the blacks is an amazing shot over the Cliffs (see picture), 17 is a drive-able (5 iron to 3 wood) but completely blind up hill, over the cliffs shot. 18 is pretty straight away but danger lurks to the right with the sea and beach all along it.

Overall a definite recommend. Pick Cabot Links/Cliffs over Pebble beach. Better courses at less then half the price.

Panorama restaurant and Cabot Bar are right on 18. Amazing sunset views for dinner. Good food albeit pricey at Panorama. Cabot Bar as expected for Pub style.

Rooms at the resort all look over the Cabot Links course with ocean views. They were clean and comfortable. Also a little pricey but again expected since these courses are in demand and we were in high season.

Over

This a walking course only. Excepting with a medical note from a Dr.. Then you must take a caddie who will drive the cart ( $60 plus tip ). There are good reasons for this. Both Cabot Links and newer sister course Cabot Cliffs are links courses with most holes running along the sea. While the sister course Links is relatively flat there are elevation changes when the course moves away from the sea. Conditions were the same as at the Links course, hard fairways and greens, with the greens a little on the slow side. There are a few blind shots on both courses. The short par 3 16th hole requires a tee shot over a chasm to wide but not deep green which runs hard to the right. It is the courses signature hole. These two courses are world class venues. They are not easy to get to but are definitely worth the trip. All the personnel are very friendly and helpful.

I played Cabot Cliffs on consecutive days in late June 2017. The first day was warm but overcast and very windy (2 to 3 club wind at times). The second day was warm with virtually no wind and not a cloud in the sky (very unusual for the area). Weather at Cabot can change on a dime, so be prepared for anything and everything (even during the course of a single round).

The course seems to be designed to be played under windy conditions, having generous landing areas and ample room to be creative from tee to green. I actually had more fun the first day taking on the above-average wind. The elements are one of the main defenses of this course - without the wind, it's not overly challenging. Case in point - on the first day, #16 (the postcard par 3 where the green sits out on the cliffs above the ocean) was 155 yards and I hit 5 iron (my 185 club). On day 2, I hit 8 iron (my normal 155 club) from the exact same tee.

The conditioning of the course was very nice, although the greens are very slow. I have to give Cabot a pass though on the green speeds, as the greens are still maturing and Cabot is understandably being protective. At least the speeds are consistent on all of the holes and putts roll true to the breaks that you'll read. It's actually good that the greens were slow on the first day, otherwise the wind would have blown the balls around (the wind was definitely a factor on putts that day). Another comment on conditioning would be raking of bunkers. There was some rainy weather the night before I arrived and it did not appear that the maintenance crew had raked all of the bunkers in the morning, which you wouldn't expect at a world-class resort.

As mentioned above, the fairways are generous and I'd go so far as to say Cabot Cliffs could be classified as a bomber's paradise. Even in the wind, I often found myself hitting driver/short iron on par 4s and a few of the par 5s are reachable in 2 for bigger hitters.

There some blind shots to deal with off the tee (and a couple of approaches as well), so it helps to have a caddy the first time around, but overall the blind shots are not a big factor (don't forget that landing areas are generous in most cases). The caddies seemed a little hit or miss, but overall adequate.

The vistas are spectacular, just like you see in the pictures (only better in real life). And so many memorable holes that are impossible to recreate anywhere else on the planet, especially #17 which is difficult to put into words (331 yards from the tips but reachable with a well placed shot over the ocean, clearing the cliffs and then funneling down an extremely steep fairway to the green). One thing is for certain - Mother Nature intended this property to be a golf course. Visually, it's absolutely incredible.

Aside from the slow greens, other cons you might experience are pace of play can be slow at times with all of the par 5s and Cabot is not necessarily easy to get to (3.5 hour drive once you actually get to the airport in Halifax). I also found that they did not change the pin locations on a number of holes on consecutive days, which was a little disappointing, plus, they used the same green (with same pin location!) on #4 on consecutive days, which to me is unacceptable. Fortunately one of the caddies in my group had a shag ball in his pocket and let me play a second tee-shot to the alternate green, so at least I got to experience what it is like to play the hole to both greens from the tee.

Overall, I thought Cabot Cliffs was a ton of fun. Fun dealing with the wind, being able to bomb away with the driver, with room for creative shotmaking, all while soaking in the natural beauty and unique holes that can be found only on this special property. I'm not sure I'd rank it up there at #19 in the world yet (Golf Digest 2017), but it definitely should be on the "to-do list" of any avid golfer.

Wow. What a spot.

The course is fantastic. Truly unique layout in a gorgeous setting. The greens rolled true, but were extremely slow, which is always disappointing in my opinion.

The weather can change on a dime and is unpredictable, but almost part of the fun.

We were here for 3 rounds. The caddies are hit and miss, so dont expect a sure thing.

Felt bad being on the greens. Every step produced a another torn piece of green. I was shocked they would allow play. Someone told me that sit is normal for young greens., but I have never seen anything like it.

I hope they can recover as it could be an outstanding place.

My advice wait, save you money until they are able to grow some grass on the greens.

The setting is truly beautiful - one of the best I have seen for a golf course; however, you don't get any points as a designer or greenskeeper for not screwing up natural beauty. This golf course SHOULD be beautiful simply based on its location. What is SHOULD NOT be is open for play!

The trouble with the course is the condition of its greens. Tufts of grass, but mostly sand and dirt. They appear to be dead and in need of a complete reseeding, aeration and hydration. Even the worst muni courses do not have greens as poor as those at Cabot Cliffs. For $250.00 per round, you expect private course quality conditions.

We played in mid September and the course should have been closed for play as it was in such poor shape. The Links Course was better, but the pace of play on the Links is painful (4:45 - waited on every single shot and all the staff could say was, "well, it is a popular place and there is nothing we can do about it).

If you are planning an East Coast golf trip, skip Cape Breton's Cabot courses and stick to Fox Harbour and the signature courses of PEI.

No words, simply, no words to describe this place. Everyone has heard the hype around it, and it will simply meet and surpass any and all expectations. The conditions were incredible, the views were breathe taking and the walk was.. tiring!! *if you can splurge for a caddie, I advise it, as it has some big hills, and it doesn't hurt to have the local course knowledge because there are blind shots, and not knowing the greens with massive undulation hurt as well.

There are many different tee options to please all golfers. I am pretty confident that before every shot, I just looked around in amazement. Greens so lightning and EVERYTHING, no matter what, breaks towards the water. we played on a semi windy day from the silver tees. It made some holes play longer and others, a lot shorter. You can use all the clubs in your bag if you choose, its simply a treat to play.

Only negative was that we had a group ahead of us with a guy we labelled "PRO JOE". He was playing from the back tees and although I'm not one to judge anyone's golfing ability, he did not belong there. must have waster 20-30 minutes looking for balls. Long story short, don't be a "PRO JOE", accept that this course is one of the tougher courses you will play, but your pride aside and play the right tees. You will enjoy your round a lot more chasing birdies and trying to make par saves, then looking for balls and saving for a triple.

Before ground was even broken, the routing of Cabot Cliffs already had it mentioned with Cypress Point and as a top ten in the world contender. Even Coore and Crenshaw were stating that this might be best piece of property that they had to work on (Better than Sand Hills?) Has there been a course with that much hype? Don't worry, you don't need to lower your expectations: Cliffs is really that good. The course and routing are all world. Hard to believe that it will even be better after all grows in. Don't worry part two-the conditions are still very good.

One of the biggest compliments that I can give a course of this quality is that the inland holes are just as great as the holes along the ocean (this puts it in a class with Cypress Point, Dornoch and Pacific Dunes for me-lofty company). There are many drives with multiple fairways divided by a fair way bunker or approaches with a fairway bunker to make you choose your line. In all cases, except for one, the side of the fairway you choose will depend on flag location.

The design factor of bunkers in the fairway is very linkslike as is the play of the course. Put away your lob wedge and bump and run or putt. Take into account elevation change and ground game on approaches-there are many times where actual yardage is two clubs less than what the fairway or range finder will say. This is a links course and a wonderful one at that. There are also many holes with elevation changes up and down the forest. Taking this into account is also essential. Not playing at the flag and using the land is vital.

The routing, as you might know by now, has 6 of each type of par. It never becomes redundant. Even at the times that par 5s are back to back, they are all so good from a design point that you are interested in the hole. There is not one weak hole on the course. Most holes, par 4s and 5s, have multiple ways of playing them. This is a course for a lifetime. The second you walk off of it you will want to get right back out.

This course has plenty of eye candy. The views of the ocean come into play on many holes and the holes that play along the water are also spectacular in design and in harmony with the setting. You will take pictures here. Not only of the par 3 16th with a direct line similar to Cypress Point's 16th. They even have furniture near the 1st tee box for after the round for you to enjoy the setting.

Off of the course, the facilities are great. There is a putting green and driving range on site. There are shuttle buses to take you to and from the lodge. The area is full of things to do if there is a member of your family who does not golf (their loss).

Is this place worthy of all the praise? I would say so. Based solely on the quality of golf, it is in the top class of golf courses I have played. Come here and find out for yourself what all the well deserved hype is all about. Just make sure that you stay a while and give it the multiple plays it deserves; you couldn't regret it.

Wow! what a course. I have been playing golf for over 35 years and this is the best course I have ever played.Even though it's a hilly course I did not mind it too much. Can't wait to play it again. Don't forget your cameras.

I have been fortunate enough to play some very nice courses around the world and I must say that Cabot Cliffs instantly cracked my top 10 of all courses I've played. The fact that I got my first hole in hole did not sway my ranking.... too much.

Beautiful layout and scenery, great caddie, Robert McDonald, all around great experience. Well worth the effort it takes to get here. Planning on going back again next year.. make sure you go back to the tips on 16 to see the view, maybe even hit the shot from there.

The Inverness "town fathers" had always envisioned a golf course as the perfect transition and evolution of the land that once was productive and prosperous coal mines. And that's what they got when Ben Cowan-Dewar and Mike Keiser hired Rod Whitman, a Canadian architect, to build Cabot Links, which opened in 2012 and has been deemed a huge success. "If Rod hadn't created such a popular course, there would never have been a Cabot Cliffs," said Mike Keiser, to a small group of media, friends, staff and locals on the opening day of Cabot Cliffs. Whitman went on to help shape Cliffs for friends and mentors, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, who were also in attendance for the opening day ceremony. Coore explained to the crowd that it's his long-standing friendship with Whitman, and "Whit's" involvement in both Links and Cliffs, that makes the opening of Cliffs more special than the rest of their portfolio. Like a hat at a fundraiser, there was a passing of the credit and recognition amongst everyone involved in Cliffs, and that thoughtful humility and camaraderie comes through in the walk and the architecture of the course itself. Over a mile and a half of Nova Scotian coastline is among many of the highlights to a routing that includes six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s. There is variation in distances to all pars, there are infinity greens, there's room for error off most tees, and yet plenty of shots that require strategy and precision. There are cape holes, punchbowls, half pars, and a steady build to a climactic finish, which includes the 16th hole, one of the most fun, dramatic and spectacular par 3s in golf. This course might host events for the pros, such as a Canadian Open, but it was built for us, the avid amateurs. My only advice is to enjoy every step.

I cannot believe there is only one review for Cabot Cliffs so far. Amazing two rounds on a beautiful sunny day. Benign conditions as the previous two days and day after at Cabot Links were very windy. Cabot Cliffs is a wonder of golf. No boring holes, amazing views, challenges on every hole. There will be 1000's flocking here as word gets out about what an amazing design Coors and Crenshaw have laid out. Book your trip now. Do not wait.

The greens are slow but playing Cabot links in 30 kilometer winds before and after playing Cliffs explains the green speed. If they made them any faster you ball would roll off the green.

If you want to experience one of North America's best come to the Cliffs for one of the rounds of your life. I have played all of the Bandon Dunes Courses, Ballyneal, Kiawah Island Ocean Course and many in Scottsdale. Cabot Cliffs is as good or better. No, lets be clear. Better.

A tip, if you want to play two rounds in a day get a caddy for the second round It is a walkable course but fairly hilly. Ask for "Junior". He is a great, quiet, friendly caddie, a local man who will help make your second round of the day a little easier. ( And the replay rate is great so you will be playing a top course in the world at a great rate if you do a second round).

Accommodations and food on site were excellent and 15 minutes away is the Glenora Whisky Distillery with great meals.

All in all, worth the somewhat difficult trip to get there ( but easier then getting to Bandon Dunes for anyone on the East Coast of North America.)

I cannot say enough good things about this golf experience at Cabot Cliffs.