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InThe Press - Click the title to read full articleSpecials make it even more special - Ottawa Sun, Tuesday July 8, 2008 Thousand Islands Steal Smuggler’s Glen - Tim Bains, TravelingGolfer.net, July 2008 Glens o’ the Isles written by Wayne Clemence Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course: A Precious Place to Play - Ottawa Sun Tuesday, April 29th 2008 Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course: Be Prepared For Full Service With The WOW Factor - Tee to Green Magazine, Kingston Whig-Standard – April 26, 2008 A Golfer’s Paradise in the Heart of the Thousand Islands - Tee 2 Green Magazine, Saturday April 28, 2007 Smuggler’s Launches Lessons - The Gananoque Reporter, Wednesday May 9, 2007 Tee Off at Smuggler’s Glen - Boomers View Magazine Summer Issue 2006 Smuggler's Groove - Score Golf Enjoy a round of excellence - Allison Townsend Smugglers Glen geared for Second Season - The Recorder and Times Smugglers Glen- Tee2Green(Kingston Whig Standard) Smugglers's Glen Clubhouse Rises - Flagstick Magazine April Issue 2006 Course Up For Awards - Gananoque Reporter April 19, 2006 Golf gets a little easier with arrival of digital caddy - The Whig-Standard April 22, 2006 Experience the WOW Factor- Ottawa Sun April 25, 2006 Local course to be best in Eastern Ontario - November 2004 Smugglers Glen set to open in July - Brockville Recorder & Times Smugglers Glen Vies for top end Status - Kingston Whig Standard Seal Family has the right recipe - Toronto Golf Show guide 2005 Smuggler’s Glen Set to open this July- The Gananoque Reporter
Thousand Islands Steal Smuggler’s Glen July 2008 By Tim Bains (TravelingGolfer.net) One of Eastern Ontario's best-kept secrets is not so secret anymore. The word is getting out. Smuggler's Glen Golf Course is wonderful, challenging and your wallet won't be much lighter when you leave. Located along the St. Lawrence River in Gananoque, in the Thousand Islands area (about 25 minutes east of Kingston), Smuggler's Glen is not entangled in a corporate machine. Proud owners David and Jane Seal and their staff, including Director of Golf Operations/Sales Doug Wark, have poured their heart and soul into ensuring that the golf, dining and lodging experience will be memorable in an exceptional way. "The Seals are outstanding hosts," says Wark, who created his own customer service consulting training business called Taking Care of Business and passed on those skills to the Smuggler's Glen staff. "They're very generous people. They go out of their way to make sure the guests have a good time. The guests are treated like family." But it's not just the congenial staff that'll make you want to return for more - the majestic golf course is splendid. "It's a Muskoka type of course ... maybe something you'd see in Muskoka or Mont Tremblant. It's got a rugged feel to it," says Wark. "Our whole marketing strategy is it's a Muskoka experience for half the price. "The course is challenging. It's a shotmaker's course. It's not long, but requires strategy and course management skills. It's fun to play because it allows for lots of risk-reward shots. There's a lot of decision making." And there's no bigger decision to be made than at No. 12, appropriately named The Gambler. Just 240 yards from the white tees, the hole is guarded by forests with a narrow strip of fairway leading into the green. With driver in hand, I gambled and knocked it long enough, but way right, behind a towering and imposing set of trees. I tried to flop a shot over and it landed in the middle of the forest. An uncharacteristically magical chip shot left me with a 10-foot putt for par, but I had to settle for bogey. "A lot of guys go for it on 12," laughs Wark. "You can try to drive No. 12 and No. 17 or you can play smart and lay up. On many of the holes, you can hit iron, hybrid or three- to five-wood of the tee to keep in play." At the end of the day, your memories likely won't be narrowed to one hole or one shot - the course is just too much of a smorgasbord of nice golf holes. "It's a very scenic course with a huge amount of elevation," says Wark. "Golfers love to hit from the elevated tees. Hitting downhill creates a sense of added power. There really are a lot of memorable holes. We ask people what our signature hole is and they give us different answers: 1, 4, 12, 13, 18 ..." One online post suggests: "This course will knock you on your keister if you aren't hitting your ball straight, starting at the very first hole. I've seen wider bowling alleys than some of these fairways. But it's a lovely layout and very enjoyable to play." The course opened in 2005 to rave reviews, nominated for Best New Course in Canada by Golf Digest. Smuggler's Glen features bentgrass greens and fairways, brilliant white sand bunkers and fabulous vistas with breathtaking views from several highly elevated tees. Designer/builder Boyd Barr incorporated the natural, rugged Canadian Shield landscape of mature mixed forests, tall white pines, high granite cliffs and rolling valleys into this challenging and picturesque romp through nature. There's also the wildlife factor. None of this city stuff. You are in the middle of Mother Nature. There are plenty of deer during the morning and evening. There are also foxes, groundhogs, porcupines, turtles and wild turkeys. Wolves and cougars have been spotted. And there's a colourful selection of birds, including hawks and blue herons. The price is right. You can get a round of golf (with cart) for $69 from Monday-Thursday. Weekends are $85. There are also tremendous Stay and Play rates (check out the Smuggler's Glen website), with a wonderful water view from the cozy 80-room Glen House Resort, a stone's throw away from the golf course. There's also a restaurant, Shipmans, with a scrumptious menu, and the Moonshine Bar and Grill, which gives you that neighbourhood feeling. And when the golf's done, there's plenty to see and do in the area. Nearby are the 1000 Islands Charity Casino, 1000 Islands Playhouse Live Theatre and 1000 Islands Double-Decker Boat Cruises. The region is world-famous for its boating and fishing. A big tip of the cap has to go to David Seal's dad Ed, a Ford car dealer who decided to stop selling Edsels and get into the resort business. He bought Glen House Resort in 1962. The resort really started to take shape after expansion, then a rebuilding phase after a fire in 1988. Additional land was acquired in 1991 and with 300 acres there was room for a golf course. Smuggler's Glen opened as 12 holes on May 24, 2005, with the official opening on July 20, 2005. Smuggler's Glen was named with a tie-in to the mystique of the "rum-running past" and paying homage to the Glen House Resort. The par-72 course plays at 6,572 yards from the tips, with a slope of 134. The white tee blocks play at 6,174 yards. "When we bought the land, there was a bit of a downturn in the economy and I think the bankers thought we had rocks in our heads," said David Seal. Rocks, maybe ... but they also had a grand vision, a vision that golfers are only too happy to take advantage of. Specials make it even more special - Ottawa Sun, Tuesday July 8, 2008 Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course arrived on the golfing scene with plenty of appeal due to its fabulous design when it opened three years ago. And now, thanks to some terrific specials Eastern Ontario’s Premier Destination has become even more attractive. “We’re featuring a two-night stay at the Glen House Resort with two rounds on Smuggler’s Glen starting at just $289 per person,” said Doug Wark, Director of Golf Operations for Smuggler’s Glen. “And we have a Twilight July Special that includes golf, a cart and dinning for $59 after 3 p.m. weekdays and after 4 p.m. on weekends. When golfers take on the beautiful 6,572 yard, par 72 course that’s situated in the 1000 islands near Gananoque, they can also stay at the nearby Glen House, which is conveniently located across from the golf course. A shuttle service is offered along with there being indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and whirlpools to enjoy. For more information be sure to call 1.800.268.4536 or 1.613.659.4999 or visit www.smugglersglen.com. Glens o’ the Isles written by Wayne Clemence Halfway between Toronto and Montreal, 150 kilometers south of Ottawa and a short drive south of Highway 401 lies one of the most stunningly arresting sights in Canada. Stretching for 80 kilometers along the St. Lawrence River from Kingston to Cornwall and spanning both the Canadian and U.S. borders, the captivating 1000 Islands display their wondrous beauty. Actually numbering more than 1,800, the islands range in size from the 30,000 acre Wolfe Island to little outcroppings of the Canadian Shield looming out of the blue waters. Numerous rocks and shoals in these clear waters have made the 1000 Islands and its many shipwrecks a popular area for diving. The Shipman family were early settlers in this area who supplemented an income from mixed farming with the construction and operation of a small fishing lodge on the banks of the river at Gananoque. In the 1890’s, a period during which the 1000 Islands began to experience the first rush of vacationers to what has become, today, a world-renowned destination, visitors would arrive at Clayton, New York by rail or steamship form across the eastern seaboard. The Shipman’s would send their launch, The Merry Widow, across the river to gather the lodge’s guests, crossing back to the Canadian side with, it is rumored, the odd barrel of bootlegged liquor tucked aboard as well. The little fishing lodge prospered through the Gilded Age, and even through two world wars and The Great Depression, finally passing, in 1962, into the hands of Ed and Gertrude Seal, a Ford dealer and physics teacher who continued to run the property as a summer business. It wasn’t until the 1980’s when sons Dave and Paul Seal took over ownership that they perceived a grander life for the old lodge. With patience, dedication, perseverance and the investment of a lot of money fueling rapid expansion, owner-operator Dave Seal’s vision has transformed the facility into one of Ontario’s finest resort properties, the all-season Glen House Resort and the adjacent recently opened Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course. With its central location for conference delegates arriving from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, and justifiably boasting a magnificent waterfront setting, Glen House Resort can be found on the wondrously scenic 1000 Islands Parkway just east of downtown Gananoque and only five minutes west of the international bridge crossing the St. Lawrence River to the U.S.A. Few meeting venues in Eastern Ontario can match Glen House Resort’s compelling blend of radiant scenery, modern facilities, and warm, caring, personalized service. There are 85 individual units of guest accommodations ranging from 2-bedroom chalets, Jacuzzi Suites, and riverfront deluxe rooms, all equipped with free high speed wireless internet access, telephone and satellite TV. Accommodations occupy a cluster of buildings surrounding the Glen House Lodge. Shipman’s Dining Room serves excellent cuisine and is the popular choice for locals celebrating family or corporate events in an atmosphere of fine dining. The Smuggler’s Bar is reminiscent of The Merry Widow’s roguish past. There’s both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, a hot tub, sauna and games room and a fully equipped exercise room. Three boat jetties on the shore accommodate Glen House’s fleet of kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and pontoons, as well as the river cruisers which often sail down from the picturesque nearby little village of Rockport to pick up groups of guests up to 40 for private river cruises. Corporate meeting planners can choose from the 2,580 square foot Admiralty Room for banquets or conferences for up to 220 people, with eight other meeting rooms available suitable for groups ranging in size from 15 to 120 delegates. Glen House Resort offers a full range of audio visual equipment and meeting aids, ranging from flip charts to overhead and LCD projectors. The most recent gem in the crown of this popular resort arrived with the opening, in July of 2005, of Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course. The 18-hole, 6,582 yards par 72 championship course is already being lauded as one of the most popular courses in Eastern Ontario, with 2008 midweek rates as low as $59 and weekend prices from only $69 (based on two sharing a cart). Designed and built by Boyd Barr, owner of Golf Tracks, the challenge was to meld the pristine pine forest and massive rocky outcroppings of the rugged Canadian Shield with the rolling terrain and dramatic elevation changes of the land, situated directly across from the resort. Barr succeeded admirably, and Smuggler’s Glen is a delight with its challenging layout, numerous narrow fairways, brilliant white sand bunkers, bent grass greens and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. Your first shot from the tee requires a 100 yard loft in order to clear a deep gorge. Smuggler’s Glen’s signature hole, “The Rock”, requires a tee shot launched in the face of a massive granite wall with a dogleg left. The course closes with the “Green Monster”, a 608 yard par five with a dangerous water hazard. The 7000 square foot Clubhouse contains a large dining lounge and pro shop, and Glen House Resort’s enviable reputation for personalized service is fully reflected at Smuggler’s Glen. Visitors are greeted by staff who take your bag, direct you to parking, check your tee times, and wash your clubs prior to play. A member of Resorts of Ontario, Glen House Resort is one of that celebrated organization’s more recommended properties for conferences and meetings, and it extends an all-season welcome to corporate clients. There are plenty of activities to keep meeting delegates entertained, ranging from the river cruises operated by Gananoque Boat Lines to lie theatre at the Playhouse or the gaming tables of 1000 Islands Charity Casino. In winter, guests can also enjoy cross country skiing, snowmobile trails and skating. With 46 years of hospitality behind him, Dave Seal and his family preside over a strikingly beautiful facility set alongside one of Canada’s greatest attractions, the perfect setting for any conference or corporate event. Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course: A Precious Place to Play - Ottawa Sun Tuesday, April 29th 2008 Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course has quickly become a favorite destination course for Ottawa region golfers. The course boasts exceptional resort amenities, scenic elevated outlooks and risk reward hole style challenges. The course easily lives up to “Eastern Ontario’s Premier Destination”. “The course is gorgeous with it being situated in the beautiful 1000 Islands region,” said Doug Wark, Smuggler’s Glen’s Director of Golf Operations “What’s been created by the owners, the Seal family, is a Muskoka-like feel at half the price.” Not only do players get to take o the 6,572 yard, par 72 course, they can also stay at the nearby Glen House and take advantage of the new 2008 Stay & Play accommodations/golf package options. “Our special features include the one night Golfer’s Quickie Package,” said Doug. “This deal includes two rounds with breakfast and accommodation starting at $119 per person in early spring. We also have the Golf addicts’ two-night package that includes three rounds of golf.” The famous and charming Glen House has 80 rooms which include Riverfront Jacuzzi suites, motel-style units and two-bedroom chalets. The resort is conveniently located across from the golf course and a shuttle service is offered along with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, and whirlpools. “It’s a good idea to call now for summer because the course books up fast for the summer season,” Doug said. Another bonus Stay and Play guests receive is first choice of tee times with an advance booking and deposit. On the delightful dining side of things, the resort and championship golf course offer two absolutely superb Island-view dining restaurants. “The Clubhouse Grill is at the course and the Shipman’s Dining Room is located at the Glen House Resort. The resort features the best prime rib in the 1000 Islands, excellent seafood and pasta, along with wonderful weekly special creations by the chef.” Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course is in its fourth season of operation and keeps getting better every year. There are several other terrific activities available in the 1000 Islands area and they include fishing, triple-decker boat tours, a casino and live theatre. “We’re only one and a half hours from Ottawa so come see us and relax during a getaway weekend. Oh, and bring a camera. The course features several elevated tees with magnificent scenic views.” A Golfer’s Paradise in the Heart of the Thousand Islands By Teresa Shevchenko Panoramic Views of the Thousand Islands region, rugged granite outcroppings and old pine forests are synonymous with Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course. A course designed to take full advantage of the spectacular landscape and dramatic elevation changes, Smuggler’s Glen is a destination for golfers who want an experience to remember. Centrally located between Kingston, Ottawa and Watertown, this 18 hole facility, which welcomes members and green-fee players, is ideal for people who want to relax in beautiful surroundings and enjoy a perfect game “What people really like about this course is that it is built on the rugged Canadian Shield, so while it is challenging for seasoned golfers, five sets of tees means it is forgiving to less-experienced players,” says Doug Wark, Director of Golf Operations and CPGA Professional. This championship course offers a unique flexible membership. Besides the regular unlimited membership, Smuggler’s Glen offers a 50-pass corporate membership program, which is ideal for people who want to share their passes with clients, employees or family. The luxurious service here is apparent upon arrival. Golfers greeted by a staff member who will unload bags, check tee times, and wash clubs and have them ready and waiting to hit the course. To eliminate the guess work, all golf carts here are equipped with the latest technology, a digital caddy, which is a global positioning system that calculates the distance to the green. Smuggler’s Glen, entering its third season, is owned and operated by the Seal family, known for its long tradition in service excellence at nearby Glen House Resort. The Course is designed with the latest innovations in green construction and irrigation technology. “We have recently expanded the length of the course by adding two new tee-offs and repositioning the tee markers,” Wark says. “It is more beautiful every year.” With stay-and-play packages, a spectacular clubhouse with a panoramic view of the islands, fine dining at the resort, a well-equipped pro shop, and an excellent learning academy and driving range, it is no wonder that Smuggler’s Glen was nominated in 2006 as Best New Course in Canada by Golf Digest Magazine.
Smuggler’s Launches Lessons With the launch of the Smuggler’s Glen Golf Academy, Head Professional Doug Wark returns to his passion. “I really love teaching. I have a physical education degree. That’s really my background,” Wark says. After concentrating on getting the new course and clubhouse off the ground the past two years, Wark has shifted his attention to expanding the teaching program in 2007. He will have a lot of help from Derek MacDonald, a fellow CPGA professional who earned his professional card last year. “Derek and I are going to grow the program. There is a lot of potential with Derek,” Wark says Wark believes that tourists will be attracted to Smuggler’s Glen and the Glen House Resort because there are two CPGA professionals on staff for lessons. The caliber of infrastructure is unique to this area, he says. Wark said the program will offer private, semi-private, and five lesson packages for golfers. The instruction will include cutting edge techniques such as video analysis of a golfer’s swing as well as custom fitting for golf clubs. Wark says that the professionals will also offer more elite packages. They will focus on course management for up and coming golfers. Also new this year is the “Get a Grip” group lessons. In a maximum of six, golfers with all ranges of abilities will learn about fundamentals, full swing, chipping and putting, etiquette and on-course skills. There will be ladies-only or mixed groups for “Get a Grip.” Wark anticipates these six, one-hour sessions will be popular with beginners and men and women who want to learn in a more relaxed, social atmosphere. Smuggler’s Glen will also offer a junior Little Legends program. “We are working under the umbrella of the CPGA and RCGA’s “Future Links” program,” Wark says. “It is designed to teach juniors and grow the game.” There will be private and semi-private lessons and a coaching lessons package. Wark has also started group lessons to introduce young players to the game. The program will include four, one-hour lessons. Wark anticipated that young people will come to the group lessons during the summer much like camp. Later this month the driving range will expand to allow for drivers as well as irons. Smuggler’s Glen is also expanding the possibility of installing a pitching green in the near future to allow for more teaching options. For more information on the programs offered by Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course, you can call Wark at 659-4999 The Course is also online at www.smugglersglen.com Ontario’s Best New Course Nominee -Ontario Golf Magazine Fall 2006With hole names like “The Gorge”, “The Gambler” and “Cliff’s Edge”, Smuggler’s Glen makes an impression. Walking is permitted, but riding is recommended. What the Panel Says “This course will knock you on your keister if you aren’t hitting your ball straight, starting at the very first hole. I’ve seen wider bowling alleys than some of these fairways. But it’s a lovely layout and very enjoyable to play. The rock outcroppings are just stunning on several holes. There’s also an unassuming, very friendly atmosphere at this facility.” “This was a wonderful surprise with its many elevated tees, magnificent views of the St. Lawrence River and course conditioning.” “If you’re trying to win some money back from a long bomber whose short-game chops ain’t what they should be, take ‘em to Smuggler’s Glen. There’s very little wiggle room here, and bunkers take away a lot of the landing area on the more open holes. And five stars for customer service. My only quibbles are that the wooden tee blocks need a paint job to better distinguish them from one another, and the cart path routing seems counter-intuitive and downright dangerous in spots.”
Tee Off at Smuggler’s Glen - Boomers View Magazine Summer Issue 2006Written By Shanna Stafiej Let the Adventure Begin… The beautiful waterfront resort has been a popular vacation getaway for fisherman, sight seers, boaters, family reunions and conventions; it now offers a paradise retreat for golfers as well. The Seal Family built the course with the vision of creating a premier, 18 hole championship golf facility. Smuggler’s Glen opened to the public, with rave reviews during the summer of 2005. In 2006, Smuggler’s Glen was nominated Best New Golf Course in Canada by Golf Digest Magazine. Already showing great promise, Smuggler’s Glen is sure to become the newest attraction in the Thousand Islands. The Blend of Nature and Architectural Design… Created by Boyd Barr, owner of Golf Tracks, the course has an outstanding layout that was a challenge to build amidst the rugged Canadian Shield topography and pristine mixed forest environment. The golf course features fabulous vistas and interesting tee shots from several highly elevated tees. Magnificent bunkers, filled with the finest white Quebec sand, combined with refreshing river breezes and scenic elevations entice and excite golfers of all abilities. Owner/Operator David Seal believes, “The course design takes full advantage of the natural terrain of tall white pines, high granite cliffs, and rolling hills, making for a truly wondrous golfing experience.” Head Golf Professional Doug Wark notes, “The course has a lot to offer including a newly built 7000 square foot Clubhouse facility, new Golf Logix G.P.S. digital caddies on all 72 carts and four sets of tees, which allow golfers of all abilities to enjoy the course.” The Clubhouse with a magnificent 180 degree panoramic view of The St. Lawrence River is the perfect setting to relax after an invigorating day on the links. Combine your golf outing with dinner and an overnight stay at The Glen House Resort, conveniently located across from the golf course. Enjoy a meal in Shipman’s Dining Room, overlooking the river, and known for the best Prime Rib in the 1000 Islands. The resort offers a selection of accommodation including Jacuzzi Suites, Riverfront and Riverview Rooms as well as Hospitality Cottages. Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course at the Glen House Resort has something to offer everyone. Situated on the 1000 Islands Parkway, just outside of Gananoque, the resort golf course is located midway between Toronto and Montreal; your golf destination holiday is only a few hours away.
BACK TO TOPSmuggler's Groove -Score GolfJune Issue 2006 by Mike Beasley Driving along the scenic Thousand Islands Parkway near Gananoque you can’t help but get the feeling that something spectacular will be just around the next corner. Sure enough, adding to the majestic scenery of Eastern Ontario’s most famous tourist destination was Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course. Now into its first full year of operation, the 18 hole championship design, semi-private course that is adjacent to the St. Lawrence River has nicely captured the true beauty of the region. Set amongst the backdrop of the rugged Canadian Shield topography and stretching the boundaries of golf architecture, Smuggler’s Glen features breathtaking views, river breezes and elevation changes. The course offers an exciting balance of scenic beauty, challenges and playability for golfers of all ages and abilities to enjoy. The course layout requires a good deal of precision off the tee, with the remaining shots testing your course management skills. New golfers and the seasoned pro will enjoy the luxury of having four sets of tees to hit from on each hole. Yardage ranges from 4,726 to 6,502 so the course can play many different ways. Large bent grass greens reward accurate approach shots, but several narrow fairways, dotted with bunkers filled with bright white Hutchinson sand will force you to remain tight and on line. Don’t be surprised if you catch yourself stopping to admire the raw beauty of the mature, mixed forests, high granite cliffs, tall white pines, rolling hills and valleys featuring wild fescue grasses, mosses and ferns. Wildlife is also a common sighting at Smuggler’s Glen with wild turnkeys, hawks, foxes, coyotes, fishers, black rat snakes and the endangered five-lined skink all taking up residency at the course. The course’s construction took a little bit more time and money than expected as blasting and carving was required to cut through the granite outcroppings. But the money was well spent as the course’s signature hole, The Rock, the 13th, speaks for itself; at 549 yards, it’s a dogleg left with an elevated tee which stares directly at a wall of granite. After clearing a ravine your first shot must settle in ahead of a left side bunker and the wall. After that, it’s clear sailing to the generous sized green. A soon-to-be completed 7,000-square-foot clubhouse with a decent pro-shop, spacious locker room and meeting area overlooks the St. Lawrence River along with views of both the front and back nines. David Seal, Smuggler’s Glen and Glen House Resort owner along with his staff have done a tremendous job with the course and have every reason to label the course, Eastern Ontario’s Premier Golf Destination. BACK TO TOP
Enjoy a round of excellence -Allison TownsendExcellence in service, Doug notes, extends to the newly opened Club House facility. Located between the ninth and tenth holes, the post and beam club house, featuring natural wood and slate floors, provides a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence. It also offers a convenient snack window. A direct phone line at the ninth tee allows golfers to call ahead, place an order and pick it up as they continue to the tenth hole. Doug Wark, Head Golf Professional, is proud of the 2006 service refinements. Arriving guests will be greeted with a unique “Cadillac service” drive-through bag drop system. A staff member will unload the bags, check tee times and direct guests to parking. Golfers will return to find their clubs clean and loaded onto a cart, ready to hit the greens. This no charge (tip-only) service adds an extra dimension of luxury to the Smuggler’s Glen experience. The course is the first in the region to go high-tech. Each of the 70 carts is equipped with a hand-held digital caddy system. Accurate to a half yard, this GPS (global positioning system) technology will calculate yardage from wherever the golfer is positioned, effectively eliminating manual calculations and assisting with appropriate club selection. BACK TO TOP
Smugglers Glen geared for Second Season- The Recorder and TimesSaturday, May 27, 2006 After an impressive and exciting debut season, Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course is not resting on any early laurels. With a solid business plan in place, course owner Dave Seal and head golf pro Doug Wark have continued to make rapid improvements in the par 72 course that offers takeoffs ranging from 4,900 to 6,500 yards. After Smuggler’s Glen opened to rave reviews last summer and being sold out from morning to dusk almost every day, Wark was glad to see the years of preparation and work paying off. “We were happy with the interest we had from everybody. We had all kinds of positive comments,” said Wark during a slow break on a rainy, rainy Saturday recently. “The course has continued to get better and we’re happy with its playability.” The course now has a 7,000-square-foot clubhouse with a wraparound deck offering a view of the St. Lawrence River. A new practice putting green will be operational by July. A driving range (for irons only) will be ready this summer with a full driving range open by 2007. Smuggler’s Glen has a gone high tech with all 70 of its power carts being outfitted with GPS systems, the first golf course in the Kingston to Brockville area to offer that. There is also a new bag drop entrance service and club cleaning. With the green fees remaining at $59 weekday and $69 on the weekend, with a cart, what Smuggler’s Glen has to offer for the golfing public has resulted in it being nominated as Best New Course in Canada by a number of golf publications, including Golf Digest and Score magazine. “It’s a bit overwhelming to be honest,” said Wark, “but the response has been really encouraging. It’s great to see people coming here from Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. It’s been positive.” On what is a scenic course from almost every single tee off, the fairways and greens have improved over the first season. The course offers five par threes, five par fives and eight par fours. From the tips, the course rating is 71.6 and the slope is 130. “We’re really excited about the condition of the course. We’re happy with it. There’s a good pace of play,” said Wark. “The whole point is to get people to play it and have them tell other people about it and to come back and play again.” Two notes of advice for playing the course would be not to go over any of the greens on approach shots and, for those who have a tendency to spray the ball right or left, bring plenty of ammunition. Smuggler’s Glen is available for tournaments and company functions and Wark is looking at hosting more high-profile events in the future, part of the plan to make the course one of the best around. Connected with the Glen House Resort (located across the Thousand Islands Parkway from the course), Smuggler’s Glen has been working with Thousand Islands Playhouse and Gananoque Boat Lines, among others, to enhance the area, provide an incentive to attract people to the area and not just the golf course. The course has memberships available. There are currently 75 members and the maximum number will be 125. BACK TO TOP
Smugglers Glen- Tee2Green(Kingston Whig Standard)Golfers take note – there is an outstanding new course opening for public and member play in 2005! Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course is a championship 18 hole golf facility featuring bent grass greens and fairways with brilliant white sand bunkers. The professionally designed course takes full advantage of the rugged Canadian Shield landscape of mature mixed forests, tall white pines, high granite cliffs and rolling hills and valleys. “What makes this course unique is the beauty of the location, “says club pro, Doug Wark. “Golfers will love the highly elevated tee offs, the fabulous vistas and pristine forest setting. It is common to see deer, wild turkeys, hawks and blue herons on the property.” Due to environmental restrictions the course was carefully designed by noted course architect Boyd Barr. Each hole was built as a unique entity, and overall the course represents an interesting blend of modern golf course design in a natural park like setting. Three of the holes were built through the sanctioned Landon’s Bay environmentally protected Biosphere arch. With a backdrop of mature forest, granite outcropping, massive elevation changes, panoramic scenic vistas, and exciting river breezes this course offers a truly unique golfing experience. The course was designed with four sets of tees, allowing golfers of all abilities to enjoy the fabulous layout. Smugglers Glen is a target golf style design, requiring a great deal of accuracy of the tee and risk reward shot making ability. “It’s also an exciting draw for the whole Gananoque area,” explains Wark. “Visitors can enjoy golf, the casino, the Thousand Islands Playhouse Theatre and the world famous 1000 islands cruises.” Stay and Play Packages are available through the Glen house resort. For more information on these and any other details on Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course call (613) 659 4999 or 1-800-268-4536 or visit online at www.smugglersglen.com BACK TO TOP
Smugglers's Glen Clubhouse Rises -Flagstick Magazine April Issue 2006Written by Scott MacLeod Sporting what could be described as a “million dollar view at a significant discount”, the clubhouse of the year old Smuggler’s Glen Golf Club has been in the works all winter long and is expected to debut this May. A beehive of activity has been needed to get the 7,000 square foot building completed and it has come to fruition nicely. Flagstick staff recently took a tour of the building with head professional Doug Wark and resort owner David Seal and left more than impressed by what they saw. Built on a high point overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the clubhouse was designed to match its’ cherished and rustic natural environment. It has the look and all the amenities to match the Seal family’s goal of having a world-class facility. “We are comfortable that it fits well with the course and reflects the traditional 1000 Islands Cottage architecture,” says David Seal. “With the use of woods like white pine and cedar, it has the look of a turn of the century cottage.” The interior-decorating plan continues the theme with planned use of a wide variety of antiques in the building that will reflect the heritage of the area. Touches like stone floor areas and the use of light colours and natural woods are delightful and appropriate to the design. Clearly the greatest asset of the clubhouse is the 180-degree panoramic view of the river. From an expansive deck with wide railings, the setting will delight golfers and clubhouse visitors as they enjoy a beverage or a meal. Breakfast and lunch will be available initially while guest can enjoy dinner service across the road at the affiliated Glen House Resort. Amenities in the clubhouse include a bright greeting area, pro shop, large dining lounge, member locker rooms, and a service counter for golfers travelling between nines. Doug Wark says service for all golfers will be paramount at the course and that the new clubhouse will make that task much easier. Bag Drop service will be available and the practice facilities, including a driving range and a putting green, are shaping up for later in the season. “Our focus is serving the golfer and everyone is welcome,” says Wark. Additional highlights for the upcoming season for Smuggler’s Glen include the availability of GPS devices on all carts, the choice of stay and play packages, and a green fee that tops out a $69 in peak periods including ½ cart. “We think we are a tremendous value,” says Wark. “The response has been great and with all the new features we offer a lot for the price.” Obviously it is more than just the staff at Smuggler’s Glen that believes the course has something special to offer. The course recently received news that they are in the running for the title of Best New Golf Course in Canada as part of the Golf Digest awards. “It’s a prestigious nomination,” says Dave Seal. “We will just keep doing what we are, trying to have the best golf course we can and wait and see what the judges think…We believe we have a world class facility no matter the outcome.” BACK TO TOP
Course Up For Awards -Gananoque Reporter April 19, 2006Written by Mark Kerr Three prestigious golf magazines have nominated Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course for the best new course in 2006. Score Golf, Golf Digest, and GAO will send out rankers this summer to Judge the golf course. SGGC head professional Doug Wark notes that the magazines will evaluate a number of areas during their visits. “Some of the factors are architecture, layout and design,” he says. “They will be looking at the playability of the course, the bunkers and the grass.” While the course was not designed by a big name, which might work against SGGC, Wark believes Boyd Barr’s integration of the course into the natural environment of the Canadian Shield is a major strength that the judges should notice. The playability of the course has improved immensely, according to Wark. The course closed early last season in order to allow time for the greens and fairways to develop. Beyond the actual golf course, Wark says the staff has worked to provide a pleasant experience. “One of our strengths is our service,” he says. “People have complimented us on our friendly staff.” With that in mind, SGGC has added a few new touches, such as a club drop-off when golfers arrive. The staff will also clean the clubs free of charge. Wark says he has tried to address the issue of slow play that came up last year. There will be more players assistants on the course to help guide golfers through challenging holes. Also, SGGC has added global positioning systems to every cart, a tool that will help golfers judge distances and inevitably improve pace of play. At the course last Saturday, Wark was focused on getting the course ready for the opening this Friday. BACK TO TOP
Golf gets a little easier with arrival of digital caddy- The Whig-Standard April 22, 2006Written by Doug Graham The digital-caddy has arrived in Kingston. Smuggler’s Glen, which opened for business last year, opened yesterday with all of its 72 electric carts equipped with the digital caddy, a device that takes away the guessing of yardage before shots. The digital caddies that are being used at Smuggler’s Glen are hand held. “For our course, which is a shotmaker’s target golf course, the digital caddy takes out the guess work,” said head professional Doug Wark. “For example, on the first hole, it tells you how far to hit it over the gorge. The golfer can chose the club needed to hit it that 165 yards,” Wark said. “Any landmark is programmed into the system. On the 18th, it tells what [yardage] it is to the bunker on the left. From the fairway, the target golf caddy system tells what the yardage is to the front, the middle and the back of the green.” The digital caddy system, while slow to move into the Kingston area, is used by many courses in the U.S. “It is very good for speeding up the play,” Wark said. “Golfers are making decisions faster. They don’t have to pace off the yardage. They punch it in the digital caddy and there it is.” The digital caddy comes with a cart for the $59 weekend greens fee. While no other area clubs are using the digital caddy, the Royal Canadian Golf Association has approved use of Bushnell Yardage Pro Laser Rangefinders. In competition play, each event has the right to prohibit their use. Jay Gazeley, chief operating officer at the Cataraqui Golf and Country Club, said the range finders are another extension of the technical assistance clubs are coming up with to make their course even more user friendly. “My sense is that the industry is accepting these changes,” said Gazeley, adding that range finders are useful for players coming onto an unfamiliar course. “They are an extension of what we already have in place,” he said. “First it was the tees [with hole yardage], then the 150-yard markers [indicating distance from the fairway to the greens]. Now we have sprinkler heads and coloured flags.” Cataraqui has laser-marked yardage on sprinkler heads, giving players more reference points for yardage to the green. Cataraqui also uses the three-flag system with each colour representing whether the hole is at the front of the green, the middle or the back. “It’s great the technology coming into the game,” said Gazeley, who expects reflectors on the flag sticks, which will make laser readings more precise, will be the next addition. At Cataraqui, which annually sees 30,000 to 35,000 rounds played, the bunker restoration phase has finished and work now is proceeding on irrigation and drainage enhancement on several holes. All the area courses, Gazeley said, are benefiting from what was a mild winter with little ice damage. “I’ve heard good things about all the courses. The greens in particular are way ahead of last year.” BACK TO TOP
Experience the WOW Factor- Ottawa Sun April 25, 2006Written by Ron Patey Talk about getting off to a great start. Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course opened mid season last year to raving reviews from golfer’s commenting on the courses layout, scenic beauty and service. The golf industry, including Golf Digest, has recognized the course by nominating Smuggler’s Glen for Best New Course in Canada. “We’re thrilled to be nominated and excited about all the positive buzz about the course,” says Head Golf Professional Doug Wark. “We’ve been under construction all winter getting the new Club House, Putting Green and Driving Range ready for the season. We want everyone who visits Smuggler’s Glen to experience the WOW Factor as soon as they arrive here.” The wow factors include the new Cadillac service drive through bag drop, the new G.P.S. systems, the new Club House with panoramic 180 degree view of the 1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River and the amazing Canadian Shield layout design. To assist golfers of all talent levels zero in on lower scores, Smuggler’s Glen has gone hi-tech. The course’s 70 power cart fleet are now all equipped with GPS (Global Positioning Systems) technology so players will know exact yardages and assist them in making correct club selections. Service plays a major role in the operations at Smuggler’s Glen. The new Club House will now offer golfers a total golf experience. The post and beam Club House structure sits up high on a cliff situated between the ninth and tenth holes. It features a wood and slate stone floor and a convenient call ahead snack window to pick up orders at the turn. The view from the Club House is spectacular as everyone can soak up the mid-day sun and gaze upon the passing boats on the St. Lawrence River. The course is located 7-km east of the town of Gananoque. BACK TO TOP
Local course to be best in Eastern Ontario- November 2004The Gananoque ReporterSomething unique to Eastern Ontario and which has taken six years to come to fruition has been springing to life recently in the back woods and fields north of the thousand islands parkway. BACK TO TOP
Smugglers Glen set to open in July- Brockville Recorder & Times Sat May 28th, 2005 ROCKPORT- A dream that began 14 years ago is about to come true in less than two months time. BACK TO TOP
Smugglers Glen Vies for top end Status- Kingston Whig StandardMay 14, 2005 The newest member of the Kingston and area fairway scene is another example of how the golf industry continues to prosper in eastern Ontario. Smuggler’s Glen, located east of Gananoque and adjacent to the St. Lawrence River is scheduled to debut in July. While Smugglers Glen will stand in line with more than a dozen other 18 hole courses between Belleville and Brockville, there are also unique elements on the course, designed by architect Boyd Barr Carved around the natural beauty of 120 environmentally protected hectares, Smugglers Glen joins Loyalist Golf Estates in Bath as the new era championship style courses that are courting customers with a deluxe level of service. Doug Wark, Head Professional at Smuggler’s Glen, said the club aspires to be like the resort courses in the Muskokas and Mount Tremblant. “What we are going after is to be nominated as one of the top new courses in Canada,”said Wark. “We want to be one of the top new courses in eastern Ontario, a top end course like Cataraqui and Loyalist.” Wark has worked hard at courses in Prince Edward Island, the Yukon, the Muskokas and Niagara Falls. He has been involved with some top teachers of the game and he has been tuned into trends of the industry. “We’re still catching up to the States where the trend has been with the longer courses, 6,500 yards plus,” Wark said. “Target golf. Elevated Tees. Bent grass, white sand. Courses are getting these features,” Wark said. “The other trend is four sets of tees. You can have them playing from the pro tees or for corporation outings with new golfers, from the front tees.” Smugglers Glen with its four set tees will vary in distance from 6,502 yards at the black pro tees to 4,726 yards from the red new golfer tees” The first phase of membership, which went for $8,500 is sold out. Wark said the type of golfer coming in is typically from another club, perhaps in the Toronto area, and looking for a summer course to play on while vacationing in the area. Rather than being a rival course, Wark sees Smugglers as being another attraction to make the Kingston area a destination for golfers. Other club managers agree. “Its great for golfers to have a new opportunity to play another championship course,” said Jay Gazeley, chief operating officer at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club. Cataraqui is recognized in the golf trade magazines as one of the top courses in the country. The private club has a waiting list for memberships, and the course annually sees more than 30,000 rounds. Members, in order to secure prime time tee bookings have to go through a lottery system. Restoration at the Stanley Thompson designed course, with the signature 18th hole playing to an elevated, sand trap guarded green, have been completed after several years. Bunker restoration was finished last spring and a three tier tee on the par 3 12th hole is due to open in a few weeks. Cataraqui, which had been ranked 98th in the country in the country’s list of top 100 courses, is now ranked 69th. “It sort of recognizes all the work that has been going on,” Gazeley said. Mike Compeau, golf manager at Loyalist Golf and Country Club estates, said the club made a decision a few years ago to attract golfers who wanted a special experience. “Of all public courses we’re definitely the priciest, but people will pay for the value” Compeau said. “We’re one of the top choices for charity events. More and more are coming here.” BACK TO TOP
Seal Family has the right recipe- Toronto Golf Show guide 2005Resting idyllically near Gananoque, Ontario in the Thousand Islands are, adjacent to the St. Lawrence River, Smuggler’s glen is a championship golf facility featuring fabulous vistas from several highly elevated tees. Open for play this summer, Smuggler’s Glen boasts 18 holes, each with a unique identity. Offering public and member play, Smuggler’s Glen features a backdrop of mature forest, granite outcroppings, massive elevation changes and gorgeous landscape for a truly unique golfing experience. Designed by noted golf architect Boyd Barr; the course takes full advantage of the natural elevations, features and beauty of the 300 acre environmentally protected site. The Seal Family, which has developed Smuggler’s Glen with great care and dedication, also have owned and operated the Glen House resort since 1962. The family has more than half a century of experience in the hospitality industry. With Smuggler’s Glen, the Seals offer yet another treasured attraction to a region already famous for boating fishing and vacationing. Playing at Par 72, Smuggler’s Glen has five par 3s, five Par 5s, and eight par 4s over 6,500 yards. Bent grass greens and fairways with white sand bunkers dot this beautiful course, which represents a notable blend of nature and design. The fairways are generous and greens gently contoured. A pristine forest adds to the course’s wonder and enjoyment. Add refreshing river breezes and you have the makings of an unforgettable round of golf. Smuggler’s Glen’s 7,000 sq, ft. clubhouse will allow you a magnificent hilltop view of the St. Lawrence River. Shuttle service from the Glen house dock is available for golfer’s arriving by boat. For more information, call Smuggler’s Glen in Gananoque at 613-659 4999 BACK TO TOP
Smuggler’s Glen Set to open this July- The Gananoque ReporterApril 2005 Head golf professional surveys the new Smuggler’s Glen Golf course with pride. Wark, hired on to manage the facilities, along with a huge staff who have been working hard all year and owner David Seal, can’t wait for the public to experience the course. That time will come this summer, as Wark told the Reporter last week the course will open in mid July. The look of excitement on his face betrays his professional manner, and it’s obvious he can’t wait to show off the unique 18 hole championship course which is the largest facility of its kind in Eastern Ontario. Nestled against views of the St. Lawrence River and across from the Glen House Resort, the course takes full advantage of natural elevations, forest and granite outcroppings. In fact, the buzz about the course has worked in its favour and it has already sold out of Phase 1 founding memberships – three months before the facility opens. “People are very excited about the opportunities that come with the opening of this course,” Wark says. “It looks like we’ll be ready to open July 15, depending on the grass and the course condition”. As for its current state, the greens look sharp and both greens and fairways weathered well over the winter. The clubhouse development is also currently breaking ground and plans are eventually to offer a pro shop with a restaurant, bar and patio as well. Phase 2 includes opening a full service driving range with different hitting areas and another important aspect which Wark says he has been envisioning for a long time. “Having a teaching academy by 2006 has been a dream of mine because I have the teaching background,” he says. “People will be able to get lessons; we’ll offer everything from an introduction to golf to private or group lessons, to junior programs.” Wark himself is no stranger to the area, having grown up and honed his golf skills at the Brockville Country Club. He moved to Gananoque with his family in 1993. He turned pro in 1999, and started an apprenticeship as an assistant golf professional at Deerhurst Resort. From there he was a fulltime teaching professional at Brock Golfland, and then moved to Whitehorse to work as a Head Professional. Before returning to the area, he also spent time as lead instructor at the Canadian Golf Academy in Prince Edward Island.
BACK TO TOPSmuggler’s Glen Golf Course: Be Prepared For Full Service With The WOW Factor “Bring a camera and be prepared. From the very first tee, this course will take your breath away.” That’s the opinion of Doug Wark, Director of Golf Operations at Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course. Prestigious peers in the industry agree. In 2006, the course received nominations for the best new course in Canada from Golf Digest, Score Golf, and Golf Association of Ontario Magazine. The layout is spectacular with bent grass greens and fairways with white sand bunkers amidst jagged granite outcroppings. Sheer cliffs provide dramatic vistas overlooking the St. Lawrence River. “And that’s only the beginning,” Wark adds.
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