A B&B scores with golfers

The Gallery is on the 10th hole of the Warkworth Golf Course. (John Cameron Photography)

Story by Sherel Purcell
Vacay.ca Golf Writer

WARKWORTH, ONTARIO — Good news golfers. I’ve discovered a bed and breakfast just for us. Gone are the frilly pillows and lace doilies and in their stead, a common room with a flat-screen TV permanently tuned to the Golf Channel, a billiards table and a hot tub with dry sauna for treating golf-weary muscles.

The Gallery Bed and Breakfast sits on the 10th tee of the Warkworth Golf Course, 20 minutes north of Brighton at the 401 in Ontario’s Northumberland County — a few minutes drive from three other courses worth playing.

This beautifully restored farmhouse from 1881 has three good-sized bedrooms, each with a private bath and beds that can be configured to suit golfing groups or couples. In the true spirit of a golf getaway, it’s best to leave the non-golfing kids and pets at home.

Every square inch of the house is covered in golf kitsch and memorabilia. A set of antique hickory clubs greets you on your way upstairs. Newspaper clippings detailing great golf events like Mike Weir’s victory at the 2003 Masters and paintings of golf courses by your host and fellow golf nut, Peter Moore, adorn the walls — hence the name, “Gallery”.

Gallery also refers to the guests who watch other players tee off on the 10th as they enjoy their al fresco breakfast of French toast made with croissants, topped with caramelized green apple slices and peameal bacon. Diners can enjoy a second cup of coffee while Moore picks up the cart. Your host will also arrange other tee times and dinners too.

A WEEKEND OF GOLF

Depending on local tournament schedules, a sample weekend golf itinerary might look like this: Check-in on Friday afternoon or early evening and warm up on the neighbouring Salt Creek Golf Course. This short, par-65 track, presents some interesting challenges thanks to 45-degree doglegs and hilltop tee boxes. On Saturday, play Warkworth, taking full advantage of the 19th hole with its tasty local beer, since you won’t be driving. For dinner, book the “Steak and Ride” special including 18 holes of golf and motorized cart. This beautiful course demands well-targeted shots to avoid the mature trees lining the fairways.

Dinner and a night out could also include a trip to the 100 Mile Diner in Warkworth, a town quickly becoming a favourite with Toronto artisans. For a real splurge, visit Oak Heights, Northumberland’s only winery, for a prix fixe dinner on the patio overlooking the vineyards and rolling hills, 15 minutes from the Gallery Bed and Breakfast. To dine on the water, head to Dougall’s or the Harbourview Café in Brighton.

On Sunday, play either Pine Ridge or Timber Ridge. For excellent greens just five minutes from Warkworth with fees that top out at $35 for 18 holes, head to Pine Ridge. To take advantage of “the best bang for your (golfing) buck,” according to Ontario Golf magazine, drive 20 minutes farther to the championship course at Timber Ridge. Green fees here range from $50 to $60 for 18 holes, 80 bunkers and deep fescue.

After your rounds, swap stories or solicit golfing advice as you share a nightcap with Moore and his congenial wife, Janie, around the billiards table.

MORE ABOUT THE GALLERY BED AND BREAKFAST
Room rates: Prices start at $60 per person and rooms include king- or queen-size beds and en suite bathrooms
Contact: 1.800.311.2600; email: info@gallerybandb.net
Address: 14269 County Road 29, R.R. 4, Warkworth, ON
Directions: From Toronto, Warkworth is 150 kilometres away. Take Highway 401 East to Highway 30 North and turn left on County Road 29.

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