Like the two rivers that weave their way through the greens and fairways, Newfoundland’s Terra Nova Resort
and Golf Community is a golfer’s haven intertwined with a wilderness experience. Flanking the Terra Nova
National Park in Port Blandford, the surrounding boreal forestry melts into immaculately groomed grounds like
a tapestry of shades of green throughout the spring and summer months. The smell of spruce trees wafts
through the salty air that drifts from the Atlantic Ocean into the secluded resort, nestled between the
Kittiwake Coast and the Bonavista Peninsula. If they’re lucky, players can spot a moose in the forest or bald
eagles overhead as they manoeuvre from hole to hole. The sounds of the river that rushes over an underbelly
of boulders and the occasional splash of the salmon that leap through it replace the usual requisite silence
of a golf course. At Terra Nova, golf is treated as both a sport and a stunning sensory journey.
“You’ll see the salmon jump in the falls as you play,” says Brian Smith, the resort’s marketing director.
“It’s a truly unique experience.”
A two-hour drive from St. John’s, the aptly titled Twin Rivers Golf Course was ranked as one of the top 30
courses in Canada and among the top six in the Atlantic provinces. The course’s award-winning 18 holes are
rooted in Canadian history — not only is the course adjacent to Newfoundland’s first-ever national park,
situated in the lush oasis that has drawn visitors for more than 5,000 years, but it was also designed by two
of Canada’s most reputable golf course architects. The course was first crafted by the late legend and
Ontario Golf Hall of Fame inductee Robbie Robinson, and was remodelled by Toronto-based Doug Carrick, the man
behind more than 50 exquisite greens that have cropped up around the globe. In 2001, Newfoundland native
Robert Walsh carved the resort’s latest course, Eagle Creek, into Terra Nova’s signature rugged terrain,
bringing the grand total up to 27 holes.
With 90 per cent of the Twin Rivers course surrounded by water, the landscape is an integral part of the game
— golfers begin by traipsing across a footbridge over a babbling stream and, on the last hole of the Twin
Rivers course, tee off over a waterfall. Having caught the eyes of polo-shirted golf fanatics and titanium
club-toting seasoned pros from around the world, Terra Nova’s challenging, scenic courses play host to about
20,000 rounds during the resort’s peak season. But while golf is the main attraction, Terra Nova offers an
array of seasonal activities including tennis, sea kayaking, whale watching, fly-fishing and a heated
swimming pool — all of which keep guests returning year after year.
“It’s a hybrid of families, independent golfers and corporate retreats,” says Smith, who has worked at Terra
Nova for about five years. “We host nice little weekend getaways, ladies’ nights, weddings… In June, we have
a wedding every weekend.”
Smith says that the golf courses themselves are so breathtaking, a few couples have even said “I do” directly
on the greens themselves.
The chalets have a rustic feel, accented with homey touches like cedar cabinetry and cushy leather armchairs
that infuse each lodge with Newfoundland flavour. An additional chalet and a high-end condominium complex are
currently in the works, and Smith says that Terra Nova would love to continue its expansion in the future,
making sure to maintain the same first-class hospitality and folksy charm that has permeated the resort since
its inception.
“It’s a world-class resort with a hometown feel,” says Smith, adding that the perfect visit would be a
two-day retreat during the summer months. “You feel at home as soon as you step inside. It’s an instant
feeling of relaxation when you enter the resort.”
The key to a thriving resort destination for tourists and locals alike is good word of mouth, and praise for
Terra Nova has spread well beyond the province’s boundaries. Twin Rivers was selected to host Golf Canada’s
2011 Men’s Senior Golf Championship, following in the cleat-treaded footsteps of last year’s hosts, the St.
Thomas Golf and Country Club in Union, Ont. Smith and the rest of the Terra Nova team have been preparing for
the past year for the upcoming event in late August, and are excited about both the honour of hosting the
championship and exposure the event will give their course.
The word “resort” may call to mind white-sand beaches, but for avid golfers itching to try their hand at
Terra Nova’s renowned courses, the sand pits that dot the fairways are the only white sand required for an
unforgettable Newfoundland vacation.
“It’s all about the experience,” says Smith. “We have a lot of camaraderie here — guests can just kick back
and relax. It’s a real quaint, fun atmosphere.” •
Photo courtesy Terra Nova Resort
