In The News

February 1, 2005

South Of Peterborough

Black Diamond Golf Club, opening this May just 20 minutes south of Peterborough promises class A design at an affordable price. Architects Jack Lally and Jason Miller, with more than 40 years combined years of experience landscaped the 170 acre, 18 hole golf course through the Ganaraska forest. Even before the sod was laid last fall, the project began generating interest from the Golf Association of Ontario, and various corporate and charity events for future tournaments.

"In fact, the Mulligan tour, which is a tour of amateur golfers is coming this year",” said Darren Stalteri, co-owner of the course. In preparation for a strong turnout this season, Mr. Stalteri made sure the course was ready by laying four types of sod instead of seed.

"We did it partly for aesthetics, but also to ensure the turf is in good condition when the gates open in May," he said, adding while the layout will provide a challenge for professional golfers, the course was designed to appeal to every skill level.

"We have four tee decks so anyone from expert to beginner can enjoy the course.”

To illustrate what golfers can look forward to, Mr. Stalteri noted that the distance from the back tee is 7042 yards and the other three run 6527,6087 and 5411. As well the course boasts four ponds, fescue (tall grass areas), 70 bunkers and sculpted mounding. It is uniquely featured with a double green shared by holes four and seven. But Mr. Stalteri said it isn't just the versatility of the course that will attract golfers; it is the views, course conditioning and ever present challenges such as the tall tree on hole number 16.

"I've never come across a more beautiful site to build on," he said. "It has natural wooded areas on the back nine, and while the front nine has trees, the course also meanders in an open link style through meadows. It's very scenic."

In fact, very few nursery trees were planted on the property and the architects instead transplanted existing trees when needed.

"The course design utilizes the many elevation changes characteristic of courses such as Taboo and Deerhurst to name a few. Whether you are on the tee, in the fairway or on the green, the vistas are scenic and memorable."

Some of the feedback Mr. Stalteri has received so far include referring to the back nine as, 'one of the best they've ever seen,' while others have commented the course reminds them of the world renown Pinehurst golf course in North Carolina, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted who also created New York City's Central Park.

As with Pinehurst, an outstanding feature of Black Diamond will be its clubhouse. The clubhouse will be built to resemble a beautiful, 19th century Victorian farmhouse, a perfect fit for the Kawaratha Oakridge Moraine setting. Upon completion, the clubhouse will be able to service all guests' and members' needs. Black Diamond will be able to host weddings, corporate events, business meetings and tournaments.

While plans for grand opening celebrations are still in the works, and dates dependent on spring weather, Mr. Stalteri said he already has plans to offer deals between May and October. As well, he said for a course of this caliber, everyday golf fees are very affordable. Through the week, a round at Black Diamond will cost $45 while weekends are only $55. Prices will drop at 2p.m.,4p.m. and 6p.m.

A number of memberships including individual, junior, family and corporate memberships have already been purchased in anticipation of the 2005 golf season. The golf course also features practice areas including a full length driving range, chipping and putting area. In the future, golfers wanting to improve their game, as well as those just starting out will be able to seek guidance from Black Diamond's teaching academy. Mr. Stalteri is a member of the C.P.G.A. and has taught for the past 16 years.

Located near Bethany Ontario on Porter Road, Mr Stalteri said the site is visible from highway 115, and is easily accessible from all directions. For those traveling for a round from the south such as Toronto and the GTA, it's as easy as taking highway 401 to highway 115 and turning off at Porter Road.