In 2012, a $1.5-million renovation was completed at Bethesda Grange Golf Course by Paul Takahashi, one of Canada’s leading designers, lengthening it to almost 6,500 yards, reworking bunkers and cart paths, rebuilding green surrounds and tee decks.
The strong original routing of the former Championship course at Rolling Hills remained largely intact. Many bunkers were relocated and added, all filled with white Ohio sand.
Bethesda Grange Golf Course presents significant challenges in other ways. Many potential birdies can be thwarted by those new bunkers and closely mown collection areas around the greens, so course management is at a premium.
One notable hole, post-renovation, is the totally reworked par-3 fourth. At 190 yards from the back tees, the tee shot must carry a pond almost entirely from tee to green. A bail-out area on the left provides an escape for those who want to avoid the “watery grave.”
Conveniently located near Highways 404 and 407, Bethesda Grange is easy to get to and fun to play.