Nine holes instead of 18 considered for Burlington golf course

Burlington is considering turning its 18-hole public golf course into one with just nine holes.

The City is considering the move because of changing trends in the sport as well as to free up more space at Tyandaga Golf Course to accommodate other public uses.

While the idea is just being floated at this point, the City expects to put the prospect of the change to the public for input during the next several months.

A report presented to a Burlington planning committee meeting today (Sept. 12) outlined some of the proposed plans that include a complete redesign of the course to make it smaller with the possible addition of a driving range. The newly created extra space would also be used for year-round recreational trails.

The 108-acre site is already put to good use for much of the year. While golf takes up most of the activities in warm weather months, during the winter Tyandaga is used for tobogganing, snowshoeing, and hiking.

If the redesign were to take place, the course would be moved into the middle of the property thereby keeping stray balls away from neighbouring homes, which has also been a concern.

In presenting the report, Renee Kulinski-McCann, Burlington’s manager of recreation service said the plan is to consider the needs of the community which currently shows a desire for more year-round recreational space which Tyandaga can provide.

She also pointed out that current amateur golf trends show a desire by participants to play a quicker game on a shorter course.

“People have time restrictions and a nine-hole course can accommodate a quick game,” she said.

While the redesign of the course showcases the most extensive revision to Tyandaga, public feedback will determine its future direction which could mean it remains the same.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward pointed out that the City has no intention of selling the land and making it available for housing development.

Recreation staff is expected to present a more definitive direction on the future of the golf course later this year.