WOODS

The Woods Nine

Crafted by Riley Johns on the site of the former Norman Woods design, these nine holes are an homage to the work of Stanley Thompson, the famed Canadian designer behind Banff, Jasper and Highlands Links. But don’t mistake this for a replica course; Johns use of design ideals of Thompson, including spectacular bunkering and clever greens to create a modern classic that, when it opens in 2026, will hold its head next to St. Charles’ original 18 holes.

Riley Johns

One of the game’s best young designers, Johns has worked with the best in the game—including Tom Doak and Coore and Crenshaw. He’s also noted for his work with his design partner, Keith Rhebb, at Winterpark in Florida. A student of the game with deep historical knowledge, Johns led shaping efforts to restore the original 18 holes at St. Charles, and reworked the final nine in the style of Canadian design legend Stanley Thompson.

Notable projects:
• Winterpark (Florida)
• Point Grey (British Columbia)
• Cabot Cliffs (as shaper—Nova Scotia)
• Tara Iti (New Zealand)

Explore The Woods Nine

HOLE ONE

Par 5 | 575 Yards

A stout opening hole defined by its length and intricate bunkering to challenge the player off the tee. A long par five with bunkers protecting the fairway on both sides requiring an accurate drive. Players choosing to play as a three-shot hole are best to lay up just past the left fairway bunker and short of the bunker positioned in front of the green.

HOLE TWO

Par 4 | 396 Yards

A mid-length par 4 proving an opportunity for a birdie or easy par. The tee shot should favour the left side of the fairway to avoid a large bunker protecting the right side and to have the better angle to approach the green. A slightly elevated green is protected by several bunkers. Shots to the front pin are punished by a roll off to the fairway or into the bunker.

HOLE THREE

Par 4 | 366 Yards

A short par 4 rewarding aggressive play off the tee. The tee shot is protected by a bunker on the left as well as a narrow fairway. The green is not protected by bunkers but rather by elevation and roll off areas that collect less than accurate approaches. Players will be challenged with their ability to pitch the ball if they miss the green. Middle and back pin locations challenge the finessed approach as the green narrows from front to back.

HOLE FOUR

Par 4 | 322 Yards

A challenging short par 4 tempting our longer players to play aggressively off the tee. A generous fairway provides the player an easier layup to set up a challenging approach to a long, narrow and slightly elevated green with challenging slopes suitable to a short par 4. Players challenging the green off the tee are tempted by a narrow gap between the two bunkers guarding the green. Second shot approaches or drives at the green will be challenged by the bunkers and slopes surrounding this green.

HOLE FIVE

Par 3 | 170 Yards

An entertaining par 3 requiring an accurate mid-iron shot. This hole provides the option to be played from two different angles. The left tee plays longer and provides an easier approach between the bunkers guarding the green. The right teeing grounds offer a shorter shot of approximately 150 yards but a tougher angle of approach. Shots from this tee will face a forced carry over a bunker and a roll off area that catches balls short of the green. A picturesque short par three rewarding great shots and challenging poor ones.

HOLE SIX

Par 4 | 447 Yards

This long par 4 will challenge the best of our players. The tee shot faces not only a well guarded fairway by bunkers, but the water hazard to the right. Conservative tee shots will be played left of centre, while aggressive players can challenge the bunker and the hazard on the right to create a shorter approach. A well placed drive will be rewarded with a shot to a large, slightly elevated green well guarded by bunkers.

HOLE SEVEN

Par 3 | 159 Yards

A mid-length par 3 that will reward your creativity. This hole features a large teeing ground that will allow for play to the green from varying angles. Players can choose to attack the pin directly carrying the bunkers or play to the sloping fairway left which will feed balls to the left front of the green and further. Pins located in the middle and back of the green will present the most challenge, while front pins will make birdies a more common occurrence.

HOLE EIGHT

Par 4 | 400 Yards

A large bunker and water hazard face the player off the tee as they ponder the three options they face. Option 1 is to place your tee shot short of the bunker—a safe play leaving a longer approach. Option two is playing between the bunker and the water to a wide fairway to be rewarded with a shorter approach to the green. The third option for our longer hitters is to try to carry the bunker or just right for a short wedge to the green. The hazard looms with a slight miss to the right. All tee shots that find the fairway are rewarded with an approach to a very accessible green.

HOLE NINE

Par 4 | 466 Yards

A long par 4 greets you on the 9th tee with a career round in the balance. This strong dogleg left reward drives that challenge the left fairway bunker with a shorter approach. Drives in the fairway will face a very challenging shot to the most elevated green on the 9 and well guarded by bunkers. A par to close the round will be a wonderful score. A birdie should be celebrated with a drink in the garden with your playing companions. An outstanding finishing hole!