Cape Breton Highlands Links

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In 1938 when the National Park Service hired Stanley Thompson to design and build what he later called “the mountains and ocean” course, he told friends that it was the best contract he ever had. He was given one of the country's most scenic and awe inspiring national parks, and had just one mandate: take advantage of it. The result is an inspired piece of architecture that has proved to be one of Thompson's finest design achievements.

Highlands Links began as a nine-hole course with Thompson convincing his employers that a second nine holes was essential. Normally one to remain with his original plan, Thompson changed the routing of the course during construction to follow the Clyburn River, an integral element of the final layout.

Given the size of the project, construction progressed quickly, taking just two years. It was difficult to bring machinery to the site and local labourers did much of the work by hand. A great deal of the course was clear land and much of the growth of the surrounding vegetation has come since. On many holes, few trees were present and it's a tribute to Thompson's vision that with all the growth, the course has retained its shape.

Many have referred to Highlands Links as Thompson's homage to golf's Scottish roots and St. Andrews in particular. Holes have names like “Heich O' Fash” (which means “Heap of Trouble”) and many of the fairways are remarkably similar to Scottish topography. The seventh hole, Killiecrankie, resembles the long narrow pass of Killiecrankie in the Highlands of Scotland – a wooded gorge that played a significant role in Scotland's history in 1689.

Some of the same tests that have challenged golfers since the 15th century can also be found at Highlands Links. The fifth hole, “Canny Slap,” is similar to the most famous one-shot hole in golf, St. Andrew's eleventh hole, “Eden.” Other typical Scottish trademarks include heroic tees with their long forced carries, blind tee and green strokes, rolling fairways, dune-like mounds, pot bunkers, small undulating greens, seascape panoramas and ever-present heather.

Balance for the golfer was another critical component in Thompson's design: balanced stroke values for each fairway, balance in overall architectural design, and the balanced combination of scientific stroke-making along with the beauty of the natural landscape.

In 2002, Sports Illustrated gathered a panel of golf historians and experts to rank the schools of golf course design in order of influence. Stanley Thompson's ranked fifth. And the most influential course to arise from that school, according to the panel? His “mountains and ocean” course, Cape Breton Highlands Links.

• Anynomous

  16 January 2016

  With all the exciting renovations taking place at our resort we decided to create a new identity for the current space called "The Inn at Keltic". A new identity requires a new name. And we are seeking your ideas.

  The present renovations are restoring the building to its original beautiful state. We also want to incorporate a "Celtic" theme in the newly renovated building and in its name.

  We are keen to hear your suggestions and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

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• Anynomous

  10 December 2015

  Trees have been cleared to provide guests with the most amazing view! More updates and pictures coming soon!

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• Anynomous

  10 October 2015

  There is some fantastic rainbows around the resort today!

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• Anynomous

  23 September 2015

  Our new hire, busy at work trimming the grounds! Just a sample of some of the wildlife you may see while playing here at the Cape Breton Highlands!

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• Anynomous

  25 August 2015

  We have a End of Summer Special going on here at the Keltic Lodge which includes Unlimited Golf during your stay! See image for more details:

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• Anynomous

  04 August 2015

  It's a fantastic day here at the golf course, stop by and play a few rounds while the sun is out!

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• Anynomous

  20 July 2015

  We are pushing the end date of the #KelticContest to July 24th due to poor weather conditions the past few days. Keep submitting your photos and you have a chance to win!

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• Anynomous

  18 July 2015

  Keltic Lodge Resort & Spa is hosting a contest to see who can take the best picture from around the resort! Follow them on Twitter to stay up to date on any updates of the contest. Twitter: @KelticLodge #KelticContest

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