International

An international reputation that soon established was undoubtedly launched in 1987 with the invitation from two young Canadians, Chris Goodwin and John Drake, to lay out a golf course, of which they would be the only members, on a stud farm for thoroughbred horses in tranquil countryside outside London, Ontario. The peaceful retreat that Redtail exemplifies was picked up by Bradley Klein, one of the first reviewers. He observed so shrewdly, “the hard part is finding the place”.

Anyway, the return air ticket had the novel ring to it, London-Toronto-London-Toronto-London.

One trend that Redtail bucked was the belief that the quality of any course is in direct ratio to how much is spent to build it. In 1991, Redtail was constructed for 2.2 million Canadian dollars including a full irrigation system and a vast dam for irrigation water storage. Yet, it has always turned heads. The following tributes offer proof.

Redtail, a lay-of-the-land design that looks and plays so naturally” Golf Digest 1994

"There is not a place like it. It is simple rather than cosmetic, with lots of undulation, tree and wildlife”. Sean Connery

“Redtail is way beyond good. It is a gentle little masterpiece” Fred Muller, Head Professional at Crystal Downs.

“It’s the kind of place that, if I wanted to play golf for ten days and just be involved with playing, practising and putting, that’s where I would go”. Nick Price.

Redtail is the finest new course I have seen in two years, and I mean anywhere. Lorne Rubenstein. Toronto Globe and Mail 1994.

As an avid golfer and scratch handicap, rarely have I enjoyed a golf course so much. The exclusive nature of Redtail makes a visit even more special but the understated design and exquisite bunkering makes the golf course a true gem. I can still picture every hole (with ease).

Scott Mackenzie 2005.