Bigwin Island Golf Club
Lake of Bays, Ontario. Canada (2002)
Few architects could ever hope to work on a site as beautiful as the property on which Bigwin Island Golf Club is situated -- a hilly island located in some of the most stunning land in Canada .
The experience of Bigwin Island is unparalleled in North America . It begins with a five minute boat ride to the historic island which houses the course and where golfers will tackle one of the most breathtaking 18-hole challenges one can envision.
Initially the site of a long abandoned Stanley Thompson golf course, Doug designed a strategic concept that allows players to flirt with danger in order to fight for position, or play safe and face longer, more difficult approach shots.
Two of Bigwin Island ’s holes have already become part of Canadian golfing legend. The sixth hole, a lengthy par four which features one of the most breathtaking elevation changes in all of golf, has been the focus of tremendous media attention. Similarly, the course’s risk/reward closer, a par five that hugs the Lake of Bays, is one of the most dramatic holes in all of Canada.
Bigwin Island demonstrates Carrick Design’s ability to work with a natural site and create a course where excitement and strategy abound.
“We looked at all of the big American guys and the Canadian designers as well,” says Alan Peters, one of the partners at Bigwin. “But Doug had the best vision for the project.”
Awards and Accolades:
- Ranked Best New Course in Canada 2002 by Golf Digest.
- Ranked 6th Best Course In Canada 2004 by Score Magazine.
- Ranked second Best Course in Canada 2005 by The Globe and Mail.

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