Baxter Creek Golf Club - The Perfect Example of Why I Love Away Games
A "must visit" for recreational golfers looking for pristine fairways, speedy greens, and tasty food, fifteen minutes south of Peterborough
There’s a distinct feeling when you turn into a golf course and instantly know you’re in for a special round.
That was the case on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, when I made the drive up to Baxter Creek Golf Club for my first round.
Located in Fraserville—just a short drive south of Peterborough, twenty minutes north on Highway 28 from Port Hope, or an easy hour-and-a-fifteen-minute drive from Belleville—Baxter Creek makes a striking first impression the moment you turn off Highway 28 onto Cedar Valley Road.
As I approached the grounds, I saw the lush fairways and impressive-looking clubhouse. When I turned in and drove along the manicured entrance towards the clubhouse, I knew I was about to tee it up at a very special place.
Built on historic, rolling farmland that has been in the local Larmer family for generations, Baxter Creek was officially opened in 2004. Designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect David L. Moote, the layout was crafted to blend seamlessly into the natural topography, offering a classic links-style feel with modern turf conditions that make it one of the premier public courses in Central Ontario.
I was joining my friend Dave, who drove over from Bowmanville, and we were paired up with Derrick, a great guy from Peterborough who plays Baxter Creek twice a week. Both Derrick and Dave provided great advice on where to aim throughout the day.
Before teeing off, we spent some time warming up with a small bucket on the driving range and then rolled some putts on the practice green. Dave, who has played Baxter Creek numerous times, told me the fast practice greens were indicative of the speed of the real greens. Was he ever right about that.
A Walker’s Paradise
While Dave and I opted for a power cart, Derrick set out on foot with his electric golf cart. It didn’t take long to realize that he was opting for the ideal way to experience Baxter Creek. As a regular who plays the course twice a week, Derrick confirmed what became obvious within the first few holes: Baxter Creek is an ideal golf course for walkers.
The terrain is reasonably flat, punctuated only by gentle natural slopes, soft berms, and subtle contours that give each hole character without wearing out your legs. More importantly, the routing is tight and efficient. Green-to-tee transitions are remarkably short, and the course features convenient walking paths and shortcuts. In fact, Derrick sometimes beat Dave and me to the next tee block! While we were navigating cart paths around hazards, Derrick would stroll straight through a designated walker’s path and beat us to the next tee.
Strategic Layout & Speed on the Greens
Course architecture reviews and official write-ups describe Baxter Creek as a fair but strategic test, and our round backed that up completely. The course features 50 strategically placed sand traps and nine distinct water hazards. Among these is the course’s namesake, Baxter Creek itself, which winds through the property with a brisk, clear current.
The fairways were postcard-perfect—lush, tight, and brilliantly maintained. But the true star of the day was the surface under our putters. The greens were remarkably fast, smooth, and true. In fact, they were without a doubt the fastest greens I’ve putted on so far this season. Every putt rolled with complete predictability; if you started your ball on line with the right touch, it held its track all the way to the cup. It made putting an absolute joy.
The 19th Hole & Patio Dining
As if 18 holes of exceptional golf weren’t enough, Baxter Creek treats players to a signature 19th bonus hole—a short par 3 playing directly over water to a protected green. It’s designed specifically as a fun tiebreaker to resolve any lingering match disputes or perhaps determine who’s buying the first round.
After holing out on the bonus hole, we headed into the clubhouse to grab a bite to eat. We sat at the outdoor patio, overlooking the golf course. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, and Dave went with the BamBam Shrimp. I’d love to show you photos of the food, but truth be told, the moment the plates hit the table, a photo opportunity took a back seat to appetite. We dove straight in before anyone even thought about pulling out a phone for a few pictures! My salad was crisp, fresh, and topped with tasty chunks of chicken. Dave loved his BamBam shrimp.
My “Golf Excuses” Golf Polo Was a Hit
One of the ladies working in the restaurant complimented me on my “Golf Excuses” performance golf polo that I was wearing. I thanked her and said I designed it myself. Dave said, “He’s got a bunch in his car,” and I confirmed that to be true. After lunch, she checked the polos out. I told her there were thirty excuses on the shirt and mentioned I had fifty limited edition performance polo shirts manufactured, and once they are gone, they are gone. She purchased one for her son-in-law, who is an avid golfer.
Book Your Round at Baxter Creek
If you’re looking for pristine fairways, lightning-fast greens, and an unforgettable day on the links, Baxter Creek Golf Club deserves a spot at the very top of your must-play list this season. Don’t just take my word for it—get out there and experience this walker’s paradise for yourself! Give the pro shop a call at (705) 932-8888 or visit baxtercreekgolf.com to book your tee time today.
Happy Golfing, Everyone
Stay well. Stay safe. Have fun.
Richard