New 18-Hole North Course is Open For Play at Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club
Take a hole-by-hole tour of the newest addition to one of Eastern Ontario's premier golf facilities
On May 29, 2026, Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club opened its new 18-hole North Course, transforming the club into a 36-hole golf destination. While the North Course name will be used throughout the 2026 season, the official course opening and naming ceremony is planned for the 2027 golf season.
I was fortunate enough to play the North Course on May 28, one day before its official opening, alongside three good buddies. By the end of the round, the verdict was unanimous: we all felt this is a five-star golf course, and golfers are going to love it.
Twelve of the North Course holes were previously featured in routings known as the Spring Course earlier in 2026 or the Black Course during the 2025 season. What made playing the North Course such an exciting experience, however, was the opportunity to play six brand-new holes for the very first time.
Two of the six new holes, Nos. 10 and 11, were visible at the north end of the property during construction. The other four—Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 18—were tucked away beyond tree lines and largely hidden from view. Until opening day arrived, most golfers had no idea what awaited them on those holes, adding plenty of mystery and anticipation to the North Course debut.
Being one of the lucky golfers to play the North Course before it officially opened had its advantages. For example, there is a tree standing proudly in the middle of the fairway on No. 3. Did I hit it with my tee shot? Of course, I did. I may go down in history as one of the first golfers ever to find that tree. I guarantee you, I won’t be the last.
Two accomplished Canadian golf course architects designed the North Course. Nine holes were created by Graham Cooke and nine by Jason Miller. Together, they have crafted a layout that is visually appealing, strategically challenging and highly playable for golfers of varying skill levels.
Before we begin our tour, here are a few quick facts about Bay of Quinte’s North Course:
Six sets of tee blocks, ranging from 4,670 yards to 6,378 yards
Six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s
14 water hazards that come into play on 13 of the 18 holes
29 greenside bunkers
Seven fairway bunkers
Oversized square tee blocks throughout the course
Large greens allowing for numerous pin-placement options
One thing became clear during my first round on the North Course. Playing for position is key. There are hazards everywhere, and many of them are positioned exactly where golfers’ eyes naturally wander. On numerous holes, where you hit the ball is more important than how far you hit it. Golfers who think their way around the course and manage risk effectively will likely score better than those who pull out the driver and swing away. In other words, the North Course is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.
The Evolution of the North Course
The creation of Bay of Quinte’s newest 18 holes has been years in the making. Expanding the facility into a 36-hole destination was a vision of CEO Roger Lichty.
Rather than opening all at once, the North Course evolved gradually as new holes were completed and incorporated into existing routings.
Spring 2023 – Three new holes were introduced to golfers.
Fall 2023 – Six additional holes were added to the routing for the final two weeks of the season.
Spring 2025 – Three additional holes entered play.
May 29, 2026 – The final six holes opened, completing the North Course and officially establishing Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club as a 36-hole golf destination.
Now, let’s take a quick tour of the North Course, one hole at a time.
Hole #1
Hole #1 is north of the tracks. Instead of turning left to play the #2 hole on the Old Course, turn right and follow the paved cart path to the first tee.
A par five that doglegs left, Hole #1 keeps much of its fairway and green hidden from view off the tee. It isn't until you're standing over your second shot that the hole fully reveals itself.
Hole #2
Hole # 2 is a straightforward par-3 with front bunkers on the left and right. Just don’t hit it short, and you should be fine. (famous last words, right?)
Hole #3
Hole # 3 is par-4 with a tree smack dab in the middle of the fairway. I probably hit the best drive of my round on #3, until it hit that tree. I’m sure I will be one of the first, of many more to come, golfers who hit that tree. That tree needs a name. Any ideas?
Hole #4
This is one of my favourite holes on the North Course. I fell in love with it the first time I played it. It was #8 or #9 in previous routings. Hit the ball straight, and you should be fine.
Next time I play this hole, I will try to remember that “hit the ball straight” comment and try to apply it to my swing. If only it were that simple.
Hole #5
This picturesque par 3 features a large, inviting green. It was played as Hole #9 on the Black Course during the 2025 season. This hole was removed from play late in 2025 and remained closed through the spring of 2026 to allow the green ample time to gain strength until the North Course opened.
That decision proved to be a smart one. When we played #5 on May 28th, the green was in excellent condition and well worth the wait.
Hole #6
From the tees on Hole #6, you are treated to a spectacular southern view of the the golf course, the Bay of Quinte, and Prince Edward County off in the distance on the south side of the bay.
Many will recognize this hole as #10 in the 2026 Spring routing.
Hole #7
Ever since this uphill par 3 was put into play, I have loved playing it. Don’t be short with your tee ball, or you will find yourself in the front trap. There is a very large ridge that runs through this green, making it easy to three-putt.
Hole #8
Hole #8 was previously #12 on the Spring 2026 routing. Many refer to this hole as the “Ravine Hole”. You either love it or hate it, depending on where you put your tee ball. With a successful tee shot, you will have about 130 yards to the hole, depending on pin placement. Just make sure you get over the ravine and the front greenside bunker. This large green has an upper shelf across the back that acts as a great backstop for your shot into the green.
Hole #9
This is a short par 4 with a sharp dogleg right. Birdies are available, but so are doubles, so be careful. From the tees, you hit over that same ravine on hole #8. This hole was previously known as #13 in the Spring 2026 routing.
Hole #10
Hole #10 is one of the new holes golfers could see being built when playing B of Q in the last few years. To say there is a water hazard would be a huge understatement. It is more like a small lake. (This lake needs a name as well.)
From the tees, you are faced with that classic risk-reward decision. How much of that lake do you want to carry? Oh yeah, there’s a strategically-paced fairway bunker out there just waiting for your tee ball if you’re not careful.
I can’t wait to play this hole again.
Hole #11
What a great little par-3. From the tees, you see water, sand, green, and “other”. Just forget all of that and put a nice smooth swing in it, and you’ll be fine. (That’s what I keep telling myself, anyway).
Hole #12
This hole is a dogleg right. Many cut the corner, hit a high tee shot over the trees at the dogleg, leaving them a wedge into the green.
Don’t hit your tee ball too far, or the green will be blocked out by a clump of trees as illustrated in the photo below.
For your approach, don’t be long, or you’ll find yourself in a catchment area behind the green.
This was #14 in the Spring Course routing.
Hole #13
Another one of those; hit it straight and you will be fine, holes. If only that were as easy as it sounds. Watch out for the water down the left side of the fairway and to the right of the green.
This was #15 in the Spring Course routing.
Hole #14
This was #16 on the Spring Course routing. For us old guys who hit from the Whites, a decent drive and a solid second shot will leave you with a short wedge into the green. If you stick it tight, one-putt for your birdie.
Or, you can bang your tee ball OB, hit a few poor shots, chip and two-putt, and you are looking at a double. Been there, done that, many times.
There is a large oak tree on the right side of #14, about 130 yards from the green, with a low-hanging branch that juts into the fairway. When creating this golf hole, I suspect there was much discussion about removing or keeping this low-hanging limb. They decided to keep it. Good call, it is very much in play for those playing down the right side of the fairway on #14.
Hole #15
This will be one of the coolest par-3 holes you will ever play.
On behalf of all lefties out there, thanks to the designers for placing that harmless little tree on the right side of the fairway, next to the green.
What is this hole going to look like in 10 years from now? Should be fun.
Hole #16
This is a great par-5 with a large water hazard on the left side of the fairway that long ball hitters will need to watch out for. Stay right on this hole if you can.
This was #18 on the Spring Course routing.
Hole #17
This is a tricky little par three with water on the left side. It was #8 in the Spring routing. Hitting your tee ball to the left side of the green can easily result in a bad kick into the water.
Hole #18
What a great closing hole. Get your tee shot as close as you dare to the water hazard. If successful, you’ll have a wedge or other lofty club in your hand for your approach.
After our round, we enjoyed a meal at XIX Restaurant, located right at the golf course. The service was fast and friendly, and our meals were great.
Final Thoughts
After 18 holes, one thing was clear: the North Course is a terrific addition to Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club. It offers a fun, strategic test of golf with plenty of memorable holes and enough variety to keep golfers coming back for more.
Congratulations to Roger Lichty, the Bay of Quinte team, and architects Graham Cooke and Jason Miller on bringing this ambitious vision to life. Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club is now a true 36-hole golf destination, and I suspect many golfers will be adding the North Course to their must-play list for years to come.
My buddies and I play the South Course regularly and thoroughly enjoy it. That said, I must confess, I can’t wait to get another crack at the North Course.
Happy Golfing, Everyone
Stay safe. Stay well. Have fun.
Richard
great rendering of this new course! well done !!! including that participants to this montage :) great Job Richard!