Hole No. 8 - Early Day Design Changes to Historic Green

Top right in sketch, Thompson's original location of No. 8 green in raised bowl area

While changes to the original Thompson layout have taken place over the years, it seems that some changes were completed in the earlier stages of the Club's history.

In the December 1921 issue of the Canadian Golfer there was an article written describing the 18 holes at Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club just after the fall grow-in of the golf course.  It went on to say that Willie Gunn, was the construction superintendent on-site who put on the final touches to the new 18-hole layout designed by Thompson, Cumming and Thompson.

He spoke most enthusiastically of this modern course at the time, in the Highlands of Ontario, of how the "fairgreens and greens are rounding into superb condition, and next season will be up to regular championship form for the opening the following year."

I found it interesting, that when describing the 8th hole, he portrays it as 400 yards, open fairway all the way, to a large green, built up high.

Our current 8th hole only plays 364 yards from the back tees, and is built on fairly level ground. I paced back roughly 40 yards from the existing centre of the 8th green, up the hill to what would be the original green location.  This put me right in the centre of what is now surrounded by the 70' red pine grove as depicted in the above sketch!

How long ago were these changes made?  I guess the answer would be somewhere near the age of the pine groove that was planted in the original green's location.  Judging by the diameter of the red pines in the grove, the stand of trees is at least 80+ years old placing the changes no later than 1935?

Why were these changes made?  Perhaps to offer more buffer and protection from errant shots from the 10th fairway onto the green?

Original green location No. 8 in pine grove on hillside

Close up of grade in pine grove where original green once was located

Golf Tip Hole No. 8 - By Golf Professional Jordan Nathan
Don’t try to hit your tee shot over the road if you don’t think you can make it. It is safer to play short of the road and leave yourself a good lie for your 2nd shot.