FIND SOME FOXY FRIENDS AT BUFFALO POINT
July 15th, 2010 | Posted by 
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For a peaceful way of life, they say to ‘go west’. For a peaceful day on the golf course, I say to ‘go southeast’. In fact, go southeast in Manitoba as far as you can possibly go, and you’ll pleasantly discover premier and pristine play.
Lake of the Sandhills golf course is nestled along the shores of Lake of the Woods in Buffalo Point, at the very bottom corner of Manitoba. It’s a spectacular golfing locale and well-kept secret. But before you can experience it, first you have to get there.
The day-long adventure begins with a scenic two-hour drive from Winnipeg, mostly on Highway 12. Travel south for a spell before veering east through rolling and forested farmlands. Along the way you’ll get in plenty of practice deer spotting, cow mooing, sheep counting, and perhaps some road-kill swerving. It’s a trip which sometimes begs the question… “Ewwww – what was THAT??”
Continuing past the Sprague turn-off, and further past the town of Middlebro, you’ll eventually see the US crossing to Warroad. Just before reaching the point of no-turning-back-from-the-border, there is one final exit stage left through wide-open prairie. As you approach the heavily wooded region, if you are greeted by a herd of tin buffalo sculptures, you’ve arrived at the right place. On the other hand, if you are greeted by a pack of steely customs officers, you probably missed the turn.
Lake of the Sandhills is an 18-hole par 72 course that officially opened in 2001. It offers 6800 yards of play on a 200-acre site overlooking the waters of Big Traverse Bay. Carved from the woods and featuring varied terrain, each hole has its own unique setting.
With lakeshore exposure on five holes, the breeze coming off the water is fresh and cool, and the wind can be either friend or foe to your play. Sometimes it feels like you are playing alongside the ocean, like on No. 3, a 153-yard par 3 with stunning view all along the plush fairway. You may even get the urge to stray from the course and descend down to the beach, which is kind of like a big giant 153-yard bunker – and which it will end up being if you slice your shot.
The same seaside feeling comes back on No. 18, a tricky 303-yard par 4 flanked by water on one-side and marshy stuff on the other. The fairway is pretty narrow, so you’ll want to be precise off this tee. I’d also recommend laying up on your way to the green, or risk landing in the gulley that runs most of the front length of the green.
While I’d consider the course more challenging than most, the fact it’s off the beaten path means it’s not overly busy – at least it wasn’t on the day we played. Instead of hurrying along to keep pace, we were able to kick back and have a relaxing and enjoyable round. We were also able to witness some 
wildlife on the course, like grazing deer beside the marsh on lovely No. 7, a 134-yard par 3. My tee shot actually landed perfectly on the green, and I managed my first and only par for the course.
Prior to that, on the 343-yard par 4 No. 2, I made another beautiful drive. It was at this hole we were introduced to the fox network – seven little critters to be exact. We spotted them as we approached the tee box. There they were, carousing about the fringes of the fairway, playing amongst them selves and looking absolutely adorable. They didn’t seem to mind at all that we were there, so we went ahead and snapped a few pictures.
In hindsight, we realized they were fully aware of our presence. In fact, they were waiting for people like us to come along. Waiting and watching. Waiting for me to step up to the tee-box, 
set up my ball, line up my driver, and let her rip. Waiting for my ball to fly into the air with near-perfect trajectory, before falling back down to earth.
Waiting for the exact moment when my ball hit the ground, at which point the closest fox dashed to the middle of the fairway, scooped up my ball in its mouth, ran 20 yards further, turned to look at me, and waited. Waited and watched as I jumped in the golf cart ready to give chase. Waited until I decided “ahhh what the heck, that fox can keep my ball – I didn’t need that one anyway.”
It was definitely one of the funniest things I’d ever seen on a golf course. And despite their audacity, those little red foxes still looked adorable as we drove off in our cart. We might have lost one golf ball, but we found a whole lot of laughter, and a good story to tell back home.
Lake of the Sandhills is part of Buffalo Point Resort, owned and operated by local First Nations, and being developed into a world-class vacation destination. In addition to its glorious golf and fantastic fishing, the region has walking trails, biking paths, sandy beaches, campgrounds, cabins, marina and RV centre. It also has a native cultural centre, and conference facility housing a fabulous restaurant.
The ‘casual elegance’ Fire & Water Bistro offers impeccable service and eclectic menu featuring fresh local ingredients that maximize flavour, colour and presentation. Being on Lake of the Woods, it had to be pickerel. Fresh out of the lake, it came lightly tempura battered and cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The steak sandwich topped 
with grilled peppers, onions, asparagus, and melted cheese was also delicious. With extremely affordable prices (most entrees are under $20) and magnificent lakeside view, dining at the Fire & Water Bistro is a must-do.
Next door at the Island Green Lounge, enjoy Dos Equis and other assorted lagers for a mere $3. Sit back and watch big shooters try their luck on The Gambler – an aptly named daunting 136-yard island green that offers big prizes to those who score a hole-in-one. It’s also an exciting setting for closest-to-the-pin contests held during tournaments hosted by Lake of the Sandhills.
We wrapped up with a barefoot walk along Buffalo Bay Beach, collecting rocks, picking up driftwood, and soaking up the setting sun and natural beauty.
At the end of the day, my first impression of Buffalo Point was extremely positive. Already I can’t wait to return. If you go, be sure to take a little time to slow down and appreciate each moment. And if you golf at Lake of the Sandhills, remember to stock up and bring a lot of balls.
Because if the looming woods and water don’t get ‘em, the foxes will.
LAKE OF THE SANDHILLS GOLF COURSE
Buffalo Point, Manitoba
18-hole golf course & driving range
5651 yards from white
5056 yards from red
Monday to Thursday special – 4 play, 3 pay ( book 4-some get 1 free green free)
www.sandhills.ca
204-437-4653
