Address: 10345 Oxbow Dr, Komoka, ON, N0L 1R0, Canada

Phone: +1 519 471 3473

Price Range: $$$$

Website: http://www.firerockgolf.com/

FireRock Golf Club & The Pub at FireRock

If you're a golf enthusiast in southwestern Ontario, FireRock Golf Club should be on your radar. Designed by renowned architect Thomas McBroom, this public course opened in 2004 and has since built a reputation for its challenging yet rewarding layout. Located in Komoka, just five minutes west of London, it might be a bit of a drive from Toronto, but many say it’s worth the trip. The course itself is immaculately maintained, framed by natural grasses, trees, and captivating landforms, making it a visually stunning place to play.

One of the standout features of FireRock is its unique course design that integrates natural elements like the Oxbow River Valley and environmentally significant Savannah grasses. The 18-hole layout offers a par-72 championship design but can also play as a par-73 from the forward tees. The course length ranges from 5,672 yards from the forward tees to a whopping 7,183 yards from the tips, catering to golfers of all skill levels. Risk vs. reward is a running theme here, and each hole offers unique challenges that can either make or break your game.

Signature holes include the intimidating par-5 first hole, which requires a well-placed drive over the Oxbow River Valley. Another memorable hole is the second, a par-4 with a man-made lake that tempts you to bite off as much as you dare on the tee shot. Then there's the par-3 third hole, a short but challenging journey through a canyon of old gravel spoils, evoking a touch of Ireland. Each hole is designed to test your strategy and shot-making skills, making for an exciting round from start to finish.

When it comes to amenities, FireRock does not disappoint. 'The Pub' offers a nice retreat after a round, featuring a patio that many find even more enjoyable than the indoor seating. While the food has received mixed reviews—ranging from 'solid' to 'pretty good'—the drinks seem to be more hit-or-miss. Some guests have reported issues with the taste of iced tea and lemonade, presumably due to the glasses. Still, menu highlights include the pasta, fish tacos, and a rather spicy Vindaloo. Special mentions go to their fresh sandwiches at the turn, perfect for a quick bite during your game.

One area where FireRock could improve is the pace of play. Several reviews cited long rounds, sometimes exceeding five hours, largely due to large groups and corporate events. The lack of a visible course marshal during these busy times has been noted as a contributing factor. Additionally, while the pro shop is well-stocked and the overall property is beautiful, bunker conditions were inconsistent during some visits, with the front nine featuring rough sand and the back nine having gravel-like conditions. These minor details, although significant, offset an otherwise wonderful golfing experience.

For those interested in booking, FireRock requires a valid credit card number for reservations, which can be made up to seven days in advance. The club enforces a 24-hour cancellation policy, meaning your card could be charged for the green fees if you cancel inside that window. On the attire front, regular golf attire is required; this means no denim, cut-offs, sweat pants, or t-shirts. Collared shirts, mock neck shirts, and turtlenecks are all acceptable.

In terms of extra tips: First, try to secure an early tee time to avoid potential slow play later in the day. Second, take full advantage of the practice facilities; warming up is especially important given the intimidating first hole. Lastly, if you can swing it, aim for a weekday round, as weekends tend to be busier, which could impact both the pace and overall enjoyment of your game.