Summary:   Value Rating = B+

I do enjoy playing La Bête (The Beast) but as with similar courses in this region of Quebec (Mont Tremblant) you are paying a slight premium for the privilege.  I would give La Bête an A or A+ rating if the fees were a bit lower.  If you take advantage of special fees offered either as part of a stay and play package or twilight rates then my value rating would be an A or A+.

This course is memorable for me because I shot my best score to date there, a 78 on a great fall day…..hence the course and that round in particular sticks in my mind.

The course offers a number of great qualities – the scenery (especially in the fall), the condition/shape of the course, the course setting with the elevation changes, and some interesting and challenging holes.  I have no doubt you will remember this course if you play it.

The green fees, including cart, are in the $90 (Canadian) range.  The course is a challenging walk so a cart is recommended. The course is part of the Gray Rocks resort – check out the website – www.GrayRocks.com.

Play and Value Evaluation Rating Table

Refer to my evaluation criteria – www.lifepast50.ca/topic-list/golf/reviewcriteria

Some Details:

I’ve played this course 3 times from the white tees with varying results……96 and 92 and a wonderful 78 on a day when just about everything went right (I even had a penalty stroke for an unplayable lie).  The 78 is my lowest score ever on a course of this calibre.  A special day that I will remember for a long time.  You will probably want to play this course at least twice so that you can take another run at the 2nd and 9th holes (see more details below).

La Bête is located beside the Diable River (La riviere du Diable) and has a number of elevation changes, water hazards, waste bunkers and natural waste areas.  This is a challenging course that fits very nicely into the natural surroundings in this part of the Laurentians.

You get some spectacular views of Mont Tremblant from many areas around the course which add a lot to the enjoyment factor.

La Bête offers some interesting holes……in particular the par 4 2nd hole is very unique – it requires a well placed tee shot to a series of fairway plateau’s – 3 of them which you can’t really see very well from the tee (don’t use your driver).  After your tee shot you are left with a long second shot over a very deep valley to the green.  A hole you will certainly remember.

Another interesting hole is the 9th. It offers a challenge in that you typically hit a long iron or utility club off the so that you land short of a deep hazard crossing the fairway.  Your 2nd shot is then a long iron towards an somewhat elevated green – difficult for the average golfer to reach in two.  Again, don’t use your driver off the tee here.

You do need accuracy here because most shots off the fairway will be in natural areas where it is sometimes impossible to recover, if you can find your ball.

My Evaluation Details:

Scenery – The views are particularly enjoyable in the fall when the leaves have turned colour – very spectacular scenery, with great view of Mont Tremblant and Gray Rock.

Mix of holes – A nice mix of holes that will require you to use all the clubs in your bag.

Consistency and condition – The course has been in great shape each time I have played the course.

Character – the uniqueness of a few of the holes and the picturesque setting give this course a lot of character – you will remember this course, especially in the fall.

Golf Challenge – the course does offer some challenges…..

• tee shots – you do need to be accurate off the tee.
• fairway shots – the fairways are in great shape and reasonably flat with some undulations along the edges.
• pin placements – the greens are a decent size allowing for many pin placement options.
• putting – the greens were a bit fast and do have a number of undulations that you need to deal with.
• greens – the condition of the greens was excellent.
• a chance to recover – The rough was very fair but if you do end up off the fairway you often don’t have a chance to recover even if you can find your ball.  There are some deep ravines / valleys that you must stay out of.

Other Observations

I hate to have to state this as part of my review but my English golf buddies and I have encountered some strange service at this course.  When we have left the arrangements to one of my fully bilingual golf buddies, we have not encountered any issues with being treated pleasantly but when he isn’t with us, we have noticed the service is slower and less responsive.  I have to admit that I feel like we are intruding on their day and their daily activities – their attitude reflects negatively on your enjoyment of the course and the beautiful surroundings.  We have encountered this in the pro shop and while ordering a quick snack at the 9th hole.  Strange service for an area that depends upon tourists so much.  All of the other service and people we encounter were great.

La Bête has a sister course nearby called La Belle which is the oldest golf course in the Laurentians / Mont Tremblant region – an older woodland style course with a few odd holes and very fast greens (at least when I have played there).  A very different look and feel to La Bête.

Sorry no pictures yet.