The course at Ballantrae is a carrot attracting homebuyers to this gated real estate development, advertised as Canada’s finest adult lifestyle golf community. Aimed at the 50-plus set, the five-year-old project is a hit, already selling out its first four phases of homes (currently located on just the front nine, and only coming into play for golfers who suffer from snap hooks). A considerable chunk of the success is due to the work of course designer Doug Carrick. He elevated the greens, then added 50 acres of water hazards and his usual sets of diabolical green-side bunkers. In short, Carrick has made Ballantrae playable for the more leisurely golfer, but a challenge for anyone who wants to attack it from the tips. While the solid front nine eases you into the game, the back loop is outstanding, especially the stretch from 11 to 14, which combines risk-reward holes with give-it-all-you-got muscle-straining extravaganzas. As important—if you consider the game a perfect opportunity to take a nice stroll—is that Ballantrae was designed as a walker’s course. Built on former potato fields, it’s a flat site, the only hike being between the eighth green and ninth tee. A handsome, appropriately sized clubhouse overlooks the 18th green.