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"It's my favourite weekend of the year," he says of the annual tournament he's hosted there for the past 13 years. "The team at Sherwood makes us feel at home when we're there. We're always welcomed and have been able to create an event that brings everyone together in one place. There are no other distractions."  

Bardsley, who hails from Fall River, Nova Scotia, isn't alone in his love for the place. Year after year, players return to Sherwood not just for the golf but for the sense of community, the scenery, and the simplicity of a club that never tries to be anything it's not.  

"I love the environment. We're in a forest. There is the occasional wildlife sighting, and I love the water features," Bardsley adds. "Whether you're there for a tournament or playing solo, it's approachable. It's not stuffy or pretentious, so it's perfect for new golfers or anyone looking for a relaxed round." For him, the annual event at Sherwood feels like a personal legacy.  

Sherwood Golf and Country Club is located just outside Chester, Nova Scotia, about an hour and a five-minute drive from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The course is tucked into rolling hills and dense woodland and quietly builds its following one round at a time. It's not one of the regional golf courses making international headlines. Still, it carries its weight, leaning into what it does best: delivering an authentic, memorable experience in a beautiful and welcoming setting.  

"The fairways are unique," says Stephen Dowling, Sherwood's general manager and resident golf pro.  

"The fairways are tree-lined, and you only see the hole you are playing. You are not distracted by what's ahead of you. Each hole has its own special characteristics with elevation changes and water features, so you have a memory of each hole at the end of your game."  

But Dowling and Bardsley say that the sense of community truly defines Sherwood. The 16 on-site cottages, nestled among the trees or overlooking the course, turn a golf day into a full-on weekend escape. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, gathering with a group of friends, or just taking a break from city life, Sherwood offers the laid-back luxury that makes you want to stay and play a little longer.  

Sherwood welcomes members who come and play daily and offers green fees to those who want to enjoy a day on this one-of-a-kind South Shore Nova Scotian course. Dowling says he loves to hear the stories of the golfers who stay and play. "There is something special about parking your car, filling the fridge in your chalet, hitting the golf course with good friends, coming back for a fire at the end of the day, and not seeing your car until it's time to go."  

It's no wonder regulars like Bardsley keep returning year after year.  

In a province celebrated for its world-class golf, Sherwood may not dominate the headlines — but that's exactly why it feels like such a find. It's not just a course — it's a tradition, a gathering place, a quiet corner of Nova Scotia where the game is only part of the story.  

"I don't see another home for our tournament," Bardsley says. And once you've spent a weekend at Sherwood, it's easy to understand why.