10 Best Value Courses in Ontario that caught our attention
As we wrap up the 2025 Best Value Courses in Ontario, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Ted McIntyre and Grant Fraser who spearheaded this project and to the panellists from across the province who provided their selections and comments.
There are over 700 public courses in Ontario, and even though we divided them geographically by region, our panellists were still faced with large numbers to evaluate. Based on the feedback we received from readers and others in the industry, we know they did a great job identifying Best Value.
Following is a list of panellists to whom we owe a great big thank you:
Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Members: Archie Berube, Grant Fraser, John Gordon, Garry McKay
Avid Public Golfers: Mark Alton, Brian Beccario, Guy Ginter, Barry Nudelman, Santino Pompeo, Mike Santoro.
Golf Industry: Jeff Dykeman (OneEleven Management Group), Andy Karanasos (Thunder Bay District Golf Association), Ryan Logan (Golf Canada), Craig Loughry (Golf Ontario), Colin McDougall (Pecoma Marketing), Owen Rigg (Northern Golf Association).
Golf Media: Chris Stevenson, Terry Marcotte, Ted McIntyre
PGA: Jeff Boismier, Terry Kim, Kevin Layte
Finally, Ted, Grant and I talked about various possibilities to wrap this project up. One thing we all agreed on is that the exercise was a real learning experience. While we’ve all travelled fairly extensively, we still discovered many courses that we’ve never played or in some cases never even heard of. That opens lots of possibilities for the future.
So, to wrap this up, we decided to each offer a few Best Value courses that for one reason or another caught our attention and will be added to our ‘must play’ list.
Grant Fraser
Here are four of my faves that I look forward to playing again:
Batteaux Creek, Nottawa ($73-92)
I always enjoy playing this course. It’s a great test, especially from the back tees. Water comes into play of 14 holes and the bunker renovation added to the quality of the overall experience.
Humber Valley GC, Etobicoke ($55-63)
This is a course I will always enjoy playing. It has served so many golfers of all skill levels in the GTA for 50+ + years. Here’s to all five of Toronto’s municipal golf courses. They could all be on our best value list!
Hidden Lake GC, Burlington ($70-90)
Two excellent yet vastly different golf courses (Old and New) is the reason Hidden Lake is one of my personal best value faves.
Legends on the Niagara (Ussher’s Creek and Battlefield), Niagara Falls ($75-90)
Where else can you play a Thomas McBroom and Doug Carrick golf course for under $100? Definitely a great stay-and-play option for an overnight and two + rounds of golf in the Niagara region.
Ted McIntyre
This exercise has whetted my appetite for golf in general, and a handful of courses in particular. Some I haven’t played in ages; and some never. There are probably 20 off our Ontario list I can’t wait to experience again, but if I had to whittle the group down to three, it would be this trio.
Roseland G&CC, Windsor ($58)
If for no other reason, this makes my list as Canada’s lone municipal Donald Ross golf course. I love the simplicity and elegance of old-time courses and given the feedback of PGA of Ontario professionals I respect, I seriously need to check this place out. Celebrating its centennial next year, there is a little bit of mystery to Roseland for me since there are precious few decent photographs of the course—either in the club’s possession or even circulating on the internet!
Port Hope G&CC, Port Hope ($66-$76)
Here’s another course that will celebrate 100 years in 2026, and how could any sane golfer resist its siren call? I mean, c’mon—look at the photos of this place! Hugging the rolling shoreline of Lake Ontario with nine waterside holes, pockmarked with deep bunkers, a sprawling bridge that arcs 60 feet above a set of CN railway lines!
Lowville GC, Burlington ($69-$78)
I somehow haven’t walked Lowville’s topsy turvy fairways in decades, even though it’s just a 20-minute drive from my house. And with the eve of autumn upon us, it will undoubtedly provide a sublime palate for Mother Nature to paint her magnificent colours beneath the brow of Mount Nemo and the Niagara Escarpment. Time for a return to this exceptionally valued course.
Peter Mumford
As we unveiled region after region, I saw a number of intriguing courses that I’ve never played. Here are three that caught my attention:
Huron Pines G&CC, Blind River ($55)
I think every panellist from Northern Ontario mentioned Huron Pines, with several suggesting it’s one of those courses that would cost a lot more if it was closer to a larger population centre. No arguing with its pedigree (Robbie Robinson and Graham Cooke), and the recommendations are inspiring.
Niagara-on-the-Lake GC, Niagara-on-the-Lake ($50)
This was the only nine-hole course to make our list but as the oldest course on its original site in North America, I have to check it out. NOTL has a reputation for exceptional grooming and spectacular views, plus all that history. I don’t think you can go wrong with that combo.
Smuggler’s Glen GC, Lansdowne ($75-89)
Every time Smuggler’s Glen comes up in discussion and I mention that I’ve never played it, everyone’s reaction is, “You’ve never played Smuggler’s?”, like what’s wrong with you? It’s a rugged piece of Canadian Shield and I’m told it’s even better than the photos indicate. Time to add it to my list.
To view all of the Best Value Courses in Ontario, click HERE.
