Southwest Ontario
Craigowan GC
Woodstock, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $79
This well-maintained gem is located in the rolling hills of Oxford County, just north of Woodstock. With mature trees framing fairways and nine possible tee deck combinations, there are lots of options to find your perfect yardage. While there have been subsequent architectural tweaks from Doug Carrick, Mike Weir and Ian Andrew, the original 1959 Robbie Robinson design has stood the test of time. There’s a reason multiple notable tournaments have been held here, including the 2014 Canadian Women’s Amateur.
“Craigowan is a testament to one of course designer Robbie Robinson’s greatest strengths: He built golf courses that people are happy to play every day. No gimmicks. No surprises. Just a beautiful old-style golf course that is timeless.” —Peter Mumford
Southwest Ontario
Ambassador Golf Club
Windsor, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $61-81
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, this Tom McBroom design was ranked as Ontario’s best new course in 2005 and has been a perennial inclusion on any Best Value listings since. Five minutes from the Ambassador Bridge to the U.S., there’s a wonderful texture and elegant bunkering on this windswept layout. Stay & play packages are available at Caesars Windsor and the Holiday Inn Ambassador Bridge.
“It’s very difficult to imagine the sand and gravel quarry that previously occupied a featureless property. Such is the amazing transformation executed by Tom McBroom, who used dynamic bunkering and fescue banks to provide definition, while re-forming a sea of earth to add movement to the land.” —Ted McIntyre
Southwest Ontario
Cambridge GC
Cambridge, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $$62-72
Nestled in the gently rolling landscape of Cambridge, this is a shotmaker’s course, despite it measuring less than 6,300 yards from the tips. Designed by C.E. “Robbie” Robinson, it meanders over mature woodland, natural contours and meandering creeks. The surrounding topography features subtle elevation changes and sweeping views of the countryside. With top-tier conditioning and practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse, it’s a much-recommended play for fans of classic design. And note that Friday’s $72 fee includes power cart!
“You may need your GPS to find it, but when you do, you’re in for a treat. Designed by Stanley Thompson protégé Robbie Robinson, it’s on a gently rolling property, making it easy to walk, with green fees that won’t stress you.” —Garry McKay