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.

This Doug Carrick design features generous fescue-lined fairways that amble gently across rolling terrain. Cross bunkers punctuate several holes requiring a decision while others have water hazards lurking alongside. That’s all negotiable. The real challenge at Ballantrae is discovered on the raised slick greens with their humps and contours, framed by deep bunkers and closely-mown roll off areas. Approach shots need to be spot on or else there’s a real premium on chipping. Always fun, the course prides itself on its immaculate condition and a brisk (but reasonable) pace of play.

Stephen Young fashioned this pretty layout on 250 acres near Nottawa, using the Niagara Escarpment as a backdrop and the natural wetlands adjacent to Batteaux Creek to craft a very playable routing. There is water on just about every hole here, but the fairways are quite generous, and the greens are large and accessible. The course is quite flat and perfect for walking with no long treks to the next hole and play moves along at a brisk pace.

Perched high on a former landfill in the heart of Mississauga, with views that sweep across the GTA, BraeBen is golf with a surprising twist. This isn’t just a course—it’s a test of QPR (and we’re not just talking Quality-Price Ratio, but Quirk, Patience and Resilience. Quirk, because you’re teeing off into a landscape that feels part links, part mountain; Patience, because the rolling fairways and winds show no mercy; and Resilience, because missing a green here often means a blind recovery from somewhere you didn’t know existed. Still, the reward is worth it: dramatic vistas and a round that humbles and exhilarates. And check out the nine-hole par-3 course—ideal for family, short-game testing or bet-settling.

Located in the rolling hills of Caledon, 30 minutes north of Toronto, the Caledon Country Club has been welcoming golfers to its 6,502-yard championship layout since 1960. Designed by renowned course architect Rene Muylaert, the club was founded by S.B. McLaughlin and was initially a private facility known as Chinguacousy Country Club. Today, Caledon is regarded as one of the finest public golf courses in the GTA. Beautiful at any time of year, Caledon is especially spectacular in autumn when the neighbouring hillside forests are ablaze with colour. The Credit River weaves its way across the property and strategically comes into play on four holes, further enhancing the challenge.

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!

One of the strongest values for your golfing dollar in Ontario, Copetown is as famous for its exquisite conditioning (credit huge tees and greens for some of that) as it is for its management (credit GM and marketing genius Barry Forth). Built over a former broccoli farm, this was veteran golf architect Dick Kirkpatrick’s first solo design. It’s a marvellous, gently rolling layout highlighted by fescue, waste bunkers and large water hazards. And its patio for post-round F&B is exceptional. But take note—actually, two notes: Copetown is a cashless facility, and it has no bunker rakes—so play it as it lies or tee it up at your discretion from the sand.

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.

Situated between Rattlesnake Point and Mount Nemo in the Niagara Escarpment and noted for its walkability and conditioning, the club’s staff reception, GPS-equipped carts and clubhouse interior make you feel like you’re playing a top-end semi-private facility. The short par-3 5th to an island green gets the “signature hole” accolades, but it’s the strength and variety of par-4s that make this an easy inclusion to the GTA’s best values.

Don Valley Golf Course, located in North York, is one of the city’s most iconic public golf venues, offering a scenic and challenging experience nestled in the heart of the Don River Valley. Opened in 1956, the course was designed by Howard Watson, a renowned Canadian golf architect and protege of Stanley Thompson. Don Valley’s layout makes full use of the rolling terrain, mature trees, and the meandering Don River. The course’s natural setting is a major draw, with dense vegetation and wildlife creating a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. Despite its central location near Yonge Street and York Mills Road, Don Valley feels secluded, offering golfers a peaceful round surrounded by nature.

Opened in 2008, the course was quietly developed over three years before bursting onto the scene with a dramatic layout that quickly earned accolades—including “Best New Course in Canada” by Golf Digest in 2009. Spanning over 7,200 yards from the back tees, Dragon’s Fire is a par-72 course that challenges players with a mix of length, precision, and strategic decision-making. The design is both dramatic and thoughtful. Players navigate through mature maples, mountain ash, and spruce trees, with water hazards and over 80 bunkers guarding fairways and greens.

Constructed in 1996 upon 170 acres of a former cattle farm, this property is diverse, with dramatic rolling terrain that offers superb views of the Ottawa Valley. The front nine features a links design, while the back nine is carved out of the surrounding rock and dense tree landscape, requiring more accuracy off the tee to score well. Boasting a 4.7/5 Google rating, the conditioning of this property consistently receives rave reviews.

Duntroon Highlands is built on the side of the Niagara Escarpment and is as hilly as they come. On some holes you can see forever, and it feels like you could hit that far too. On others, uphill approaches to plateau greens require tremendous skill. The course is less than 6,000 yards from the tips but don’t let the yardage fool you – there’s plenty of challenge to go round. With stunning views of Georgian Bay and Wasaga Beach, you’ll no doubt want a second crack at Duntroon. And walking it is just fine too.

Turning 100 next year, Erie Shores started celebrating a little early with the grand opening of its new clubhouse on June 21. Its mature, tree-lined routing, with its gentle elevation changes, makes it an easy walk. With Lake Erie in full view at the start and finish of both nines, it’s a scenic walk as well. Although just 6,145 yards from the tips, the proximity to the lake means that wind can be a regular factor.

Dating to 1961, when Jack and Ann Windsor shaped 18 impressive holes out of a dairy farm in the quiet hamlet of Copetown, Flamborough Hills now features three nines. Each has its own unique character and topography, as their names might imply: The Woods, The Hills and The Lakes (the newest of the group). Elevation changes are a defining feature, although The Hills certainly stands out from the other two nines in this respect. Green speeds and conditioning are excellent this year.

This scenic gem is nestled beneath the majestic Nor’Wester Mountain Range in Thunder Bay and  offers a breathtaking setting for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Established in 1926 and originally designed by renowned architect Stanley Thompson, the course was later redesigned by Norman Woods in 1959 to become the championship 18-hole layout it is today. Every hole on the course is framed by dramatic mountain backdrops, creating a visually stunning and serene environment. At 6,570 yards, this par-72 layout features impressive elevation changes and greens that will test even the most seasoned players.

Originally opened in 1962 as an 18-hole course, Hidden Lakes has expanded into two very good, but distinct championship courses that cover over 500 acres of picturesque Niagara Escarpment landscape. The Old Course is a throwback to days gone by as much of the original layout remains. Measuring 6,446 yards, the course is very mature, featuring tree-lined fairways and extremely small greens. By comparison, the 6,471-yard “New Course” is renowned for its generous fairways, numerous water hazards (which do not exist on the Old Course) and giant, undulating greens. At Hidden Lake, the question is not which golf course is better, but rather, what kind of golf course you prefer.

Hollinger Golf Club is a premier destination for golfers seeking both challenge and natural beauty. Established in 1922 by the Hollinger Mine to attract workers to the region, the club has evolved into Northern Ontario’s only full bentgrass 18-hole championship course. The current course was designed by John Robinson and spans over 6,500 yards from the black tees and plays as a par 72. It’s divided into two distinct 9-hole loops: the Highlands and the Lakelands, each offering unique terrain and strategic challenges. It’s water hazards, rock outcroppings and rolling fairways set against a backdrop of rugged Northern Ontario landscape.

Located in Etobicoke along the banks of the Humber River, is one of Toronto’s oldest golf courses. Dating back more than 100 years, the Humber Valley Golf Course has stood the test of time and is regarded as one of the best municipal golf courses in Ontario. Although short by today’s standards, this 5,446-yard, par 70, 18-hole golf course is no easy walk in the park. The tight, treelined fairways and small greens will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Two holes in particular are noteworthy – the 392-yard par 4 14^th and the 167-yard par 3 15^th – both of which were designed by Canada’s world famous architect, Stanley Thompson. In 2021, Humber Valley hosted the inaugural Canadian All Abilities Championship.

Located in Huntsville, minutes off Highway 60, Huntsville Downs describes itself as Muskoka’s best hidden gem. Designed by John Robinson, the course debuted in 1925. Since then, Huntsville Downs has matured into a 6,521-yard, par 72 championship golf course. Much of the course blends into the Muskoka landscape as rock outcroppings and dense forests are commonplace. With five sets of tee decks, Huntsville Downs provides a fair and friendly challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

Huron Pines is one of Northern Ontario’s most scenic and well-regarded championship golf courses. Established in 1984, the course is nestled alongside the Mississagi River and surrounded by hardwood forests, wetlands, and exposed rock. The original nine holes were designed by Robbie Robinson, a protégé of Stanley Thompson, and reflect a natural integration with the landscape. The back nine, added by Graham Cooke, brings a championship-level challenge with dramatic elevation changes, water hazards, and tricky greens.

About 5 kms north of Highway 401, between Cambridge and London, Innerkip is a warm hug of a course. Measuring 6,432 from the tips, the gently rolling property is easily walked. Trees are more for framing—set well back from landing zones, save for the tight par-5 9th and 15th holes. But this well-maintained design does feature a pair of watery graves: the island green at the par-4 5th; and the par-3 6th and 17th holes, which wrap around opposite sides of a pond and gentle waterfall.

Located in the heart of the picturesque Red Hill Valley and at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment, this is an understandably popular public facility, averaging 42,000 rounds annually over the last five years. Designed by former City of Hamilton Parks Foreman Matt Broman, with input from Chedoke head pro Rod Goodes, the course opened for play in the fall of 1973. It offers some terrific elevated tee shots (the dramatic par-4 11th calls to mind Glen Abbey’s famous 11th hole) and a challenging routing that crosses the Red Hill Creek six times. Its variety of ups and downs will make a power cart a good idea for many at the picturesque course.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Kingsville, just a 30-minute drive from Point Pelee National Park, is home to more than 200 species of birds and other wildlife, as well as natural historic elements unique to Essex County. There are three nines to choose from. The White course opens with a series of raised tees and greens, followed by five flat holes, before closing with more great movement at the par-3 9th. The Red course makes for the easiest walk, while the Gold course gets the gold medal as the most visually impressive and elegant of the three nines.

Lake St. George is one of those courses that let you relax the minute you turn into the driveway. Tall pines frame the entranceway and project a serene Northern vibe. No signs of the city here. The three nines were designed by a different architect at different times, and each has a distinctive look. The primary course comprises the West (Bob Moote, 2002) and the South (Robbie Robinson, 1972) and tops out around 6,200 yards. The West is tighter and framed by trees while the South is mostly fescue lined and has more dramatic elevation. Both have large, contoured, sloping greens and are a delight to putt.

Lakeview Golf Course is a historic gem in Canadian golf, celebrated for its rich legacy and classic parkland design. Originally founded in 1896 as the High Park Golf Club, the course relocated to its current site near Lake Ontario in 1907. Lakeview has hosted the Canadian Open twice—first in 1923, won by Clarence Hackney, and again in 1934, when Tommy Armour claimed victory. The course features 18 holes laid out over 6,289 yards, playing to a par of 71. Its traditional design includes mature tree-lined fairways, subtle elevation changes, and large sloping greens with nuanced breaks. Lakeview is operated by the City of Mississauga and has been recognized as one of the best municipal golf courses in Canada, praised for its beauty, challenge, and sustainability initiatives.

Green fees are only below our $80 ceiling in the shoulder season, but the quality of both 18-hole courses and the depth of the accompanying facilities made it an easy choice for our panel to include both 18-hole layouts at the Audubon-certified Legends. Doug Carrick’s Battlefield Course, one of the two cornerstones of the 1,000-acre Legends property, sits adjacent to the historic plains on which the Battle of Chippewa was fought during the War of 1812. Despite its flat terrain, the course offers piles of visual interest as it weaves through majestic oak woodlands and across gently rolling plains. But it’s the 20-acre lake dividing the 9th and 18th holes that provides the greatest drama. This course played host to the LPGA BMO Canadian Women’s Open in 2004.

Thick stands of deciduous trees, multiple wetland hazards, dense fescue rough and consistently strong conditioning have defined this Tom McBroom design since it officially opened in 2002. The parkland course makes its way along the namesake creek, with narrow fairways carved out of the surrounding forest and smaller greens than Legends’ Battlefield layout. It’s a design that examines your shot-making skills. Need another reason to visit? The TaylorMade Niagara Performance Centre at Legends offers a full-scale club-fitting experience, while the nine-hole Chippawa Course is delightful.

The Lindsay Golf & Country Club is over 100 years old (1909) and the original nine was closer to town. However, there was no room to expand, so the club engaged Graham Cooke to design a new 18-hole course which opened in 2003. Cooke makes the most of a relatively flat piece of land with an intriguing routing around wetlands and a creek, and blends links-style holes with parkland holes for a visually appealing layout. The moderately-sized greens are quite sloped and very fast and missing a green will leave you with a harder than usual up-and-down.

A semi-private 18-hole course set on 300 acres of pristine forest in the scenic March Highlands. Opened in 1987, the layout was crafted by Gordon Witteveen, offering a blend of challenge and beauty that has matured gracefully over the decades. The course is walkable and well-maintained, with a reputation for excellent conditioning and a peaceful, natural setting. Loch March has hosted numerous amateur and charity tournaments, contributing to Ottawa’s golf culture while remaining accessible to the public. A refined escape just minutes from downtown Ottawa.

It’s impossible not to appreciate the setting of Lowville GC. Its north Burlington topography rolls like a boiling ocean beneath the brow of Mount Nemo and the Niagara Escarpment, the latter designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1999—one of just 12 in Canada. Originally laid out in 1973, the course was completely revamped in 1998 by architect Dick Kirkpatrick. Hopefully you’re adept at playing off sloping fairways—and in good physical condition if you plan to walk. And as picturesque as it is in summer, the tree-lined escarpment helps this place light up like a wildfire come autumn.

Located in the historic village of Bath, this Ted Baker design opened in the mid-1990s. It began as a modest nine-hole layout with a trailer for a pro shop but quickly evolved into a full 18-hole championship course under the stewardship of the Kaitlin Group. Its layout integrates rolling terrain, strategic bunkering and natural watercourses, creating a scenic yet challenging experience. Recent upgrades include reconditioned bunkers, new tee decks and a refreshed fleet of golf carts, enhancing both playability and aesthetics. Loyalist has hosted numerous provincial and national events, including the Great Waterway Classic on the PGA Tour Canada.

Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River in the charming village of Appleton, this is one of Ontario’s oldest courses. Established in 1915 on the former Patterson Farm, the club began as a nine-hole layout designed by James Newman. It expanded to 18 holes in 1987 under the guidance of golf architect Graham Cooke. The course spans 190 acres of rolling terrain, with lush fairways and pristine greens, and offers a mix of risk-reward holes, including the signature par-3 7th, which challenges players with a dramatic shot over the river. The layout is friendly to walkers and accessible to all skill levels, yet still pushes seasoned players. A true hidden gem in the Ottawa Valley.

Muskoka Highlands prides itself on offering a “Wee Touch of Scotland” for those in search of something a little different. Located two kilometres west of Bracebridge on Highway 118, this Scottish links-style golf course is unique to the Muskoka area. Golden fescue grass, well-placed water hazards and deep bunkers make Muskoka Highlands a worthy test for all golfers. Measuring 6,000 yards, the golf course is consistently in good condition and is well known for its large tee decks and deceptively contoured greens. Owners are welcome to bring their dogs, as long as both adhere to proper course etiquette.

This is only a nine-hole layout. But it’s an iconic nine-hole layout—the oldest golf course on its existing site in North America (est. 1875)—that we simply cannot omit it. Situated on the edge of Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake, this traditionally immaculately manicured design runs along Lake Ontario, with century-old trees framing fairways and brilliant sunrises and sunsets all adding to the experience. The property dates to the battles of 1812, with Fort Mississauga still standing as a backdrop beyond the first green.

Osprey Links is a Rene Muylaert par 71 design that measures a challenging 6,442 yards from the tips. The two nines at Osprey Links are as different as the seasons in northern Ontario. The front nine is best described as links style golf enhanced by the presence of eight strategically placed ponds bordering fairways and greens. The back nine is a completely different sensory experience and challenge. Carved out of the dense hard and softwood forests, it features tree-lined fairways, granite rock formations, and varying tee to green elevations. Add 40 well maintained bunkers to the mix, and it’s no wonder Osprey Links is considered one of the best golf courses in the area.

Opened in 2008, this head-turning Dick Kirkpatrick creation is situated in a rural farm community, 20 minutes from Woodstock. Encompassing 300 acres and carved through the wooded valleys of Otter, Cedar and Spittler Creeks, the course meanders cleverly over former farmers’ fields and tobacco lands. It stretches to 7,100 yards, but six sets of tees provide plenty of options. The rustic 5,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and 1,500-square-foot patio offer superb views of the 18th hole, which carves through the wooded creek valley. Note that this is a cashless facility.

One of Tom McBroom’s earliest designs, it defines the themes you see at his other Muskoka projects – lots of exposed rock, dramatic elevation changes and excellent use of ponds and wetlands to guide or amplify the routing which takes you into and out of dense woods where narrow corridors require all the accuracy you can muster. On other holes, the course opens into what at one time was farmland where you skirt water hazards and waste bunkers and rock. Parry Sound tops out at just under 6,000 yards.

Pheasant Run Golf Club features three distinct nines: Highlands, Midlands, and Southern Uplands. Each layout offers a unique experience. The Highlands course is known for its sweeping views and elevation changes, emphasizing precision and target golf. The Midlands is widely regarded as one of the most demanding nines in Ontario, with tree-lined fairways and dramatic par-5s that test both fitness and skill. The Southern Uplands, while more forgiving in terrain, still requires strategic play and rewards accuracy over power. Pheasant Run was designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Wetlands, mature forests, and gently undulating terrain are all integral to the course’s character.

Pike Lake Golf Centre offers a scenic and challenging golf experience in Wellington County. This family-owned facility features a 27-hole layout split between two distinct courses: the 18-hole Links Course and the 9-hole Lake Course. The fescue-lined Links Course, which hosted the 2004 Ontario Mid- Amateur Championship winds through mature hardwood forests and environmentally sensitive areas. The Lake Course is a par-36 gem, originally built in 1934 and redesigned by renowned architect Robbie Robinson.

Often referred to as the dean of Canadian professional golfers, George Cumming and then golf design partner Melville Miller teamed up in 1929 to craft the first nine holes at Port Colborne. Nearly a century later, six of those original nine remain intact. Just minutes from Lake Erie and renowned for its top-notch conditioning, this is old-school golf, with mature trees defining fairways, and quick, smallish greens demanding precision.  

Ever-present winds and commanding views of the lake accompany players throughout the round, as the course winds through the grounds of the historic Penryn Park, with huge elevation changes and bluffs reminding you of the backdrop of the early days of golfing in Canada. It’s only appropriate, considering this course first opened in 1926 as a nine-hole Scottish links-style layout. A huge, custom-built clear span bridge, 60 feet above four CN railway lines, offers the best views of all. Nominated for Golf Digest’s 2021-2022 Remodel of the Year Award.

The Red Lake Golf & Country Club holds the distinction of being the northernmost 18-hole golf course in the province. Set along the scenic shores of Red Lake and nestled within 88 acres of pristine wilderness, this course offers a truly immersive experience in nature, combining rugged boreal forest ridges, natural lakes, ponds, and bulrush streams. Established in 1971, the par-73 course stretches up to 6,359 yards from the back tees. Golfers are treated to fast greens and lush fairways, with a layout that challenges shot-making and strategic play.

Canada’s only municipal Donald Ross golf course (est. 1926), Roseland rests in the heart of Windsor. An elegant layout loyal to its original design, its terrain may be flat, but its greens provide elevation and movement. Typical for Ross designs, putting surfaces are generally pitched from back to front, with multiple tiers, but each is distinct from the rest, with the odd false front contributing to the challenge. The depth of well-placed greenside bunkers adds to the defence of par—although our favourite stretch of sand might be the nefarious fairway bunker that dissects virtually the entire fairway at the par-5 2nd hole, 100 yards from the green. There’s an absolute grind to the three finishing holes, while a nine-hole par-3 course offers a more stress-free walk in the park.

Nestled in the scenic Durham Region, the Royal Ashburn Golf Club stands as a testament to Canadian golfing heritage. Its story began in 1959, when golf professionals Wilson Paterson and Bill Ogle acquired 225 acres of picturesque farmland with a vision to create a world-class golf facility. By spring 1962, the course opened as an 18-hole layout, quickly earning a reputation for its immaculate grounds and exceptional playability. Originally named Whitby Golf Club, it was soon rebranded as Thunderbird Golf Club, a name it carried for decades. In 2000, the club adopted its current name, Royal Ashburn Golf Club, reflecting its elevated status and commitment to excellence.

Located along the picturesque St. Mary’s River in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the Club is a semi-private facility that blends rich history with modern amenities. Originally routed in 1919 by George Cumming, considered the “Dean of Canadian Professional Golfers”, and the winner of the Canadian Open in 1905, and later redesigned by legendary architect Stanley Thompson in 1952, the course reflects classic Canadian golf architecture with strategic layouts and natural beauty. This par-72, 18-hole course stretches over 6,769 yards with tree-lined and gently undulating fairways, while the greens are well-protected by bunkers and subtle slopes. The course’s riverside location adds scenic charm and occasional breezes that influence play.

The origins of Silver Lakes date back to 1958 when club founder Chuck Penstone envisioned developing a pristine piece of timberland into a great golf course. After four years of planning and construction, the Silver Lakes Golf & CC officially opened in the spring of 1994. Design of the golf course is credited to R.F. Moote and Associates who created a 7,100-yard “Carolina-style” layout that delicately weaves its way through well-treed terrain alongside the neighbouring Holland River. Water comes into play on 12 holes as great care was taken to protect the wetland areas native to the property.

Fairways winding through 100-year-old oak trees and natural marsh lands, with Otter Creek meandering amongst many of the holes.  The course winds through forest lined with cedar, spruce and evergreen trees. Elevation changes demand precise shot-making into well-bunkered, fast greens. You get to walk in the footsteps of Canadian superstar Brooke Henderson and her sister Brittany on the course where they grew up. Take a minute or two to enjoy the Henderson exhibit in the clubhouse.

Smuggler’s Glen Golf Club, located in Lansdowne, opened in 2005. Developed by the Seal family, longtime owners of the Glen House Resort, the course was designed by Boyd Barr to showcase the dramatic terrain of the Canadian Shield and the rugged beauty of the Thousand Islands. It quickly gained acclaim, earning a nomination for Best New Golf Course in Canada by Golf Digest in 2006. Carved through granite outcroppings, mature forests and wetlands, the course offers stunning vistas and strategic challenges. Holes 4–6 traverse the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, a UNESCO-designated area that preserves natural habitats and showcases local wildlife.

Long before the high-profile Muskoka courses started grabbing headlines, a local Bracebridge course featured all of the same grandeur that is emblematic of its better-known neighbours: spectacular granite outcroppings, tall pines, dense forest, dramatic elevation and ball-gobbling wetlands. The first nine opened in 1974 and a second nine was added five years later. Both were designed by Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Robbie Robinson, who used the rugged landscape to shape a scenic and varied challenge over the 6,300-yard layout.

Spanning nearly 200 acres, St. Andrew’s Valley was masterfully crafted by renowned Canadian architect Rene Muylaert, whose vision transformed the floodplain along the Holland River into a dynamic and memorable golfing experience. The course stretches up to 7,315 yards from the championship tees, making it one of the longest and most demanding courses in the country. Water hazards play a central role in the course’s identity, with the Holland River weaving through multiple holes, forcing strategic decisions and precision. The large multi-tiered greens are noted for their humps and plateaus, which make putting a persistent challenge.

Stone Ridge Golf Club is one of Northern Ontario’s premier 18-hole championship courses. Designed by renowned architect Ted Baker, the course stretches 6,800 yards and offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty and strategic challenge. Since its opening in 2005, Stone Ridge has earned praise for its dramatic elevation changes, pristine fairways, and breathtaking views of rock escarpments, boreal forest, and Ryan Lake. Stone Ridge is a visually stunning and technically demanding experience, designed to challenge seasoned players while remaining accessible to everyone.

Among the top five picks of two of our panel members, 35-year-old Sutton Creek is a parkland layout that plays hard and fast. And if that’s not enough to keep you on your toes, 60 bunkers, seven expansive ponds and the county’s McLean Drain, which winds through the course, all add to the need to be precise. Water embraces the final two greens, including the signature 18th, a reachable par-5 where the putting surface arcs into a pond, with two bunkers also defending par.

Tangle Creek, opened in 2002 and designed by renowned architect Rene Muylaert, spans over 200 acres of rolling terrain and blends classic and links-style elements, offering a visually stunning and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. Generous fescue-lined fairways on the links-style holes blend harmoniously with more traditional parkland holes that utilize dramatic elevation changes amongst forested areas. Wetlands and ponds add even more spice to the mix. Tangle Creek is known for its excellent condition and well manicured greens.

There are few comparisons in Canada and nothing like it in Ontario. With its pot bunkers, firm and fast, fescue-lined fairways, and crafty, undulating greens, this creation from English golf architect Martin Hawtree—his only Canadian design—is a throwback to the links found on the Scottish coast, the west of Ireland or the south of England. A short drive southeast of London, it’s an addictive, everchanging, windswept experience. Bring your imagination—and a decent bump-and-run and sand game. Since opening in 2007, Tarandowah has cultivated a great fan base—one that is growing daily.

Timber Ridge is a public-access treasure that blends natural beauty with strategic design. Spanning 200 acres, the course features bentgrass greens and tees, lush fairways and tall fescue that frames each hole. Designed by Steven Ward of Golfplan Associates, it opened for play in August 2001 and stretches up to 6,633 yards from the back tees, traversing heavily wooded terrain that emphasizes accuracy over power. The par-4 13th is the signature hole and features a dramatic 75-foot drop from tee to fairway. Both the routing and constant movement of the fairways and putting surfaces make Timber Ridge both look and feel like a high-calibre tournament course.

Timberwolf Golf Club is a championship-caliber course that stands as one of the largest and most visually striking layouts in Northern Ontario. Designed by acclaimed Canadian architect Thomas McBroom in 1998, Timberwolf sprawls across a vast tract of land, offering a golfing experience defined by scale, solitude, and natural beauty. The par-72, 18-hole course stretches over 7,126 yards, winding through wetlands, streams, and granite outcroppings, with thousands of white birch trees framing the fairways. Each hole feels like a world unto itself, offering a sense of isolation and immersion rarely found in public courses.

Since 1998, Trillium Wood has been regarded as one of the best golf courses in the Belleville area. Carved through 200 acres of mature forest and scenic heathland, there’s a sense of isolation on most holes. Its 4.7/5 Google rating and 4.9/5 GolfNow rating are testaments to the quality of the layout, its conditioning, staff friendliness and the club’s mission statement to “provide the best golf experience possible.”

Listed among GolfPass.com’s Golfers’ Choice top 25 public golf courses and hidden gems in Canada, this member-owned semi-private club hugs its gently rolling countryside atop the Niagara Escarpment in the heart of Niagara’s Benchlands wine region. Twenty Mile Creek lurks like a serpent in the grass as it weaves its way along the course. This photogenic layout has hosted multiple high-calibre tournaments, including the Ontario Senior Men’s and Women’s Championships.

Designed by renowned Canadian golf architect Robbie Robinson in the early 1960s, this 6,922-yard course winds through woodlands and is celebrated for its natural beauty and thoughtful layout—not to mention the numerous wildlife that call this area home. Although situated alongside the St. Lawrence River, meandering waterways like Aultsville Creek add both scenic charm and strategic challenge, especially on standout holes like the par-5 14th, affectionately nicknamed “The Monster.”

Located in north Pickering, Watson’s Glen is a standout among public golf courses in the Durham Region. Opened in 2002, the course was designed by Kevin Holmes and quickly earned a reputation for its championship-caliber layout and pristine conditioning. Watson’s Glen offers a true links-style experience, with wide fairways, bent grass tees and greens, and a layout that rewards strategic play. Water hazards come into play on 11 holes, and the course is dotted with 90 Temisca white sand bunkers, adding both beauty and complexity to the design. The terrain is gently rolling, with open sightlines and subtle elevation changes that make each hole distinct.

Opened in 1950 and situated above the Niagara Whirlpool and Gorge, this was the final course designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson. Although easily walked, this parkland layout offers great variety to the terrain for a Niagara layout. It’s undergoing a phased reno by Thompson restoration expert Ian Andrew—one that management promises will minimize disruption to play quality and ensure the course remains in excellent condition and open to golfers throughout the project.

Designed by acclaimed Canadian architect Thomas McBroom and opened in 2005, Whitewater is a stunning example of modern golf course architecture that harmonizes with nature. McBroom’s vision for Whitewater was to “play the land as it lies,” incorporating plateaus, ravines, wetlands, and cliffs into the course’s natural flow. His strategic use of the river and surrounding wilderness creates a layout that’s both visually arresting and technically demanding. Set across 550 acres of forested terrain along the Kaministiquia River, the course is a dramatic blend of rugged Northern Ontario beauty and strategic design. McBroom’s routing divides the course into two distinct nines: the Forest and the River. The Forest nine winds through mature trees and residential areas, while the River nine showcases dramatic water features and elevation changes. Wildlife sightings—moose, bear, deer, and lynx—add to the immersive experience.

The feature photo on the home page of Graham Cooke & Associates’ golf course architectural firm is Willow Valley. That should say something about what Cooke and his lead designer at the time, Darrell Huxham, feel about the Hamilton design, which opened in 2000. Built into the Niagara Escarpment’s undulating terrain, the course offers dramatic elevation changes and sweeping vistas, with the property’s natural beauty accented by gently rolling fescue, dramatic bunkering and sculptured greens.