Ontario, Canada, boasts some of the most prestigious and scenic golf courses in North America. Whether you’re a seasoned player seeking a challenging course or a casual golfer looking for a picturesque round, Ontario has something for everyone. From historic clubs with rich legacies to modern masterpieces that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, the province offers a diverse array of golfing experiences. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring ten of the best golf courses in Ontario, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Get ready to discover St. George’s Golf and Country Club, Toronto Golf Club, The National Golf Club of Canada, and many more. Let’s tee off on this journey to uncover some of the finest golf destinations Ontario has to offer.
St. George’s Golf and Country Club
Located in Etobicoke, St. George’s Golf and Country Club is one of the most renowned golf courses in Canada. Designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson in 1929, this course is often revered for its classic parkland layout, which features rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and strategically placed hazards. The course’s challenging design and pristine conditions have earned it a spot among the top golf courses not just in Ontario, but in the entire country. St. George’s has hosted many prestigious tournaments, including the RBC Canadian Open, which speaks volumes about its quality and reputation. The course is lauded for its exceptional greens, intricate design, and a layout that tests every aspect of a golfer’s game. For those looking to play a round in a historic setting, St. George’s offers an unparalleled experience.
Toronto Golf Club
Steeped in history, the Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga is the third oldest golf club in North America, established in 1876. Its historic significance is complemented by a beautiful course designed by Harry S. Colt in 1911. The layout is classic Colt, with undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and well-protected greens. The Toronto Golf Club offers a blend of traditional and modern golfing experiences, ensuring that both purists and contemporary golfers find something to love. The club’s commitment to maintaining high standards of playability and aesthetics makes it a timeless gem. Members and guests alike can enjoy the elegantly crafted holes amidst a scenic setting that embodies the rich heritage of the game.
The National Golf Club of Canada
Located in Woodbridge, The National Golf Club of Canada is often ranked as one of the best, if not the best, golf courses in Canada. The course was designed by George Fazio and Tom Fazio and opened in 1964. Known for its extreme difficulty, it is widely regarded as a true test of golfing skill. Every hole at The National presents a unique challenge, with narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens that require accuracy and strategic thinking. It’s no wonder that The National has hosted numerous national and international tournaments. For golfers seeking the ultimate challenge, this course offers an experience unparalleled in its complexity and rigor.
Hamilton Golf and Country Club
Founded in 1894 and located in Ancaster, the Hamilton Golf and Country Club is one of Ontario’s oldest and most prestigious golf clubs. The current course, designed by Harry Colt in 1914, is known for its rolling landscapes, wooded areas, and challenging holes that have stood the test of time. Hamilton’s course has a rich tournament history, having hosted several Canadian Opens, with its most recent tournament taking place in 2019. The course offers a majestic environment with meticulously maintained fairways and greens, providing golfers with a memorable and challenging experience. The harmonious blend of natural beauty and strategic design makes it a favorite among golf enthusiasts.
Muskoka Bay Club
Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, Muskoka Bay Club is a relatively new but highly acclaimed course. Designed by acclaimed architect Doug Carrick, this course takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, offering breathtaking views and a challenging layout. The Muskoka Bay Club features dramatic elevation changes, granite outcroppings, and pristine fairways that wind through forests and around lakes. It’s a visually stunning course that offers both a relaxing and exciting golf experience. The rugged beauty combined with modern design techniques makes Muskoka Bay Club a must-visit for any golf aficionado.
The Pulpit Club
The Pulpit Club, formerly known as the Devil’s Pulpit, features two spectacular golf courses: the Pulpit and the Paintbrush. Located in Caledon, both courses are celebrated for their innovative designs and stunning landscapes. The Pulpit course opened in 1990, designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, and has been a top choice for golfers seeking a distinctive and challenging round. The Pulpit Club boasts breathtaking vistas, rolling fairways, and unique hole layouts that keep golfers on their toes. Each course offers a different experience: the Pulpit with its modern, championship layout and the Paintbrush with its more traditional, links-style design. Together, they provide a versatile and engaging golf experience.
Beacon Hall Golf Club
Located in Aurora, Beacon Hall Golf Club is a private member-owned club that consistently ranks among the best in Canada. The course was designed by Bob Cupp and Thomas McBroom in 1988 and offers a blend of parkland and links styles. Beacon Hall is celebrated for its meticulous conditioning, scenic beauty, and challenging design. The course features dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and a variety of hole designs that test every aspect of a golfer’s game. The serene setting and top-tier facilities make Beacon Hall a premier destination for serious golfers. Membership is exclusive, ensuring a tranquil and unhurried round of golf in pristine conditions.
Westmount Golf & Country Club
Situated in Kitchener, Westmount Golf & Country Club is another gem in Ontario’s golfing landscape. Designed by renowned architect Stanley Thompson and opened in 1931, the course is known for its strategic layout, mature trees, and well-crafted holes. Westmount has hosted numerous amateur and professional tournaments, showcasing its challenging yet fair design. The course is beautifully maintained and blends seamlessly with the rolling terrain and natural surroundings. Westmount offers a traditional golf experience with modern amenities, making it a beloved spot for golfers of all skill levels.
Glen Abbey Golf Club
Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville is one of Canada’s most famous golf courses, known widely for hosting the Canadian Open multiple times. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1976, the course features a unique “Valley Holes” stretching through the scenic Sixteen Mile Creek valley. The course’s design offers a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf, with strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and contoured greens. Glen Abbey’s iconic status and championship pedigree make it a pilgrimage site for golf fans and players alike. Its combination of history, design, and beauty makes it a standout in Ontario’s golf scene.
Coppinwood Golf Course
Located in Uxbridge, Coppinwood Golf Course is a testament to the vision of its designer, Tom Fazio. Opened in 2006, Coppinwood is known for its impeccable conditioning, strategic design, and stunning natural setting. The course offers a secluded and serene environment, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Coppinwood features wide fairways, large greens, and challenging bunkers, providing a fair test to golfers of all levels. The attention to detail in the course’s design and maintenance ensures a top-notch golfing experience. Its blend of beauty, strategy, and tranquility makes Coppinwood a must-visit golf destination in Ontario. ### Next steps
| Golf Course | Location | Designer | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George’s Golf and Country Club | Etobicoke | Stanley Thompson | Classic parkland layout, hosted RBC Canadian Open |
| Toronto Golf Club | Mississauga | Harry S. Colt | Historic, traditional layout |
| The National Golf Club of Canada | Woodbridge | George Fazio, Tom Fazio | Extreme difficulty, narrow fairways |
| Hamilton Golf and Country Club | Ancaster | Harry Colt | Rolling landscapes, hosted Canadian Opens |
| Muskoka Bay Club | Muskoka | Doug Carrick | Dramatic elevation changes |
| The Pulpit Club | Caledon | Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry | Two courses, modern and links-style |
| Beacon Hall Golf Club | Aurora | Bob Cupp, Thomas McBroom | Blend of parkland and links styles |
| Westmount Golf & Country Club | Kitchener | Stanley Thompson | Traditional layout, mature trees |
| Glen Abbey Golf Club | Oakville | Jack Nicklaus | Valley Holes, championship course |
| Coppinwood Golf Course | Uxbridge | Tom Fazio | Secluded setting, strategic design |