Golfers in Ontario are some of the luckiest players in the world. Blessed with gorgeous landscapes and plenty of championship golf courses, it can be hard to decide which course to try first! From traditional parkland layouts to challenging links-style designs, there is something for everyone here. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve rounded up a list of the top 15 golf courses in Ontario. Whether you’re looking for a great place to play on your next golf vacation or just want to get out and enjoy some fresh air, these are some of the best places to hit the links in Ontario.
Toronto Golf Club
Founded in 1876, The Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga is a historic course that holds a special place in Canada’s golfing legacy. Designed by renowned English architect Harry Colt, it was the country’s first championship course, setting the standard for those that followed. The course’s natural terrain and undulating fairways require a strategic approach, offering golfers a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Despite not being as demanding as other courses, players will appreciate the opportunity to engage with the environment as they make their way through 18 holes. The clubhouse is equally impressive, with a charming old-world ambiance that’s rarely found elsewhere. Over the years, The Toronto Golf Club has hosted the Canadian Open five times, cementing its place in golfing history. For those looking for a premium golfing experience, The Toronto Golf Club delivers in spades.
Address: 1305 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L5E 2P5, Canada
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is one of Canada’s most exceptional golf destinations, renowned for its excellent courses that have placed on Canada’s Top 100 list. Nestled among Caledon’s undulating hills only an hour away from Toronto, TPC Toronto proudly holds the title of Home for Canadian Golf with 3 courses: Hoot Course, Heathlands Course and North Course.
The Heathlands Course
The Heathlands Course, designed by Doug Carrick and Ian Andrew, opened its doors in 1992 and has since captured the hearts of traditional golf enthusiasts across Ontario. Honoring the simplicity and creativity of classic golf design, the Heathlands Course stands as a true testament to the sport’s roots. Boasting fescue-covered dunes, pot bunkers, and severely-sloped greens inspired by Ireland’s Portmarnock Golf Club, the course offers one of the most authentic links-style golf experiences outside of Europe. As the #56 ranked course on SCOREGolf’s Top 100 courses in Canada and the #20 ranked public course in Canada, the Heathlands Course is a must-play for those seeking an unforgettable round of golf.
The Hoot Course
The Hoot course is a masterpiece of golf design. From the stunning waste bunkers that dot the course to the challenging yet rewarding green sites, this course has something to offer for every golfer. Designed by the renowned architects Doug Carrick and Ian Andrew in 2001, the course spans an impressive 7134 yards, offering players a scenic journey through its expansive fairways. It is no surprise that the Hoot course has been included in the SCOREGolf Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada and ranked as the 15th top public Canadian course.
The North Course
The North, formerly known as Toot, is a picturesque parkland-style course designed by renowned architects Doug Carrick and Ian Andrew. Measuring a total length of 7151 yards, it boasts a staggering Par 72 and ranks 54th among the top 100 golf courses in Canada, according to SCOREGolf. The North is a true masterpiece of Carrick’s signature design, providing golfers with generous fairways off the tee but punishing those who land in deep greenside bunkers or fall prey to the course’s undulating putting surfaces. The course offers excellent rewards for well-executed shots while serving as a stern test to those who veer off-course.
There are plenty of excellent choices in TPC Toronto, so why are you still hesitant?
Address: 18821 Main St, Alton, ON L7K 1R1, Canada
Westmount Golf & Country Club
Westmount Golf and Country Club in Kitchener is set to host the 2022 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, an event golf enthusiasts will want to attend. Manicured by none other than famed golf course architect Stanley Thompson, Westmount is considered another masterpiece on par with St. George’s. What sets this course apart is its beautiful rolling terrain making finding a flat lie challenging.
So it’s no doubt that Westmount has held its place among Canada’s top golf courses since 1931, a testament to the care and attention given to maintaining its pristine natural beauty. Framed by towering maple and pine trees, the course offers an old-school parkland look sure to please golfers of all levels. Originally a par-71 layout, land acquisition in 1958 allowed for adding three new holes, resulting in the current offering of a par-73 course. The first three holes were repurposed into a conveniently located practice facility, making it easier for golfers to hone their skills before jumping into a round.
Address: 50 Inverness Dr, Kitchener, ON N2M 4Z9, Canada
Glen Abbey Golf Club
Glen Abbey Golf Club has had the privilege of being the first solo design from legendary golfer, Jack Nicklaus. This course is truly unique, offering two distinctive nines that give players a variety of challenges and breathtaking scenery. The first nine may be considered a little weaker than the latter holes, but still offers some fantastic plays. The par four 2nd is a particular gem, with its shallow green providing a tricky round for even the most experienced golfers.
However, it’s the back nine that steals the show with its dramatic valley holes. The 11th hole is one to experience for yourself, with a drop of over 75 feet and a challenging long approach over 19 Mile Creek to the green. Overall, with a length of 7273 yards and a par 73, Glen Abbey Golf Club is a course not to be missed by any golfer looking for a professional and unique experience.
Address: 1333 Dorval Dr, Oakville, ON L6M 4G2, Canada
Wooden Sticks Golf Club
Wooden Sticks, located just 40 minutes northeast of Toronto, is the first of its kind in Ontario and a true gem for golf enthusiasts. Designed by renowned golf course architect Ron Garl, the course brings together some of the world’s most famous golf holes, capturing the spirit found in some of today’s most recognized golf landscapes. With a par 75 and a length of 7195 yards, Wooden Sticks is a challenging course that sits on a sand and gravel base, allowing it to remain in play when other courses have closed.
Beyond its impressive features, more than half the holes on the course have been “inspired” by top tracks in America and Scotland, including replicas from the likes of Augusta, TPC Sawgrass, Carnoustie, and Royal Troon. Whether you consider it cringe-worthy or market-savvy, the course offers a unique mix of beauty and challenge for golf enthusiasts of all levels.
Address: 40 Elgin Park Dr, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1N2, Canada
Bigwin Island Golf Club
Located on the shores of the Lake of Bays between Baysville and Dorset, the Bigwin Island Course is a gem in the crown of Canadian golf courses. This championship course is renowned for its unique lake views and vistas which enhance the golf experience to a whole new level. With stunning landscapes throughout, golfers can enjoy nearly incomparable views from the 18th hole, making it a favorite destination for golf enthusiasts all over the country.
Designed by the esteemed architect Doug Carrick in 2001, Bigwin Island Course is one of the many picturesque golf courses situated in Muskoka, attracting vacationers and cottagers alike. Stretching over a length of 7166 yards, this private/resort course has earned its place as a crowd favorite, keeping it at the top of most golf enthusiasts’ must-play lists.
Address: 1137 Old 117 Hwy, Baysville, ON P0B 1A0, Canada
Copper Creek Golf Club
Situated a mere half hour from downtown Toronto, the Copper Creek Golf Club exudes sophistication and natural beauty, nestled amidst the rolling hills and serene landscape of Humber River Valley in Kleinburg, Ontario. Designed by renowned architects Doug Carrick and Ian Andrew in 2002, this stunning course boasts 18 immaculately groomed holes, each offering their own unique challenge.
The back nine in particular is known for its unforgiving par four, which requires an expertly placed tee shot across a slender fairway embraced by forest on one side and water on the other. The home hole is equally daunting, measuring a staggering 5665 yards and featuring a green encircled by punishing sand traps. One standout feature of Copper Creek is its breathtaking eighth hole, a picturesque par three that demands an accurate shot over water to a multi-tiered green. This public course, with a par of 72, spans an impressive 7074 yards and offers an experience that is both stimulating and serene.
Address: 11191 ON-27, Kleinburg, ON L0J 1C0, Canada
Hamilton Golf & Country Club
Welcome to Hamilton Golf and Country Club, where you’ll find a timeless parkland design that has stood the test of time since its creation in 1915. The West and South courses, designed by Colt, offer 18 stunning holes that are sure to please even the most discerning golfer. The addition of the East course, developed by Robinson and opened in 1973, rounds out the offerings of this picturesque course.
The rolling hills and dramatic valleys provide a stunning backdrop for the challenging holes that comprise the course. From the third hole on the West course to the ninth hole on the South course, each hole has its own unique challenge that will leave an indelible impression on any golfer who has the opportunity to experience them. With the ability to mix and match two out of the three courses available, Hamilton Golf and Country Club is a must-play destination for all golf enthusiasts.
Address: 232 Golf Links Rd, Ancaster, ON L9G 2N5, Canada
Eagle Creek Golf Club
Ken Venturi’s name may be synonymous with his victory in the US Open Championship of 1964, but his talents extend far beyond his triumph on the green. His design of Eagle Creek in Dunrobin, Ontario, just a stone’s throw away from the Canadian capital of Ottawa, is a testament to his skill as a course architect. Despite its youth, Eagle Creek exudes maturity, thanks to its masterful routing that incorporates natural elements like heavily wooded tracts of land into the design.
The course has 18 holes that offer an array of challenges sure to keep golfers of all levels engaged. With its variety of elevated holes, doglegs, and well-placed risk/reward opportunities, Eagle Creek provides a challenging and interesting round every time. And the final hole, which is a mammoth 577-yard par five with a challenging bend to the left and an enormous bunker separating the fairway from a pond, offers players a chance to play it their way. Even those who don’t fancy themselves golfers would be remiss not to appreciate the beauty and intrigue of Eagle Creek.
Address: 109 Royal Troon Ln, Dunrobin, ON K0A 1T0, Canada
Mystic Golf Club
Mystic Golf Club, situated in the Jerseyville neighborhood of Ancaster, is a game-changing course that opened back in 2005. It is known to offer an innovative, strategic layout, with each hole demanding skill and concentration to reach par. The course boasts a range of risks and rewards, with contrasting challenge levels in the par-3s and par-5s.
What stands out most is the distinctive design of every hole. Mystic is the perfect place to test one’s shot-making abilities as it features a diverse range of elevation changes and doglegs, leaving no chance for boredom. The course is enjoyable for all golfers because there are no blind tee shots or tricked-up holes. Perhaps one of the most remarkable holes is the tenth, a par 6 that requires players to traverse three deep ravines. With its par 72 layout and whopping 7,365-yard length, Mystic Golf Club is the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts who want to challenge themselves on an exciting, professional course.
Address: 1707 Jerseyville Rd W, Jerseyville, ON L0R 1R0, Canada
Beacon Hall Golf Club
Beacon Hill, a prestigious golf course located in Aurora, Ontario, is a remarkable gem that possesses two distinct nines. The front nine is reminiscent of courses you might come across while golfing down in the American south, while the back nine is reminiscent of golf courses you would find in the heart of Scotland. The front nine is lined with beautiful pine trees which adds to its Southern charm. Alternatively, the back nine boasts wide-open fairways with the typical hilly landscape and tall native grasses giving golfers the sense of playing along the Scottish coast.
Beacon Hill has been ranked among the top Canadian courses many times, and its unique two halves have been praised by all. Yet, it is the very limited membership that is the main draw to this stunning golf course. With only a few members, each round of golf is intimate and exclusive, the perfect setting for all discerning golfers. At 7037 yards and par 72, Beacon Hill remains a must-visit course for golfers who appreciate the game’s true value.
Address: 400 Beacon Hall Dr, Aurora, ON L4G 0L3, Canada
Deerhurst Resort
Positioned in the picturesque region of Muskoka lies the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville.
The resort is renowned for its stunning Highlands Golf Course, which offers a dramatic setting that has attracted visitors for decades. Designed by Robert Cupp and Thomas McBroom, this 72-par course has played host to numerous professional golf championships and competitions. It’s no surprise that it was rated as one of “Canada’s Top 59 Public Golf Courses of 2017” by SCOREGolf. Carved from the rugged hills and dense forest, the course offers a challenging yet rewarding experience to all who play it.
Not to be outdone, the Deerhurst Lakeside course is also a sight to behold. Designed by C. E. Robbie Robinson and Thomas McBroom, this par-64 course is shorter in length but offers a gentler layout that’s perfect for golfers of all skill levels. At 4286 yards, this course provides golfers with a unique challenge as they navigate their way past water hazards and deep bunkers to approach slick, undulating greens nestled in the deep valleys.
The Deerhurst Resort is the perfect destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a memorable playing experience in Ontario.
Address: 1235 Deerhurst Dr, Huntsville, ON P1H 1A9, Canada
The Lionhead Golf
The Lionhead golf complex is an outstanding facility among Iggy Kaneff’s six golf establishments. With Ted Baker as Kaneff’s architect of choice, the course design may be challenging to some of the average players.
Legends Course, famous for its record of being the most challenging golf course in Canada and the third most challenging public access course in North America.
However, for players who seek less demanding play, Masters Course is ideal as it offers relatively easier play for Florida-type course enthusiasts.
Both courses offer semi-private access with 18 holes each, and a par value of 72. These courses were constructed in 1989, and the Masters Course is 7120 yards long, whereas Legends Course is 7402 yards long. Despite the challenging terrain, the Lionhead golf complex offers an enjoyable experience for golfers at every skill level and provides majestic views that will take your breath away.
Address: 8525 Mississauga Rd, Brampton, ON L6Y 0C1, Canada
St. George’s Golf & Country Club
St. George’s Golf and Country Club truly stands out as one of the premier golf courses in Ontario. Its storied history dates back to the early 1900s when golf course designer Stanley Thompson masterfully crafted its layout. As time has passed, the course has only garnered more accolades and praise, being ranked as one of the world’s finest courses. Tight, twisting fairways and a rolling landscape provide a challenging and picturesque experience.
Hosting the Canadian Open five times, St. George’s has been the site of elite-level play that only adds to its allure. With a recent renovation spearheaded by renowned architects Doug Carrick, Tom Doak, Ian Andrew, and Cam Tyers, the course remains a traditional gem with a modern feel. At a par of 71 and 7,014 yards in length, it’s a testament to the skill and creativity of its architects. If you’re looking to play where the pros do and enjoy a round of golf that tests your abilities while offering stunning vistas, St. George’s Golf and Country Club should be at the top of your list.
Address: 1668 Islington Ave, Etobicoke, ON M9A 3M9, Canada
Taboo Muskoka Resort & Golf
Set within the picturesque Muskokas in Gravenhurst, the Taboo Resort is a world-renowned golf course that has hosted several championship tournaments and has repeatedly been named one of Canada’s best 50 courses. The course’s innovative use of the dramatic Canadian Shield landscape, abundant with mature red oaks, white pines, and pink granite outcroppings, makes for a captivating and challenging experience that golfers won’t soon forget.
Designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Ron Garl in 2002, the 18-hole, par 71 course spans an impressive 7,340 yards and is consistently voted among Canada’s top 100 courses. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the Taboo golf course promises an unforgettable experience at the gateway to Muskoka – truly one of Canada’s outstanding golf destinations.
Address: 1668 Islington Ave, Etobicoke, ON M9A 3M9, Canada
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a golf experience like no other, look no further than these five stunning courses in Ontario. From the rolling hills of Beacon Hill to the challenging layout of Taboo Muskoka Resort & Golf, these unique rounds will surely provide an unforgettable memory. No matter your skill level or preference, there is something here for everyone. Be sure to book a tee time at any of these courses and experience the beauty and challenge that Ontario’s golf scene has to offer.
