There’s great golf to be had across Ontario for $65 or less
While the golf industry has yet to recover from the recession on some fronts, the game as a whole is as vibrant here as Augusta magnolias in the spring. Such evidence will be found not on the fairways of the province’s most hallowed and highly ranked clubs, mind you, but on many of its most economical layouts. Just try getting a 9 a.m. tee time on a day’s notice at places like Lakeview in Mississauga or King’s Forest in Hamilton after the weatherman shares a friendly forecast with your fellow linksters. Rounds played may have tumbled in many areas at the height of the economic downturn, but the golfers were always there, and they still are, particularly where there’s great value to be had. And there’s certainly no shortage of that in Ontario. What follows is our biennial collection of the province’s best golfing values for $65 or less.
Since earning Best New Golf Course in Ontario status from OG in 2008, Tarandowah’s star has continued to rise according to our panellists, who gave the London-area course top billing in our 2010 “Best Bang for the Buck.”
From afar, the par-70 links-style track, which ranges from 5,380 to 7,102 yards, lays upon a seemingly serene countryside. Closer inspection, however, reveals a design defined by rolling, windswept fairways, gnarly fescue, undulating greens and more than 104 tiny pot bunkers that await errant shots like landmines.
Sculpted by Open Championship doctor Martin Hawtree and built at a cost of just $4.2 million, Tarandowah is an achievement in simple yet elegant architecture.
Panel Comments “Two hours outside Toronto, for less than $50 on the weekend? There is surely no tougher, more entertaining test of golf for the money anywhere in the province.” —James McCarten “Holy Smokes! If you paid your green fee after you played this course you’d expect to shell out $100.” —Craig Loughry “Not many faux Scottish golf courses really work, but Tarandowah is as tasty as a single malt Scotch.” —Ian Cruickshank “The quality of golf experience is as good as any private club in Canada. It’s a golfer’s golf club and is both playable and has significant shot values for all types of players.” —Stephen Johnston “A memorable, walkable layout that may be the best example of links golf in Southern Ontario. Crater-like bunkers, small greens and narrow fairways lined with fescue add to the difficulty of the course, which is compounded by a constant wind.” —Kevin Holmes “Tarandowah is the most genuine links experience one can have without making a five-hour flight. It’s worth playing for twice the price.” —Robert Thompson
Laid out over the rolling hills of Northumberland County by Steven Ward of GolfPlan Associates, Timber Ridge plays much more difficult than its 6,633 yards from the tips would suggest. The course’s opening third meanders through mature spruce woods, then transitions to an open links-style layout before returning to the forest for the final four holes. Eighty well-placed bunkers, thick fescue and expansive, topsy-turvy putting surfaces combine to test you throughout the journey.
Panel Comments “It’s that rare combination of a well-groomed, high-grade layout and a down-home sensibility that makes it a genuine, unpretentious experience for a fraction of the cost. There’s no mandatory cart, range balls are purchased separately and the weekday and twilight rates make it a no-brainer getaway.” —James McCarten “This place has it all, from great elevation change to near-perfect conditioning. You’ll never walk off saying you didn’t have a good experience here.” —Craig Loughry “If this course were closer to Toronto, it would be double the cost and impossible to get a tee time.” —Cory Woron “Of all the courses I’ve played, this is the best value for around $60. It’s well designed, well maintained and far removed from the hustle of the big city. The greens are nightmarish, but that’s part of the fun.” —Gerry Dobson “Remember the TV commercial for the Olde Hide House in Acton? Well, it’s also worth the drive to Brighton. At half the price, this combination links-parkland course offers as much or more than comparable courses in the GTA. When you think you’ve got the best of it, it snaps back at you. To me, that’s a sign of a fine track.” —Bob Brehl
Sault Ste. Marie (705) 254-4653 golfcrimsonridge.com $50 M-F, $59 S, S, H including cart
Rarely do you play a golf course where you find yourself thinking about the next tee shot before completing the existing hole. Crimson Ridge has that in spades—particularly its majestic final two holes, highlighted by the tee shot over a rock-strewn valley to an elevated green on the short par-3 17th.
Panel Comments “Every time I play Crimson Ridge I’m reminded how great a job the Kevin Holmes design team did here. It is the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment.” —Jeff Dykeman “I’ve only been to Sault Ste. Marie twice in the past seven years. Both times it was to play Crimson Ridge. No. 17 is one of the most dramatic par-3s you’ll play in Ontario.” —Brent Long “Remote, spectacular, challenging, and a ridiculous maximum price of $59 (which includes your power cart). You haven’t adequately covered the bases of golf in Ontario until you’ve teed it up here.” —Ted McIntyre
Essex County’s top public course. Tom McBroom has taken the uninspiring landscape of a former sand pit and fashioned a seductive inland links-style layout that is both easily walked and constantly challenging.
Panel Comments “Another magic act from Tom McBroom: Take a flat, otherwise unremarkable tract of land on the edge of an industrial urban landscape and transform it into a dramatic, compelling collection of golf holes. Generous landing areas, fescue-trimmed bunkers and difficult, undulating greens provide plenty of challenge for those wanting to test Ambassador’s full 7,000 yards.” —James McCarten “Just straightforward no-nonsense golf, hole after hole, with a beautiful clubhouse and great food. You could never get bored playing here.” —Craig Loughry “One of Southwestern Ontario’s finest, with some of the best course conditions anywhere, Ambassador remains in demand as a host club for prominent events like the 2009 Canadian College Championship and the 2010 GAO Senior Amateur—with the amazing price of $53 walking.” —Kevin Corriveau
When the local curling club was condemned in the mid-1970s, the decision was made to rebuild the rinks and add a new Robbie Robinson-designed golf course. When the first nine opened in 1974, head pro Ron Webb, who is still there today, operated out of his 1967 Ford Mustang. Today’s 18-hole, 6,427-yard layout is highlighted by terrific elevation change, towering pines, rolling fairways, large slick greens and chunks of Canadian Shield granite. The club, which spent close to $1 million on renovations in 2005, counts a membership of 650, including 125 juniors—16 of whom have earned NCAA scholarships and eight who have played professional golf.
Panel Comments “It’s my favourite Robbie Robinson course, with great routing and variety.” —David Sanders “A great cottage country course, minus the cottage country price tag.” —Mike Roberts “Though long overshadowed by a local lineup of high-end courses by a series of top architects, the recently restored valley design is nobody’s poor relation. Robinson built drama and challenge with a series of sharp doglegs through mature forests. Distance off the tee is secondary to pinpoint accuracy throughout a tricky 6,427-yard layout featuring nasty bunkers and wearying uphill climbs.” —Brian Kendall
When community visionary Silvio DiGregorio decided it was time to bring world-class golf to this neck of the woods, he went to the top of the list. This is Tom McBroom’s most northern design in Canada. There are no tricks or funky stuff, just a beefy, well-bunkered layout skirting the majestic Kaministiquia River and the Rosslyn Oxbow Wetland and surrounded by stunning Northern Ontario scenery—the sort of place you’d expect to pay $150 to play were it not so far north of Toronto.
Panel Comments “I absolutely love the natural beauty of this wilderness layout. If you’re headed to Thunder Bay, take your sticks. You may just want to buy a home there too.” —Brent Long “One of the province’s most memorable layouts. Dazzling scenery, bordered on one side by the rushing Kaministiquia River. It’s a sublime golf experience, and you can play it during the week for as low as $60 in season!” —Ted McIntyre
Seven-year-old Copetown Woods was built on a former broccoli farm, but it’s still good for your health—both mental and physical. Designer Dick Kirkpatrick had one goal in mind: Build a course for no more than $100,000 per hole. The layout features few trees, but ample water and enormous waste bunkers.
Panel Comments “Absolutely immaculate in every respect, beginning with a great drive into the course that sets the mood. The service is first-class from beginning to end—worthy of any private club and better than many. It’s not hard to see why this was a favourite haunt of Moe Norman and Nick Weslock, who are both remembered with plaques in the marvellous Victorian-style clubhouse.” —Ted Wilson
A two-year-old parkland course rich in photo ops 20 minutes from Woodstock, this is another impressive Best Banger from architect Dick Kirkpatrick—a design that rises and falls and doglegs every which way.
Panel Comments “Winding its way through Southwestern Ontario’s tobacco country, it’s little wonder this awesome track was runner-up as Golf Digest’s best new course in Canada.” —Claudio DeMarchi
If there were an award for Canada’s best municipal course, King’s Forest might be atop the list. Hamilton Spectator sportswriter Garry McKay has called it “one of the best-kept secrets in the province.” Rolling terrain, numerous scenic shots from raised tee decks and large, challenging greens are all attributes of this brawny 1974 design. Snaking its way down and through the Red Hill Valley and along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton’s East End, King’s Forest plays to a lofty 7,150 yards from the back tees. Nationwide Tour member Jon Mills won the Ontario Amateur Championship here in 2000.
Panel Comments “Arguably the toughest course on this list, King’s Forest is one of the few city-owned courses in the country capable of hosting an elite amateur event. Jon Mills’ four-day winning total here was just two over par!” —Jeff Dykeman “A great Hamilton muni. Always in great shape, with some holes that make you think you’re at Glen Abbey.” —Claudio DeMarchi
There may not be a lesser-known course that attracts more private club members from across Southern Ontario than this Robbie Robinson gem. Originally designed to host a Canadian Open, the sweeping layout, tucked away in tiny Fisherville near Cayuga Speedway, does not accept tournaments. It’s a golf purist’s hideaway—a quiet, family-run operation with a modest little shop but a tournament-grade layout with billiard-table-smooth putting surfaces.
Panel Comments “Create a folder for Ontario’s hidden gems, then file this one atop the list. Coral Creek is a classic golf experience that resists par while still engaging the player for 18 holes. It’s a quiet walk on an elegant rural layout that you’ll remember for years to come.” —Ted McIntyre
Framed by the Niagara Escarpment’s Rattlesnake Point on the north and Mount Nemo on the south, Crosswinds’ challenge varies greatly from its 5,092 to 7,240 yards—its front nine peaking at a whopping 3,806 yards. An excellent practice facility is complemented by a striking clubhouse suggestive of a $150 round of golf. The service stands out most, although the island par-3 fifth is close behind.
Panel Comments “Conveniently located in the GTA, Crosswinds provides great value in terms of course conditioning, clubhouse features, and food and beverage service.” —Vito Cirone “An easily walked course that is eminently playable from the forward tees but can lay waste to you from the tips. The original intent of this property—which is within a 40-minute drive of about a half-million people—was a private course, and that continues to show in the exceptional facilities, course conditioning and service.” —Ted McIntyre
An old-time, traditional parkland course measuring 6,340 yards, this par-71 Herbert Strong layout provides a splendid mix of short and long holes. It’s operated along with BraeBen GC, another Best Banger, by the City of Mississauga. At its present location since 1907, Lakeview has twice hosted the Canadian Open, as well as the very first Ontario Open and Ontario Amateur and, most recently, the Canadian Tour in 2007 and 2008.
Panel Comments “I have a soft spot for municipal courses, and Lakeview is one the best this side of Bethpage. The tiny, treacherous 17th is worth the trip alone.” —Matt MacKay “Location, location, location! About 3 million people live within a 45-minute drive of this classic parkland track. It’s not long, but bring a hot putter if you want to score. The 16th hole is one of the best risk-reward par-5s around. The original 17th is only 90 yards, but every one of them is devilish. An up-and-down from either short or long of the green is nearly impossible. Poor old Sam Snead once took a nine here in an exhibition match with Leo Diegel.” —Bob Brehl
Laying upon 13 million cubic metres of refuse of the former Britannia landfill site is a unique Scottish Highlands-inspired creation that overlooks surrounding neighbourhoods, but with holes cut through swaths of land that often suggest you’re a long way from any family dwelling. Architect Ted Baker’s three-year-old layout is a demanding track of rolling fairways, sod- walled and traditional bunkers and ball-swallowing fescue lining most fairways with hardly a tree in play. Add in a strong academy program and a great short course and this facility deserves a spot on any best-value list.
Panel Comments “Built on a former landfill site, BraeBen is the future of golf in big-city settings—challenging courses that are truly green.” —Ian Cruickshank
Located 15 minutes west of Lindsay, this Graham Cooke design is distinguished by its gently rolling terrain and the Mariposa Brook that runs through much of the course. “There are enough holes to keep the ‘grip-it-and-rip-it’ types happy, but most holes make you think long and hard about your club selection,” says panellist Peter Dalliday. “A great overall experience for just $40!”
Panel Comments “With a small clubhouse and friendly staff, the place has a family-run cottage feel to it. It’s a thrill to hit tee shots to the long par-3 12th, with cows mooing in the background. I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t put Oliver’s Nest at No. 1 on their Hidden Gems list after playing here for the first time.” —Steve Waxman
Heaving its way across nearly 200 acres in the middle of Mennonite country, Elmira features striking elevation changes and several old-style crowned greens. Not long at just 6,253 yards, the strength of the par-70 is the strategic design skills of two men, Rolly Barnsley and Jim Whibley, who had no professional training in golf architecture, but clearly knew their way around a course, notes golf writer Skip Johns.
Panel Comments “Mature trees, a great layout and a course that is usually in fantastic shape.” —Cory Woron
An early Tom McBroom design, Oak Ridge is characterized by several elevated tees that play to narrow, well-guarded fairways set amongst a mix of grassland and wooded areas and protected by more than 60 bunkers.
Panel Comments “Golfers who know about the early-bird special every Friday will hate me for this: breakfast, cart and green fee for under $60! The course has also made great strides the last few years with its conditioning.” —Craig Loughry
This intriguing new creation from Carrick Design is already being praised for its unique concept. The dynamic and eye-catching walk through the dunes consists of 16 par-3s and two par-4s, which means a round of golf in well under three and a half hours.
Panel Comments “Golf needs new ideas and Turnberry is providing an innovative alternative to golfers who are tired of five-hour rounds. Don’t underestimate the power of par-3s.” —Ian Cruickshank
Riddled with water hazards and big yawning bunkers, this Rene Muylaert creation spreads over 140 varying acres, with elevated tees on most holes enabling players to view the trouble spots.
Panel Comments “For value, this is one of the finest golf experiences in Niagara. The shot values and conditioning are superb. There’s also one of the finest executive-length courses in Ontario here.” —Steve Johnston
When Don Valley opened for play in 1956, it cost just 75 cents to play. Despite the encroachment of the city, Toronto’s favourite muni has retained its great value. It’s estimated that over two million people have played here over the past five decades, with an annual average of 50,000 rounds. Although located in northern Toronto near Yonge Street and Highway 401 and accessible via subway, lush vegetation, mature trees and a rolling landscape define Don Valley’s natural beauty. This Howard Watson design (he worked for Stanley Thompson for several years) is highlighted by Hallelujah Corner—the signature par-5 12th hole and nasty par-3 13th.
Panel Comments “A sentimental favourite that many Toronto residents recall fondly from their youth. They’ve thankfully done away with the puny 90-degree dogleg opener, and the 448-yard par-4 third is among the finest two-shotters in the province.” —James McCarten
Belleville (613) 968-2327 blackbearridge.ca $50 open to 8:29 a.m., $60 8:30 to 9:59 a.m.
One of the stronger courses on our list, Black Bear now qualifies thanks to a restructuring of its rates since 2008. A highlight includes the 230-yard par-3 beast that closes out the front nine. But there’s also the controversial 11th hole, a 690-yard par-6. Some of the tee shots, including the opener, rival some of the top clubs in the country. “Not bad for a course that was a collaboration of three different designers: the club’s CPGA pro, superintendent and owner,” notes panel member Jeff Dykeman. Add in the new short course and the Cathy Sherk-run golf school, and it’s a facility that continues to add value for the dollar.
Nestled in the heart of Niagara, this Nicol Thompson/Gordon Witteveen co-creation boasts a well-manicured course characterized by rolling hills, deciduous woodlands, meandering creeks and the surrounding farmland. Good play requires length off the tee and strategic positioning, but a good short game is a must, due to the well-guarded, slick greens, warns panellist Bill Rivers.
Panel Comments “The Julie Family, who own the course, advertise it as ‘Niagara’s golfing sanctuary,’ and it truly is, offering a splendid mixture of woodlands and creeks that blend with the rolling countryside.” —Wayne Redshaw
London (519) 451-0994 fcngolf.com $63.97 M-Th including range balls and cart with GPS
Perched on 275 picturesque acres along the southeast shore of Fanshawe Lake, Forest City has long been known for superior conditioning and some of Ontario’s thickest rough. Exceptional holes abound, each of which ribbons its way through pine forests and around small ravines, with contoured terrain providing panoramic vistas of the lake. “It’s five-star golf for a three-star price,” says panellist Robert Thompson.
Hamilton (905) 546-3116 myhamilton.ca $50 M-Th, $55 F, S, S, H
Nestled under the Niagara Escarpment, this Stanley Thompson design is a scenic yet challenging walk despite its mere 6,084 yards. It’s one of three courses operated by the City of Hamilton, two of which have made this list. Panellist Matt MacKay calls Chedoke “a lovely, mature course that leaves the golfer with few flat lies. Few public courses occupy parkland terrain like this. Just make sure you take a deep breath before climbing Cardiac Hill on No. 15.”
Set against the cliffs of Mount Nemo on the Niagara Escarpment, Indian Wells is one of the more scenic courses in the GTA. The 1973 Rene Muylaert design yields its best scoring chance at the short par-5 first. But after that, birdies can be few and far between. Ponds come into play on six of the first nine holes, while narrow fairways and deep mature forests make for target golf on the back. And don’t forget about the Escarpment when it comes to putting: It’s all downhill from there!
“What I like most about Hidden Lake is that their two 18-hole golf courses are radically different from one another but equally enjoyable,” says panellist Grant Fraser. The older course is a more traditional style with tree-lined fairways and flat greens, while the new course is a links-ish design marked by undulating putting surfaces.
Originally built as a nine-hole layout in 1929, Renfrew is a semi-private course that heaves back and forth through the Ottawa Valley. Redesigned by Steven Ward in the fall of 2000, it’s highlighted by free-form bunkers and rolling surrounds, topped off by a stunning piece of undulating property, with new green complexes providing a modern update.
