The following are some of the most popular courses open to the public. Most will cost $100 -$200 to play a round during peak times, but less for twilight play (tee-off after 4 pm), and there's a few courses recommended by my golfer brother that offer great value at less than $100.
1. Bigwin Island, Lake of Bays (Huntsville)
This Doug Carrick-designed course is one of the many stunning golf courses serving cottagers and other vacationers in Muskoka - about three hours north of Toronto. Access is only by ferry or air, so some extra planning is necessary for a visit.Bigwin Island is members only from June 28th to September 1st. One week advanced booking is required.
2. Copper Creek, Kleinburg
Just over a half hour from downtown Toronto and less if traveling from Pearson International Airport, Copper Creek sits amidst the undulating, mature landscape of Humber River Valley in Kleinburg, Ontario. The course has earned an impressive reputation as one of Ontario's premium daily fee courses since opening in 2004.3. Deerhurst Resort (Highlands), Huntsville
Photo courtesy Deerhurst Resort
The dramatic setting of Deerhurst Resort's Highlands Golf Course has been a Muskoka draw for decades. Less demanding is the par 64 Deerhurst Lakeside course that offers a gorgeous setting and play for under $100. Deerhurst offers reasonable Stay & Play packages, a golf academy and earlier reduced-fee twilight and sunset tee-off times.
4. Eagle Creek GC, Dunrobin
Not far from downtown Ottawa, "the Creek" in Dunrobin was initially intended as a private club, but fortunately for visitors is open to the public. The course is set in mature spruce forest and offers players variety and risk at reasonable prices.5. Glen Abbey, Oakville
Harry How / Getty Images
Glen Abbey, famous as host to the Canadian Open, was Jack Nicklaus' first solo course design and site of Tiger Woods memorable 2000 title win. Players pay a higher than usual fee for the chance to play Glen Abbey - more than $200 during prime times - but twilight rates are available.
6. Kedron Dells, Oshawa
Kedron Dells is a great choice for people who don't want to drop a ton of money on green fees (even weekend rates are less than 50 bucks) but want to play a mature, challenging course. The drive from downtown Toronto will be about 45 minutes, maybe more depending on traffic.7. Lakeview Golf Course, Mississauga
Great value golf course in the Greater Toronto Region. Lakeview has been around since the early 1900's and is a two-time host of the Canadian Open. With green fees under $75, Lakeview is a gem for golfers looking for a game in the Toronto area. (Lakeview is about half an hour from downtown and 15 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport.)8. Mystic Golf Course, Ancaster
Located in Ancaster, Ontario - just outside of Hamilton and about an hour from Toronto - Mystic has been a popular course since its opening in 2005. With a reputation as a "players" course, Mystic is still reasonably priced.9. Rocky Crest Resort, Mactier
Photo courtesy Delta Hotels
One of the best of many gorgeously situated courses in Muskoka, Rocky Crest Resort rests on the edge of Lake Joseph amidst thick woodland and rocky Canadian Shield.
In 2006, Rocky Crest resort was ranked as a top-5 golf resort in Canada.
10. Lionhead G&CC - Legends, Brampton
Lionhead Golf & Country Club offers a lush, mature scenic setting less than a half hour outside of downtown Toronto and about 15 minutes from Pearson International Airport.Players can choose from two courses - Legends for those looking for the greatest challenge and Masters, which is described as a less demanding "Florida-type" course.
