Five Hidden Gem Golf Courses To Play Around Toronto In 2021

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Another golf season is almost upon us and with that brings the itch to play. We all have our favourite golf courses to play year-in, year-out, but how about some hidden gem golf courses?

Here are five hidden gem golf courses to visit in 2021! 

Norfolk Golf & Country Club – Simcoe, Ontario

Norfolk’s golf course has been around since 1895, but the current golf course can be traced back to 1922. Stanley Thompson, as well as his brothers (namely Nicol), were known to hang around Norfolk to play, and for good reason. Routed over dramatic terrain that is tough to find at golf courses not named St. George’s/Lookout Point in Southern Ontario, Norfolk is one of Canada’s best nine hole golf courses and well worth the trip from Toronto. Standout holes include the par 4, 3rd and the par 5, 5th, both of which take on the terrain in a creative manner.

Lakeview Golf Course – Mississauga, Ontario

Can a hidden gem exist in Canada’s largest metro centre and one of North America’s largest? I am here to argue yes. This 1922 Herbert Strong design (constructed by Stanley Thompson) is a City of Mississauga property, yet for golfers, it feels a tad under the radar. Some of the greens, like the gradual triple tier 9th or the 15th are among Canada’s best and most interesting, and for a screaming deal under $75, this is one of the best deals in Canada. For a more detailed look at Lakeview, click here.

Rockway Golf Course – Kitchener, Ontario

Stanley Thompson’s Rockway Golf Course has certainly seen better days, but that does not mean there is not a lot of good to find here. Fans of golf architecture will see a lot of Thompson’s style here, and holes like the 2nd and 17th are worth the trip alone. There is some missteps here, but the par 4, 18th playing to a punchbowl-esque finishing green should leave a smile on every golfers face leaving the property.

Allandale Golf Course – Innisfil, Ontario

The heavy-hitter in the area is now The Nest at Friday Harbour, a clever Doug Carrick and Scott Vanderpleog design, but for those who go to see The Nest, they would be remiss to skip over Allandale next door. A subtle golf course by every account, the par 5’s shine (specifically, the 1st and 5th), and the fact that Allandale is virtually untouched since Stanley Thompson designed the property makes this a must play nine holes.

Roseland Golf & Curling Club – Windsor, Ontario

At one point, Donald Ross had upwards of 15 golf courses he either built or remodeled in Canada. Ontario retains three, and Roseland is the only public option (in fact, it is the only public Ross option in Canada other than White Point Beach). There are Donald Ross staples dotted throughout the property, with an emphasis on the green complexes that feature some excellent movement. While over-treed, Roseland is well worth the drive, and those who go can pair it with Ambassador for an excellent one-two punch. For a more detailed look at Roseland, read the full review here.