My Top 10 Courses Played

Since a young age, golf has been an integral part of my life, both as a spectator and a player. As a result, I have had the opportunity to play numerous courses throughout my life. While some of these experiences have been more enjoyable than others, I wanted to showcase the top ten courses that I have been fortunate enough to play and provide some insight on each one. If you have played any of these courses, feel free to leave a comment below, and don’t hesitate to share your own favorites as well!

Cabot Cliffs (Inverness, Nova Scotia)

Cabot Cliffs, my top pick, shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with my golfing preferences. Visiting Cabot had always been a dream of mine, and last summer, I finally got the chance to make the trip. Consistently ranked among the top ten courses worldwide and ranked as Canada’s finest course, Cabot Cliffs’ awe-inspiring views are breathtaking, as you can see from the pictures on my website. The course itself is in impeccable condition, the staff are exceptional, and it genuinely feels like golf heaven, especially when you are playing a twilight round and have the sun setting over the ocean. I was lucky to have played in perfect weather, which was a huge bonus, but I know I would have loved it regardless. Although it is quite pricey, it is definitely worth every penny, and you won’t be disappointed. As a fan of links-style golf, combining it with the stunning views makes it a must-play. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I birdied the iconic 16th hole, where you have to tee off over the ocean. I am undoubtedly going back one day!

Cabot Links (Inverness, Nova Scotia)

Number two on my list is Cabot Links. While the Links course lacks the signature holes like the Cliffs, it’s not really an issue. The majority of the holes are situated along the ocean, and, like the Cliffs, the course is in exceptional condition. The Links course is a top 40 course worldwide and top seven in Canada, but, again, my words do not do these two courses justice. You will be in awe while playing both Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links. Like the Cliffs, the Links is also expensive, but you get what you pay for, and you don’t want to miss out on playing both courses while you’re there.

*bonus is the par 3 Nest course at Cabot… a beautiful par 3 course that offers night golf! A very cool experience and great idea to do if you make the trip out.

Hamilton Golf And Country Club (Hamilton, ON)

Hamilton Golf and Country Club holds a special place in my heart as it is located in my hometown and was the site of the first professional golf event I ever attended in person. This course, which features 27 holes, including the championship West/South course, has hosted multiple Canadian Opens, most recently in 2019. Additionally, it boasts a well-maintained short game course that is perfect for practicing wedges and shorter irons. Ranked as the ninth best course in Canada, Hamilton is a private course and is only accessible to members or those who are invited by a member. However, I was fortunate enough to play a few rounds there by working on the course’s grounds crew for a summer, which granted me the privilege of playing at certain times. Overall, I had a fantastic experience and greatly enjoyed my time at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

The Magnolia Course At Walt Disney (Florida)

Moving on to the Magnolia Course at Walt Disney Resort in Florida, I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to play golf there during a couple of my Disney World vacations. The Palm and Magnolia courses were once the site of a PGA Tour event, and even though I was still relatively new to golf when I played the Magnolia, I recall the course being in superb condition, with greens that felt as smooth as glass. Although my focus was on my poor performance, I had a great experience playing a morning round with my Dad and, looking back, can appreciate the beauty of the course.

Eagles Nest (Toronto, Ontario)

Eagles Nest, located just outside of Toronto, Ontario, is a public course that offers a links-style design, continuing with the theme of the previous courses mentioned. It is regarded as one of the top 100 courses in Canada, and for good reason. The course is challenging, with each hole presenting a unique test for players of all levels. You’ll enjoy every moment of the experience as it pushes every aspect of your game. Be sure to arrive early and take advantage of their pristine practice facility. Sponsored by Titleist, you’ll feel like a Tour Pro while practicing on the range. If you reside in the Greater Toronto Area, I highly recommend making the trip to Eagles Nest, as it is an annual favorite of mine.

Glen Abbey (Oakville, ON)

One of my top 10 courses is another Canadian Open venue, and for several reasons. Firstly, I find the layout of the course very enjoyable, and many of the tee shots really suit my eye, making it a pleasure to play. The course also has a rich history, which is a significant factor for me. Specifically, it is the site of one of Tiger Woods’ greatest shots, which occurred on the par 5 18th hole. Tiger won here three times in a row and made an iconic shot from the right fairway bunker. It is an incredible feeling to stand in that spot and attempt what the greatest golfer of all time did, even though unlike Tiger, I failed miserably. Glen Abbey, located in the Greater Toronto Area, is highly accessible, and you can book tee times through GolfNow, as it has opened up to the public. It is also a ClubLink course, and I was fortunate enough to play there several times during my two-year membership. The course is always maintained in excellent condition, and it’s exciting to play a course that has hosted a Tour event. When you tee it up there, take in all the history that has taken place on your walk around the course; you won’t regret it!

Rattlesnake Point Golf Club (Milton, ON)

The final courses on my list are all in the same tier, so it’s challenging to rank them. However, I have to give the edge to Rattlesnake Point because the property has so much to offer. There are two 18-hole championship courses that are always in excellent condition. They regularly host US Open qualifiers, so the course has seen its fair share of Tour-caliber players come through. The driving range is massive, with numerous hitting bays available to use. They also have a world-class putting green and a separate chipping green so vast that you’ll have your own little section every time you practice. Additionally, they have a 9-hole academy course that’s perfect for dialing in those short irons. Rattlesnake is a private club that’s part of the ClubLink family, so to play here, you’ll need to be a member or play with one. If you’re ever given the opportunity, don’t hesitate to say yes because you’ll love the layouts of both of these great courses.

Glencairn Golf Club (Milton, ON)

Ranked at number 8, Glencarin Golf Club holds a special place in my heart as a links style course with 27 incredible holes to play. The moment I arrived, I felt like I was transported to Scotland due to its authentic design. As a huge fan of links golf, I knew it would be one of my top courses. Their practice facility is top-notch with a full range, and separate putting and chipping greens. It also helps that this is the place where I shot my personal best score of two under par two years ago, and I’ve been chasing to beat that ever since. Glencairn is a Clublink course, which means playing here is only possible by being a Clublink member or playing with a member. I had the chance to play here numerous times during my Clublink tenure, and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to do it again.

Otter Creek Golf Club (Otterville, ON)

Otter Creek is a hidden gem nestled in southern Ontario, and offers a stunning layout that poses a unique challenge on every hole. Despite being a fully public course, it maintains a level of exclusivity that makes it a must-visit destination for avid golfers. One thing to note is that the course plays at least 300-400 yards longer than what the scorecard suggests, so be sure to factor that in when deciding on which tees to play from. The starter will even ask for your handicap and recommend a suitable tee based on your skill level. The course features plenty of demanding carries over hazards and can get quite windy, making it a truly challenging experience. However, the full range and excellent clubhouse with a beautiful patio make for a great spot to relax after the round. I’ve only played here once and loved every minute of it, and I look forward to making it a regular stop for years to come.

Le Diable (Mont Tremblant, Quebec)

Completing the list is a course that was never on my radar until I stumbled upon it. Le Diable is an exceptional 18-hole course located on the outskirts of Quebec. Le Diable ranks in the top 100 courses in Canada and for good reason. Their top-notch training academy and two full ranges are just some of the amenities offered here. The course boasts impressive elevation changes throughout, highlighted by the signature par-3 6th hole. Every hole demanded our full attention, and we couldn’t get enough of it. It’s just one spectacular golf hole after another. I can’t wait to return to Le Diable one day, and you should definitely add it to your bucket list of golf trips.