Kandice VincentThe 5 Best Public Golf Courses in Toronto
Playing golf is considered as a hobby and an exciting sport by many. However, there is a certain misconception that most golf courses require memberships.
The good news is that there are plenty of golf courses available for single visits and public leisure. In this review, we curated a list of the best public golf courses in Toronto.
The Best Public Golf Courses in Toronto
We used the following criteria to examine the selected public golf courses:
How much do public golf courses cost in Toronto?
Before we reveal our list to you, here is a sample breakdown of how much you will likely spend in case you are to visit a public golf course near you.
Please note that these prices are subject to change.
1. Flemingdon Park Golf Club
| SERVICES OFFERED | ★★★★★ |
| EASE OF BOOKING | ★★★★☆ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ |
Established in the early 1960’s, Flemingdon Park Golf Club is one of the oldest public golf courses serving Toronto and its nearby areas. This place is a 9-hole course that has been family-owned and operated for generations.
Flemingdon Park Golf Club is open to all, with senior, junior, and regular rates changing per day or season. We note that they have affordable prices and that they make a good place for starters or those who simply want to try golfing.
In terms of facilities, they have a liquor bar and a licensed snack bar. The licensed snack bar makes a perfect spot for those who wish to stay and relax after a game or even while watching family or friends have fun.
The most convenient thing about this place is that they accept both MasterCard and VISA. They also accept digital money transfer through Interac, in case one forgets to bring enough cash.
Despite being open to all, this club still has membership packages available and these have their privileges. Advanced booking for members can be up to 7 days while 3 days for non-members.
Only a few minor downsides can be noted about this place. Guests experience mosquito bites, the place is sometimes left dirty, and there are occasional price surges.
All said, we still see Flemingdon Park Golf Club as a reputable public golf course. It has been around for a while now and has generally been doing well thus far.
Pros
- Around 60 years experience
- Accepts MasterCard, VISA, and Interac
- Has a liquor bar and licensed snack bar
Cons
- Advance booking for non-members is only for 3 days
- Guests experience mosquito bites
Customer Reviews
Very well-maintained course
Beautiful 9 hole course in the middle of the city. Super friendly staff and very well-maintained course. — Sue Pinto, via Google
Diamond-in-the-rough
Truly a 9 hole “diamond-in-the-rough”. Fun, easy to walk, challenging enough for all levels. You know it’s middle of the city with the hydro lines on #6 but it has a river flowing, birds chirping and the people are friendly. The family that runs it is a special part of what makes it worthwhile. They work hard to make sure everyone has a good round…. Hard to get tee time, but worth it when you do. The way golf should be. — Joel Goldstein, via Google
2. Don Valley Golf
| SERVICES OFFERED | ★★★★★ |
| EASE OF BOOKING | ★★★★☆ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ |
Don Valley Golf is one of the award-winning golf courses operated by the city of Toronto. It is a public 18-hole golf course that offers lessons and bookable tee times.
Bookings can be done via call or online. They golf club rentals, power cart rentals, and pull cart rentals.
We do note that the power cart rentals cannot be booked in advance and that it may be hard to secure one between 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
This course also has 9-hole rates available, but only for selected times during the day. You can catch the 9-hole packages if you book a schedule within the first hour and 40 minutes at the start of the day or at least 3 hours before the sunset.
What we like most about this place is that you can book as a single player. They will pair you with other players so you can form a group, which makes a good strategy for socializing.
They also have a driving range, but it is only available for actual lessons. They do not accept tournaments as well.
Honestly, the only downside we see about this place is that they are strict with bookings given the influx of visitors. Note that they will cancel your appointment if you do not arrive within 5 minutes after your schedule.
Don Valley Golf is open every day from mid-April to mid-November, following regular 13 hours of operation.
Pros
- 18-hole golf course
- 9-hole rates also available
- Open driving range for lessons
- Can book as a solo player
Cons
- Strict with booking schedules
- Hard to secure power carts within 10 AM to 2 PM
Customer Reviews
Good for all players
Absolutely love this course. Maybe it’s because I played it so much this summer but it seems like every time I play it I learn something new about the course and my game. An underratedly complex course good for all players. — Austin Lovering, via Google
Beautiful setting
I come here with my husband and we both love this place. Beautiful setting, friendly staff and great facilities. — Mary Watson
3. Royal Woodbine Golf
| SERVICES OFFERED | ★★★★★ |
| EASE OF BOOKING | ★★★★☆ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ |
Established in 1992, Royal Woodbine Golf is a privately-operated yet open to all 18-hole golf course. It offers dining, water features, lessons, and even club rental.
In 2019, this course received the platinum award for the toronto star’s readers’ choice for best golf course.
Their restaurant has views of the course, serving finger food, ribs, steak, salads, dessert, and even breakfast during selected days. They also have a bar that serves various beverages, allowing patrons to relax and breathe after a game.
In terms of rates, we can say that this place is a little more expensive than most. It is arguably because of the certain premium that the club has, but this still puts them a little behind for people who choose golf courses with a budget in mind.
On the bright side, this place offers tournaments and is also an ideal space to hold weddings, banquets, corporate events, and other gatherings.
They also have membership packages for those who are interested. We warn that their membership fees are also quite costly.
A pro shop is also available at Royal Woodbine Golf. If you’re looking for an all-in-one place to experience the golf culture, we say that Royal Woodbine Golf is a good choice.
Just make sure to prepare your budget before visiting this club.
Pros
- Has been around since 1992
- Award-winning
- Has a restaurant and bar
- A Pro Shop is available
Cons
- Regular rates are a little expensive
- Membership fees are a little costly
Customer Reviews
Place is run very well
Excellent course and club house. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Place is run very well (shout out Roy Chan). Can be really busy at times but that’s because the golf is good! — Nick Cranch, via Google
A good test of golf
Course is in great shape, a good test of golf. First time playing in years. Well treated by staff and enjoyed the company of a couple of members who guided me around the course. — Jim Churchward, via Google
4. Tam O’ Shanter Golf Course
| SERVICES OFFERED | ★★★★★ |
| EASE OF BOOKING | ★★★★☆ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ |
Another golf course operated by the City of Toronto is the Tam O’ Shanter Golf Course. It is an 18-hole public golf course that is designed for golfers of all skill levels.
What we like most about this golf course is that it offers a variety of courses and lessons. These range from private/group lessons, beginner clinics, playing lessons and junior camps/clinics.
They offer cheaper rates for senior citizens and anyone younger than 18. These discounted prices are available regularly, but are strictly effective after 12 noon during weekends and holidays.
9-hole play is also available, but only for the first 1 hour 40 minutes of the morning and about two and a half hours before sunset. They also have regrip and repair services in case of any emergencies.
Guests are encouraged to book at least 5 days prior to their target play date. Online bookings are available, but we do warn that they require major credit cards for this.
All rentals are also to be processed only through major credit cards. This is a bit of a setback as it can be a little inconvenient for visitors.
Nevertheless, we believe that Tam O’ Shanter Golf Course is still a worthy golf course to visit. It offers reasonable rates and even hosts leagues for ladies, one thing that most clubs don’t really do.
Pros
- 18-hole public golf course
- Offers various lessons and courses
- Regrip and repair services are available
Cons
- Online bookings only accept major credit cards
- All rentals require major credit cards
Customer Reviews
Very impressed with the quality and condition of the fairways and greens
One of the best public golf courses in Toronto. Very impressed with the quality and condition of the fairways and greens. Very walkable and recommend skipping the golf cart to get your steps in. — Corbin Smith, via Google
Convenient to access, good variety of holes
Course is extremely well maintained considering its public, and offers great value. Convenient to access, good variety of holes. It’s definitely an easier track to play. Always enjoyed my rounds here. — Andrew Klotz, via Google
5. Humber Valley Golf Course
| SERVICES OFFERED | ★★★★★ |
| EASE OF BOOKING | ★★★★☆ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ |
Operated by the City of Toronto along with 4 other golf courses is the 18-hole Humber Valley Golf Course. In 2021, the Canadian Business Review Board presented this course’s lessons with an accreditation for its customer satisfaction, business leadership, outstanding service, and strong vision.
Probably the best thing about this golf course is its facilities. It has a licensed restaurant, 3 washrooms or change rooms, a 180 car parking lot, 2 PWD accessible parking spaces, and a pro shop with rental and purchasable equipment.
For lessons, they have individual, adult, and junior packages that have reasonable rates. We like the fact that they have an indoor golf lesson during the winter and that they also offer a summer program.
We do note that their rates are a bit higher during weekends and holidays. They accept cash, debit, and credit cards for payments.
Power carts and clubs can be rented. Pull carts are available as well.
The usual comment about this place is that it isn’t the best among all the golf courses operated by the city. It may have plenty of facilities but it isn’t as well-maintained as the other courses.
There are also several complaints about some of its staff members being unfriendly, which is never a good thing for any place.
However, we would say that all the negative comments are outweighed by positive feedback. We still recommend Humber Valley Golf Course given its effective lessons and fair facilities.
Pros
- Accredited Toronto golf lessons
- Various facilities
- Indoor winter golf lessons
Cons
- Several staff members are unfriendly (according to a few reviews)
- Not as well-maintained as other city operated golf courses
Customer Reviews
Perfect for a twilight round after work
If you live in Etobicoke, this Is the best golf you can get for the cheapest price. Although there are better deals on Underpar, this course is perfect for a twilight round after work. Great conditions and nice long holes. This hawk swooped in and put one of our balls in a better position, thanks! — Will Stapleton, via Google
Decent city owned course
Decent city owned course. A few good par 4’s, many good par 3’s! Good value for $. Close to Hwy 401 and not too much farther from Hwy 427. It’s GREAT that this city owned course makes golf accessible to the masses at a reasonable price! — David Price, via Google
FAQs about public golf courses in Toronto
We hope that this review helped you find the best public golf courses in Toronto. Let us know if you have other recommended courses!
If you’re eyeing to be more into sports or focus on your fitness, do take a look at our list of the best personal trainers in Toronto.
