Monday, December 23, 2024

The 2024 Top 100 – SCOREGolf

Must read

Lists. We love producing them. You love reading them … and debating them … and second-guessing them … and so on. And that’s fine by us. What follows here is an honest attempt by a varied collection of volunteer evaluators to produce a ranking of Canada’s best golf courses. Is it foolproof? No. Perfect? No. A conversation starter? We think so. So, follow along with our countdown and enjoy.

As golf continues to shed its reputation as a sport of exclusion, SCOREGolf has made the decision to disqualify any clubs that are not gender inclusive in their membership policies from eligibility for the Top 100. The game is not yet where it needs to be on this matter, but it is getting there, and we are evolving with it.

– Jordan Bitove, Publisher of SCOREGolf

HOW WE RANK OUR COURSES



1

Cabot Cliffs

Inverness, N.S.

PUBLIC

Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw, 2015

SG Rating: 8.8791

2022 Rank: 1

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Cabot Cliffs continues its stranglehold on the No. 1 position on the SCOREGolf Top 100. Visually,
the golf course is spectacular thanks to its setting high above the Northumberland Strait, and its
routing of six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s is both unique and ultra-fun. Bill Coore and Ben
Crenshaw’s design offers plenty of variety and the dramatic finishing stretch along the water
leaves a lasting impression on all golfers who spend a day there.

2

St. George’s

Toronto, Ont.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1928 (Robbie Robinson, Ian Andrew/Tom Doak)

SG Rating: 8.7926

2022 Rank: 2

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Stanley Thompson’s best Canadian golf course is an oft-debated topic, but as was the case two
years ago, his masterpiece in the west end of Toronto ranks best on this list. St. George’s
dazzles golfers with its gorgeous rolling fairways and its excellent — and sometimes deceptive
— bunkering. The putting surfaces were softened in recent years to better cope with modern-
day green speeds.

3

Cabot Links

Inverness, N.S.

PUBLIC

Rod Whitman, 2012

SG Rating: 8.7663

2022 Rank: 5

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Cabot Links is pure golf personified. A true links situated between Nova Scotia’s town of
Inverness and the Northumberland Strait, the Rod Whitman creation is full of quirks, dips,
humps and bumps. Ocean views are available on every hole and many of its green sites
welcome approaches shots high in the air or bumped along the ground. The back-to-back par-4
15th and 16th holes are astonishing.

4

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In a word, Fairmont Jasper Park is magical. With greens and tee decks framed by Rocky
Mountain peaks, Stanley Thompsons artistry and imagination is on full display at Jasper,
perhaps more so than at any of his other top-ranked courses. Jasper’s par 3s are sensational
while its three-hole stretch around Lac Beauvert can lay claim to being the best trio in Canadian
golf. The golf course is super fun with plenty of scoring opportunities, but it has bite to it as
well.

5

Capilano

West Vancouver, B.C.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1937 (Doug Carrick)

SG Rating: 8.6258

2022 Rank: 6

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Located high above Vancouver, Capilano is laid out over a dramatic property that never feels
extreme thanks to Stanley Thompson’s ingenious routing. With holes winding through stately fir
trees and some offering glimpses of the city’s skyline, Capilano is a visual treat that requires
smart play off tees. The plunging first hole and ascending 18th could be the best opener-closer
combo in Canada.

6

Toronto GC

Mississauga, Ont.

PRIVATE

Harry Colt, 1912 (Martin Hawtree)

SG Rating: 8.6100

2022 Rank: 10

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Toronto Golf Club has improved dramatically over the last decade thanks to a Martin Hawtree
restoration of Harry Colt’s design and the continued tree removal done by the club since. Firm,
fast turf, excellent bunkering, wonderful green sites, and contrasting colours thanks to wispy,
golden fescue make it one of the most enjoyable experiences in Canada.

7

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Hamilton Golf and Country Club showed beautifully during this year’s RBC Canadian Open with
the Martin Ebert-led restoration of Harry Colt’s masterpiece having opened up wonderful long
vistas previously marred by tree growth. The course’s much-needed bunker renovation is a
visual homerun and the collection areas around greens give players plenty of short-game
options.

8

Beacon Hall

Aurora, Ont.

PRIVATE

Bob Cupp/Thomas McBroom, 1988

SG Rating: 8.4463

2022 Rank: 11

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Beacon Hall, north of Toronto, is one of those tale-of-two-nines courses, with its front side
winding through a wooded area and the back nine laid out over a piece of open, rolling
property. The collection of par 3s are very strong at Beacon Hall, with tricky shorties at eight
and 11 contrasted by an absolute beast in the heroic 16th, the course’s signature hole.

9

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Of his many amazing golf courses, Fairmont Banff Springs is where Stanley Thompson left his
biggest mark when it comes to bunkering. Start to finish, the hazards are beautifully shaped and
give definition to relatively flat land. The bunkers are best exemplified on the 14th hole — the
original closer — though the wonderful Devil’s Cauldron par-3 fourth is the course’s calling
card.

10

The Paintbrush

Caledon, Ont.

PRIVATE

Michael Hurdzan/Dana Fry, 1992

SG Rating: 8.4084

2022 Rank: 9

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Gabi Best/Courtesy The Pulpit Club

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Plenty of inland golf courses claim to be “links-like.” Many aren’t even close. The Paintbrush in
Caledon, Ont., is a definite exception. A dramatic property largely without trees, the layout is
marked by pot bunkers, blind shots, tall fescue, stone walls and massive, extreme green
complexes. The Paintbrush is a rollicking adventure.

11

Westmount

Kitchener, Ont.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1931 (Robbie Robinson, Doug Carrick)

SG Rating: 8.3332

2022 Rank: 12

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Westmount is a classic parkland-style layout that should be mentioned more often when
Stanley Thompson’s best creations are discussed. Wonderfully conditioned, the Kitchener, Ont.,
course moves nicely along sublime land with no misses or poor holes. The par 3s all play
downhill while the collection of par 4s are varied and sublime.

12

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Inconsistent conditioning has hurt Stanley Thompson’s mountains and ocean course on the
northern tip of Cape Breton Island. That’s a shame because Highlands Links might be his most
impressive accomplishment. The awesome routing takes golfers from the ocean into a
mountain valley, along a river, and back to the ocean again. Thompson’s trademark rumpled
fairways are on full display here.

13

Victoria GC

Victoria, B.C.

PRIVATE

A.V. Macan, 1925 (Jeff Mingay)

SG Rating: 8.2410

2022 Rank: 17

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Victoria Golf Club has climbed steadily up this ranking in recent years and it’s not difficult to see
why. The A.V. Macan design, restored in recent years by Jeff Mingay, boasts several front-nine
holes on the Pacific Ocean, including back-to-back par 3s on a point. The contrasting colours of
the turf, fescue, bunkers, black ocean rock and blue ocean waters make it a visual delight.

14

Oviinbyrd

Foot’s Bay, Ont.

PRIVATE

Thomas McBroom, 2005

SG Rating: 8.2146

2022 Rank: 14

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Thomas McBroom made his mark creating dramatic courses in Ontario’s Muskoka region that
feature the exposed rocky outcroppings of the Canadian Shield. Oviinbyrd is his best effort
thanks to a more restrained approach. The course still requires some heroic shots — such as
the 14th and 15th holes — but overall it is very playable and pleasing.

15

Memphrémagog

Magog, Que.

PRIVATE

Thomas McBroom, 2007

SG Rating: 8.2009

2022 Rank: 16

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A big, bold course with dramatic, rugged bunkering and extremely difficult greens,
Memphremagog is a course where designer Thomas McBroom had the freedom and budget to
swing for the fences. He hit a grand slam. Its massive scale and surrounding beauty make the
course among the best modern designs in Canada.

16

London Hunt

London, Ont.

PRIVATE

Robert Trent Jones, 1960 (Rees Jones, Michael Hurdzan)

SG Rating: 8.1900

2022 Rank: 25

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A recent renovation saw Michael Hurdzan make changes to every hole on London Hunt and the
result has moved the course up to 16th. Some 800 trees were cleared, all bunkers were rebuilt,
and greens were made more accessible with the removal of forced-carry hazards. The property
near the Thames River is sublime.

17

Sagebrush

Merritt, B.C.

PUBLIC

Rod Whitman/Richard Zokol/Armen Suny, 2009

SG Rating: 8.1895

2022 Rank: 13

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Brought back to life after a number of years in closure, Sagebrush checks in at No. 17. While
architects Richard Zokol, Armen Suny and Rod Whitman were minimalistic in their design
approach, Sagebrush’s extreme property demands imagination and creative shot-making from
start to finish. This course is a blast to play.

18

Coppinwood

Uxbridge, Ont.

PRIVATE

Tom Fazio, 2006

SG Rating: 8.1638

2022 Rank: 21

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Coppinwood is a pristine Tom Fazio-designed course with some of the purest — and at times
scariest — green complexes in the country. While the front nine is solid, the course really picks
up steam on the back nine, which features some awesome and strategic holes backdropped by
protected forestland.

19

Greywolf

Panorama, B.C.

PUBLIC

Doug Carrick, 1999

SG Rating: 8.1290

2022 Rank: 18

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The obvious highlight at Greywolf, Doug Carrick’s bold mountain course, is the par-3 sixth hole,
known as Cliffhanger. Few one-shot holes in Canada are as dramatic. However, the rest of the
golf course is excellent as well, with short holes climbing uphill countered by longer ones
running downhill.

20

Blackhawk

Nisku, Alta.

PRIVATE

Rod Whitman, 2003

SG Rating: 8.1189

2022 Rank: 15

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Rugged bunkers, contoured fairways and greens that feature lots of movement make Rod
Whitman’s Blackhawk one of the best courses in Canada. In fact, Whitman’s efforts here are
largely what led to his hiring as the designer of Cabot Links. The Alberta native moved little
earth in building Blackhawk and the result is a homerun.

21

Shaughnessy

Vancouver, B.C.

PRIVATE

A.V. Macan, 1961

SG Rating: 8.1153

2022 Rank: 19

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The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open host, Shaughnessy is known as a tough test given its small
greens and narrow fairways lined by tall trees. The A.V. Macan layout alongside the Fraser River
is prototypical of the Pacific Northwest, in that it rewards smart choices and accuracy off the
tee.

22

The Pulpit

Caledon, Ont.

PRIVATE

Michael Hurdzan/Dana Fry, 1990

SG Rating: 8.1031

2022 Rank: 23

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The Pulpit starts with a bang thanks to its dramatic drop-shot opening hole featuring a double
fairway guarded by water. From there, the course plays mostly through a wooded terrain with
some linksy holes in the middle of the back nine. The seventh is one of the great short par 3s in
Canada.

23

Goodwood

Goodwood, Ont.

PRIVATE

Martin Ebert/Tom Mackenzie, 2007

SG Rating: 8.0960

2022 Rank: 29

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The ultra-private Goodwood, near Stouffville, Ont., is a bold Tom Mackenzie-Martin Ebert
design on rolling land with excellent green sites, vivid bunkering, fescue-lined fairways and a
brief stretch of holes through woodlands. With some links characteristics and firm turf,
Goodwood is pure golf.

24

Muskoka Bay

Gravenhurst, Ont.

PUBLIC

Doug Carrick, 2006

SG Rating: 8.0684

2022 Rank: 22

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Muskoka Bay might be the toughest exam fashioned by Doug Carrick. With holes playing over
and between rocky outcroppings, through dense woods and around wetlands, golfers must be
at their best to score well here. The property is wonderful and flows nicely without being
extreme.

25

Mount Bruno

St. Bruno, Que.

PRIVATE

Willie Park, Jr., 1918 (Thomas McBroom)

SG Rating: 8.0650

2022 Rank: 24

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Mount Bruno’s excellence is found in its subtlety. The Willie Park, Jr., design, later tweaked by
Stanley Thompson, was laid out over relatively flat land but features plenty of interest and
character in its fairways and nuanced greens. The tree-lined course is a delight for those lucky
enough to have played it.

26

Mickelson National

Calgary, Alta.

PRIVATE

Phil Mickelson/Rick Smith, 2022

SG Rating: 8.0183

2022 Rank: 20

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The host of the 2024 PGA Championship of Canada, Mickelson National was fabricated from a
piece of flat property and turned into a big and bold course with plenty of movement, wide
fairways, awesome greens, distinct bunkers and a number of assignments that reward
aggressive play.

27

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Redone by Mike Weir and Ian Andrew in anticipation of a future Canadian Open, Laval-sur-le-
Lac’s Blue Course is an excellent design on a fantastic piece of property that features plenty of
green surrounds to give players short-game options. The Open never came, but the course is a
delight.

28

Humber Valley

Deer Lake, N.L.

PUBLIC

Doug Carrick, 2006

SG Rating: 7.9675

2022 Rank: 28

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Humber Valley’s two nines cascade in opposite directions from a hilltop clubhouse towards
Newfoundland’s Humber River, with the par-4 10th a real rollercoaster of a hole. Two of the
course’s better assignments are the par-3 fifth and the short par-4 15th, both playing along the
river.

29

Tobiano

Kamloops, B.C.

PUBLIC

Thomas McBroom, 2007

SG Rating: 7.9628

2022 Rank: 26

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Few courses are more striking than Thomas McBroom’s Tobiano. A desert course overlooking
Kamloops Lake, several of its stunning holes require hero tee shots over canyons. The basically
treeless property is rumpled and replete with golden fescue and native vegetation.

30

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Prince Edward Island’s top-ranked course, The Links at Crowbush on the Island’s north shore
features rolling fairways, pot bunkers and multi-tiered greens. The seaside holes in the sand
dunes are a delight, but the routing also wanders through woodlands and wetlands for variety.

31

Stewart Creek

Canmore, Alta.

PUBLIC

Gary Browning, 2001

SG Rating: 7.9406

2022 Rank: 30

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Stewart Creek possesses one of the best settings for golf in Canada, but credit goes to designer
Gary Browning for showing restraint when building on a rollicking piece of property in Alberta’s
Rocky Mountains. The opening hole is a stunner and among the best first frames in Canada.

32

Calgary GC

Calgary, Alta.

PRIVATE

Willie Park, Jr., 1911 (Ron Forse)

SG Rating: 7.9378

2022 Rank: 27

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In the heart of the city, Calgary Country Club is a Willie Park, Jr., design largely defined by its
undulating property that yields massive climbs on the first and 10th holes and huge drops, such
as the awesome 18th along the Elbow River, one Canada’s best closers.

33

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Doug Carrick’s Ridge Course at Predator Ridge exudes beauty with its wooded hillside setting
and holes carved through exposed rock outcroppings and tall pines near the waters of Lake
Okanagan. In true Carrick fashion, there is more margin for error off tees than into greens.

34

Royal Colwood

Victoria, B.C.

PRIVATE

A.V. Macan, 1913

SG Rating: 7.9035

2022 Rank: 49

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The narrowness of Vancouver Island’s Royal Colwood thanks to the towering, 500-year-old
Douglas Fir trees lining its fairways is perhaps the course’s calling card, but that shouldn’t
outweigh the excellent ridge-filled terrain on which A.V. Macan’s design sits. Great greens add
to its quality.

35

St. Thomas

Union, Ont.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1922 (Robbie Robinson)

SG Rating: 7.8900

2022 Rank: 43

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Known to locals as Union, the Stanley Thompson designed St. Thomas is a gorgeous course that
smartly utilizes the property’s many valleys. The front-nine par 4s are excellent while the
course’s many sloped greens keep golfers on their toes. The ninth is a classic Thompson long
par 3.

36

Weston

Toronto, Ont.

PRIVATE

Willie Park, Jr., 1920 (Doug Carrick)

SG Rating: 7.8862

2022 Rank: 31

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Weston’s strongest quality is the variety in its holes. The yardage and direction of every par 3 is
different, the 4s require smart decisions off the tee, and the 5s play both uphill and down. The
drop-shot second, with a rail trestle in the distance, is the Toronto course’s signature.

37

Cherry Hill

Ridgeway, Ont.

PRIVATE

Walter J. Travis, 1922 (Ian Andrew)

SG Rating: 7.8738

2022 Rank: 44

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If there were a Top 100 subcategory for best flat golf course, Walter Travis’ Cherry Hill would be
a frontrunner. Brilliant greens, surrounding run-off areas and elegant bunkering take your
attention away from the property’s lack of elevation. Cherry Hill is a pure course one would
never tire of playing.

38

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Hosting the Presidents Cup this year for a second time, the Blue Course at Royal Montreal is an
original Dick Wilson design renovated by Rees Jones ahead of the 2007 matches. Multi-tiered
greens defend par while the five-hole finishing stretch is full of risk-reward shots.

39

Mad River

Creemore, Ont.

PRIVATE

Bob Cupp, 1991

SG Rating: 7.8727

2022 Rank: 38

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The late Bob Cupp is known in Canadian golf course architecture circles mostly for his work at
Beacon Hall. However, his creation farther north near Collinwood, Ont., is also excellent.
Demanding but fair, Mad River is a walkable course on excellent land with 18 solid holes.

40

Bigwin Island

Lake of Bays, Ont.

PRIVATE

Doug Carrick, 2001

SG Rating: 7.8638

2022 Rank: 33

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Accessible only by ferry or float plane, Doug Carrick’s Bigwin Island is big and beautiful and
never too demanding. Wide fairways and large greens keep the round enjoyable, with the
stunning sixth and 18th holes the most memorable thanks to their Lake of Bays backdrop.

41

Redtail

St. Thomas, Ont.

PRIVATE

Donald Steel, 1992

SG Rating: 7.8626

2022 Rank: 39

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Donald Steel’s Redtail is largely known for being unknown. The ultra-exclusive club sometimes
hosts just a few a handful of golfers per day. As for the course, the minimalist design contains
fewer than 30 bunkers and some fantastic, yet small, greens. The downhill par-3 ninth is
particularly pretty.

42

Rocky Crest

MacTier, Ont.

RESORT

Thomas McBroom, 2000

SG Rating: 7.8570

2022 Rank: 36

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The golf course that put Thomas McBroom on the map, Rocky Crest continues to be an
enjoyable play in Ontario’s Muskoka Region. McBroom’s strong routing here shows off the
rugged rocky outcroppings of the Canadian Shield while also navigating through wetlands and a
forested terrain.

43

Grand-Mère

Shawinigan, Que.

PUBLIC

Walter Travis/Hugh Allison, 1922

SG Rating: 7.8544

2022 Rank: NR

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Courtesy Beyond The Contour

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An off-the-beaten track club that raters have only recently discovered, Grand-Mère was an
early 20th century collaboration between Walter Travis and Hugh Allison. Excellent rugged
bunkering, great greens and plenty of movement in the land make this throwback course a
delight.

44

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Doug Carrick’s tribute to Pine Valley, the Hoot Course at TPC Toronto is tremendous fun with 18
isolated holes running through tall pines and navigating rugged waste bunkers. Smartly,
Carrick’s routing offers just as many breather holes as beasts, one often following the other.

45

The Algonquin

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, N.B.

PUBLIC

Donald Ross, 1927 (Thomas McBroom, Rod Whitman)

SG Rating: 7.8335

2022 Rank: 60

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One of the best course renovations in recent years occurred at The Algonquin, where Rod
Whitman worked his magic on the New Brunswick beauty originally designed by Donald Ross
and overhauled by Thomas McBroom. Whitman’s rugged bunkering refreshed the layout while
the four holes he rebuilt or remodelled to begin the back nine are among the best in Canada.

46

Big Sky

Pemberton, B.C.

PUBLIC

Bob Cupp, 1994

SG Rating: 7.8327

2022 Rank: 42

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Laid out over lake-filled land at the base of the dominating Mount Currie, what Big Sky lacks in
undulation from tee to green it makes up for with cool green complexes featuring a lot of
movement. Bob Cupp wasn’t given a dynamite piece of property, but he crafted some excellent
holes amid breathtaking scenery.

47

Waskesiu

Waskesiu Lake, Sask.

PUBLIC

J.H. Atkinson/Stanley Thompson, 1935

SG Rating: 7.8306

2022 Rank: 83

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Like many of Stanley Thompson’s courses, the rumpled land on which Waskesiu was laid out is
the star of the show. Thompson was a co-creator here and his imagination is on full display as
the ground can be both a friend and an enemy to the golfer.

48

Port Carling G&CC

Port Carling, Ont.

PRIVATE

Thomas McBroom, 1991

SG Rating: 7.8021

2022 Rank: 40

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The private Port Carling is not discussed as much as other Muskoka, Ontario, clubs such as
Muskoka Bay, Rocky Crest or even Oviinbyrd, but Thomas McBroom’s creation here is a strong
one with big elevation changes decorated by exposed rock, distinctive bunkering and neat
green sites.

49

Essex

LaSalle, Ont.

PRIVATE

Donald Ross, 1929

SG Rating: 7.7988

2022 Rank: 48

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Essex is another design that outshines the land on which it was built. On mostly flat terrain,
Donald Ross’s pushed up, though accessible and well-contoured, greens are the defining
characteristic of this course. So too is its excellent bunkering.

50

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Sitting just inside the top 50, the gorgeous Mt. Kidd course at Kananaskis Country is the better
of the two layouts at the 36-hole Canmore, Alta., mountain delight. Mt. Kidd winds through
dense trees, with the Kananaskis River and glacial creeks coming into play on several holes.

51

Ottawa Hunt – South, West

Ottawa, Ont.

PRIVATE

Willie Park, Jr., 1920 (Thomas McBroom, Michael Hurdzan)

SG Rating: 7.7744

2022 Rank: 55

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Originally laid out by Willie Park, Jr., the South and West nines at Ottawa Hunt were most
recently renovated by Michael Hurdzan. Before and after, the course’s quality is owed to its
subtle, yet rolling, sandy land. Host of two recent Canadian Women’s Opens, the Hunt was
beloved by all players.

52

Summit

Richmond Hill, Ont.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1919 (Robbie Robinson, Doug Carrick)

SG Rating: 7.7739

2022 Rank: 47

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Summit, a Stanley Thompson design reworked by Doug Carrick, was built on yet another
excellent city site for golf. Just north of Toronto proper, it climbs and drops and twists and turns
from start to finish, with its first and 18th holes fantastic bookmarks to an enjoyable round.

53

Riverside

Saskatoon, Sask.

PRIVATE

Bill Kinnear, 1912 (Wayne Carleton)

SG Rating: 7.7630

2022 Rank: 64

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The charming Riverside Country Club was originally laid out by Scottish architect Bill Kinnear in
the early 20th century and was most recently enhanced by Graham Cooke and Wayne Carleton.
A 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur co-host, Riverside boasts a phenomenal 18th hole along the
South Saskatchewan River.

54

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The original course at Osprey Valley, which has since added TPC Toronto to its moniker, the
Heathlands was Doug Carrick’s first try at a links-style layout and he hit a homerun. The course
requires every shot in your bag and can be beastly in the wind. Carrick’s green complexes here
are outstanding.

55

Dundarave

Roseneath, P.E.I.

PUBLIC

Michael Hurdzan/Dana Fry, 1999

SG Rating: 7.7403

2022 Rank: 73

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Though it’s not Prince Edward Island’s top-ranked course, Dundarave is the favourite of many
locals and visitors alike. Its red-sand bunkers and holes along the Brudenell River make for
stunning visuals. The most noteworthy assignment on the Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry
course is the stunning par-4 eighth.

56

Burlington G&CC

Burlington, Ont.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1924 (Doug Carrick)

SG Rating: 7.7375

2022 Rank: 61

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Burlington is a golf course that has received more and more love from our panellists in recent
years and rightly so. A tree removal program helped the Stanley Thompson design
tremendously, but the real genius here is in the course’s wonderful land and Stanley
Thompson’s classic contouring.

57

Vancouver GC

Coquitlam, B.C.

PRIVATE

Mike Gardiner/Alex Duthie/Ted Locke, 2011

SG Rating: 7.7291

2022 Rank: 77

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After making its Top 100 debut in 2022, Vancouver Golf Club jumps 20 spots up the list to land
at 57. The Coquitlam course boasts excellent topography and surprising roominess despite the
towering trees lining fairways. The Vancouver skyline is visible from several of its holes,
including the 18th.

58

Lookout Point

Fonthill, Ont.

PRIVATE

Walter J. Travis, 1922 (Ian Andrew)

SG Rating: 7.7283

2022 Rank: 71

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Both nines on the exceptional Walter J. Travis-designed Lookout Point begin with a bang —
downhill par 4s offering views of the Niagara Falls skyline in the distance. The rest of the course
is mostly flat but with fantastic fairway contouring. Small greens keep you on your toes.

59

Royal Ottawa

Gatineau, Que.

PRIVATE

Tom Bendelow/Willie Park, Jr., 1904 (Graham Cooke, Neil Haworth)

SG Rating: 7.7276

2022 Rank: 84

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Royal Ottawa was originally laid out by Tom Bendelow, whose work was followed by that of
Willie Park, Jr. The plunging property on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River yields a number of quality short par 4s and outstanding par 3s. Back-to-back one-shot holes occur at 11 and 12,
while the closer plays right up to the impressive clubhouse.

60

MISSISSAUGUA G&CC

Mississauga, Ont.

PRIVATE

George Cumming/Stanley Thompson, 1922 (Doug Carrick)

SG Rating: 7.7240

2022 Rank: 46

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Originally a collaboration between Stanley Thompson and George Cumming, Mississauga has
been reworked many times by many different architects. Played largely in a valley, winding
holes navigating the Credit River make for a challenging, yet peaceful, round. The club will host
the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open.

61

Georgian Bay

Clarksburg, Ont.

PRIVATE

Michael Hurdzan/Jason Straka, 2004

SG Rating: 7.7105

2022 Rank: 53

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Overlooking the body of water for which it is named, Georgian Bay is largely the work of
architect Jason Straka. Straka designed the course with wide fairways, large greens and
dramatic, flashed-face bunkering both for eye-candy and to catch errant shots. Plunging holes
overlooking the bay are a highlight.

62

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Less-heralded than its Quebec counterpart, Royal Montreal, Laval-sur-le-Lac boasts two
excellent tracks with the Green Course ranked 62nd in Canada. The original Willie Park, Jr.,
design received a bunker makeover by Ian Andrew and its gorgeous fairways and devilish
greens make this a test of brains over brawn.

63

Brantford G&CC

Brantford, Ont.

PRIVATE

Nicol Thompson, 1919 (C.E. Robinson, Whitman, Axland & Cutten)

SG Rating: 7.6864

2022 Rank: 69

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A Nicol Thompson design, Brantford has been revitalized by the firm of Whitman, Axland &
Cutten, which redid its bunkers and some greens on the heels of a much-needed tree removal
project. Above the Grand River, Brantford requires precision off the tee and creativity around
its greens.

64

Eagles Nest

Maple, Ont.

PUBLIC

Doug Carrick, 2004

SG Rating: 7.6850

2022 Rank: 50

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A visual feast that is perhaps Doug Carrick’s boldest design, Eagles Nest was crafted from an old
sand and gravel pit and features fairways running through giant sculpted dunes adorned by
golden fescue. The vast suburbia property’s high points offer views of downtown Toronto.

65

Maple Downs

Maple, Ont.

PRIVATE

William F. Mitchell, 1954 (Ian Andrew)

SG Rating: 7.6836

2022 Rank: 65

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North of Toronto, Maple Downs was designed by William F. Mitchell on an awesome piece of
billowing property. Hillside green sites with slick surfaces and fairways through valleys highlight
the course, which got a facelift from Ian Andrew in recent times.

66

Rosedale

Toronto, Ont.

PRIVATE

Donald Ross, 1919

SG Rating: 7.6713

2022 Rank: 68

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At Donald Ross’s Rosedale, located in the heart of Toronto, golfers begin their round steps from
a hilltop pro shop and then traverse a classic routing through upper and lower valleys. A varied
and awesome collection of par 3s and the bunkerless 14th hole are the highlights of this
fantastic course.

67

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The new anchor course for the RBC Canadian Open, the North Course at TPC Toronto was given
a makeover by Ian Andrew. In consultation with the PGA Tour, all bunkers were redone, trees
were removed and new tee decks were added. The finishing hole at the base of a grand new
clubhouse is an excellent and daring par 5.

68

Tarandowah

Avon, Ont.

PUBLIC

Martin Hawtree, 2007

SG Rating: 7.6438

2022 Rank: 75

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Martin Hawtree’s Tarandowah plays more like a links course than any other attempt to
manufacture that style of golf in Canada. The course begins slowly but picks up steam by the
fifth hole, with awesome bunkering, firm turf, gnarly fescue and shapely greens making for a
fun and intriguing day.

69

Cutten Fields

Guelph, Ont.

PRIVATE

Chick Evans/Stanley Thompson, 1931 (Ian Andrew, Jeff Mingay)

SG Rating: 7.6432

2022 Rank: NR

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A layout imagined by American Chick Evans and brought to life by Stanley Thompson, Cutten
Fields recently underwent a restoration by architect Jeff Mingay in collaboration with the club.
Bigger greens, smaller, elegant bunkers and the removal of many trees made the club’s name
change back to Fields appropriate.

70

The Glencoe – Forest

Calgary, Alta.

PRIVATE

Robert Trent Jones, Jr., 1984 (Trent Jones, Jr.)

SG Rating: 7.6363

2022 Rank: 51

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Glencoe’s Forest Course is not for the faint of heart, with well-protected, raised greens
requiring precise iron play. Though the property is largely flat, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., ensured
interest by routing the course around vast hazards. The Forest is most definitely the players’
course in Calgary.

71

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One of his later Muskoka-area efforts, Thomas McBroom’s Ridge at Manitou is tamer than
some of his other courses but is nevertheless quite dramatic. Once again, McBroom
incorporated rocky outcroppings into his design with the par-5 18th, featuring a lake backdrop,
the best hole here.

72

Wildfire

Lakefield, Ont.

PRIVATE

Thomas McBroom, 2003

SG Rating: 7.6169

2022 Rank: 76

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Thomas McBroom’s Wildfire uses parts of the Canadian shield for aesthetic beauty and
secluded playing corridors. The course traverses through a variety of different landscapes, with
woodlands, marshlands and heathlands coming into play and McBroom mixes bold holes with
subtler efforts.

73

Talking Rock

Chase, B.C.

PUBLIC

Graham Cooke/Wayne Carleton, 2007

SG Rating: 7.6155

2022 Rank: 62

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The word on Graham Cooke and Wayne Carleton’s Talking Rock has been out for a while now.
The pair altered a routing by Les Furber and created a fantastic course with dramatic mountain
views and an amazing finishing hole along Little Shuswap Lake. The course was largely spared
from last summer’s devastating area fires.

74

Scarboro G&CC

Scarborough, Ont.

PRIVATE

A.W. Tillinghast, 1912 (Ian Andrew/Gil Hanse)

SG Rating: 7.6087

2022 Rank: 72

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The lone remaining Canadian design of A.W. Tillinghast, Scarboro was built on a dramatic
property full of drops, twists and turns. The east-end Toronto layout has several great short par
4s and a unique finishing frame where golfers must hit across a road in front of the tee deck.

75

Black Bear Ridge

Belleville, Ont.

PUBLIC

Brian Magee, 2005

SG Rating: 7.6015

2022 Rank: 63

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The late Brian Magee bypassed big-name architects to design his Black Bear Ridge course
himself and the result is commendable. The Belleville, Ont., course features several wonderful
drop-shot holes and a climbing par-5 closer that demands your attention.

76

Glendale

Edmonton, Alta.

PRIVATE

Norman Woods, 1960

SG Rating: 7.5961

2022 Rank: NR

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Edmonton’s Glendale is the design work of former Stanley Thompson associate Norman
Woods. Built through a forested landscape, its front nine features a unique routing of three par
3s, three par 4s and three par 5s. Overall, the property is quite dramatic and picturesque.

77

Magna

Aurora, Ont.

PRIVATE

Doug Carrick, 2000

SG Rating: 7.5890

2022 Rank: 93

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The opulent Magna is a big, bold, bunker-filled course by Doug Carrick that played host to the
best women golfers in the world at the 2019 CPKC Women’s Open. Conditioning is marvellous
but the architecture is good too, with Carrick’s par 5s here particularly well crafted.

78

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With two Rod Whitman nines built a decade apart, the Links Course at Wolf Creek is favoured
slightly over Whitman’s original course at the Edmonton-area club. That’s likely because of the
newer side, where Whitman’s trademark blowout bunkers and cool greens really shine.

79

Muskoka Lakes

Port Carling, Ont.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1922 (Doug Carrick)

SG Rating: 7.5835

2022 Rank: NR

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Stanley Thompson’s 100-plus-year-old Muskoka Lakes is a short but charming course with some
wonderful par 3s and a number of exciting short par 4s. Its lovely setting and fine finishing hole
have helped it to a Top 100 position for the first time, and it debuts at No. 79.

80

Copper Creek

Kleinburg, Ont.

PUBLIC

Doug Carrick, 2002

SG Rating: 7.5833

2022 Rank: 74

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Doug Carrick’s Copper Creek makes use of varied terrain, with several front-nine holes winding
through a wooded valley and most of the back nine laid out over tabletop land. The drop-shot
10th, guarded by water, tempts golfers with how much of the hazard they wish to take on.

81

Windermere

Edmonton, Alta.

PRIVATE

C.E. Robinson, 1957 (Bill Robinson)

SG Rating: 7.5816

2022 Rank: 58

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Southwest of Edmonton, Windermere is an excellent test on the banks of the North
Saskatchewan River. The river comes into play on the back nine, while inland water hazards also
protect par. The peninsula-green par-3 12th is one of the layout’s more daunting holes.

82

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Subtler than its Mountain Course counterpart, but still dramatic thanks to its rocky and wooded
terrain, the Valley Course at Bear Mountain is a lovely track. While roomy off the tee, the Jack
and Steve Nicklaus design is defended by tiered greens and waste bunkering.

83

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All eyes will be on the Blue Course at Royal Montreal come September’s Presidents Cup, but
the club’s Red Course is equally worthy of praise. The course remains largely as Dick Wilson laid
it out, with small greens and doglegged holes making positioning paramount.

84

Cobble Beach

Owen Sound, Ont.

PUBLIC

Doug Carrick, 2006

SG Rating: 7.5588

2022 Rank: 87

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Cobble Beach is a stunning links-like course on the shores of Georgian Bay. Though the
highlights are those holes running towards the water, such as the cascading seventh and
lighthouse-hole 17th, Carrick’s inland work is good, too. Severe collection areas around greens
make missing targets a problem.

85

Dundas Valley

Dundas, Ont.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1930 (David Moote)

SG Rating: 7.5578

2022 Rank: 99

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Dundas Valley’s trademark is most definitely its difficult, yet ingenious, greens, which are
heavily influenced by the Niagara Escarpment the Stanley Thompson design fits into nicely. The
home course of Mackenzie Hughes, the property features a lot of movement from tee to green.

86

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The Old Course at Wolf Creek was Rod Whitman’s first solo design and the hometown architect
delivered with native fescue areas, nasty pot bunkers and spacious, undulating greens. The
resort has seen better times but Whitman’s courses there are no less intriguing.

87

Deer Ridge

Kitchener, Ont.

PRIVATE

Thomas McBroom, 1991

SG Rating: 7.5484

2022 Rank: 81

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Thomas McBroom’s Deer Ridge in Kitchener, Ont., abuts the Grand River and is full of strong,
strategic holes that prelude one of the toughest finishing stretches anywhere. The downhill,
water-fronted-and-flanked par-3 16th is particularly strong.

88

Royal Mayfair

Edmonton, Alta.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1927 (Les Furber, Ted Locke)

SG Rating: 7.5454

2022 Rank: 66

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A Stanley Thompson design tweaked by different architects over the years, Royal Mayfair sits
above the North Saskatchewan River and features holes meandering through tall evergreens.
Restoring the course back to Thompson’s vision would elevate Royal Mayfair further.

89

Taboo

Gravenhurst, Ont.

PUBLIC

Ron Garl, 2002 (Alan Chudnovsky)

SG Rating: 7.5446

2022 Rank: 95

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Designed by Ron Garl, Taboo was refreshed by Alan Chud and the club’s turf team. New white-
sand bunkers have beautified the resort course in Ontario cottage country, though the granite
rock outcroppings that define Muskoka golf still take centre stage.

90

Point Grey

Vancouver, B.C.

PRIVATE

David Ayton, Jr., 1924 (Riley Johns)

SG Rating: 7.5435

2022 Rank: 79

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Point Grey is a solid David Ayton, Jr., design enhanced in recent years by Riley Johns, who
constructed three new holes of fine fescue grass. The bunkering here is awesome throughout,
and if the club purses a masterplan put forth by Johns, it will surely rise in these rankings.

91

Northumberland Links

Pugwash, N.S.

PUBLIC

Bill Robinson, 1988 (Christine Fraser)

SG Rating: 7.5411

2022 Rank: NR

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Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Links, the ocean-side design by Bill Robinson, makes its Top 100
debut after Hurricane Fiona destroyed trees that had choked fairways and obstructed views.
With the hardwoods gone, the course has improved. Its vistas are complemented by excellent
green complexes.

92

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Les Furber didn’t hold back when designing the original course at Predator Ridge. The thrilling
layout relies on heavy elevation changes, pot bunkers, rollicking greens and wispy fescue to
overload the golfer’s senses. It’s a fun ride and checks in at 92 on this year’s list.

93

Kawartha

Peterborough, Ont.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1938 (Ian Andrew)

SG Rating: 7.5369

2022 Rank: 120

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Stanley Thompson was given some amazing parcels of land to work with and that was certainly
the case at Peterborough, Ont.’s Kawartha. The course moves brilliantly and its bunkering is
sensational. As he often does, Thompson gives and takes with his par-3 holes at this course.

94

Eagle Ranch

Invermere, B.C.

PUBLIC

Bill Robinson, 2000

SG Rating: 7.5358

2022 Rank: 85

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Bill Robinson’s Eagle Ranch is a lovely resort course with some cool holes built along ancient
bluffs overlooking the Columbia River. Sandwiched between the Rocky and Purcell Mountain
ranges, the picturesque layout navigates meandering creeks and streams.

95

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The two nines that largely comprised the club’s composite course for the 2023 RBC Canadian
Open, Oakdale’s Homenuik and Knudson layouts complement one another. Stanley
Thompson’s Homenuik nine is hillier while Robbie Robinson’s Knudson nine is subtle. Ian
Andrew did yeoman’s work improving the overall layout.

96

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The Hawk Course at Priddis Greens, designed by Bill Newis on spectacular property, struts its
best stuff in the middle of the round where elevation changes amid the foothills of the Alberta
Rockies dominate the routing.

97

Cataraqui

Kingston, Ont.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1917 (Doug Carrick)

SG Rating: 7.5297

2022 Rank: 94

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Cataraqui, near Lake Ontario in south Kingston, is sometimes plagued by conditioning issues,
but its Stanley Thompson design is of high quality and the course has one of the best sets of par
3s in Canada. Like all Thompson courses, the bunkering here is fascinating.

98

Beaconsfield

Point Claire, Que.

PRIVATE

Stanley Thompson, 1939 (Jeff Mingay)

SG Rating: 7.5288

2022 Rank: 100

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An original Willie Park Junior design that was overhauled by Stanley Thompson and restored by
Jeff Mingay, Beaconsfield is a well-regarded course that requires pinpoint accuracy. The
signature 15th, backed by a 30-foot rock wall, is appropriately called Gibraltar.

99

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The Mt. Lorette course at Kananaskis Country has yo-yoed on recent lists and is now in the 99th
spot. Its gorgeous Rocky Mountain setting is no doubt the layout’s defining quality, though
Lorette’s playability helps it score high on fun factor.

100

Northern Bear

Sherwood Park, Alta.

PUBLIC

Jack Nicklaus, 2002

SG Rating: 7.5272

2022 Rank: 70

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A Jack Nicklaus Signature course featuring fairways that blend seamlessly with tall trees and
several lakes, Northern Bear is this year’s Top 100 bubble course. Long a popular pick for public
golfers around Edmonton, the course is subtle and enjoyable.

THE NEXT 30

People don’t only love lists such as this, they love knowing what just missed cracking the list. With that in mind, we present those courses that finished 101st to 130th on this year’s ranking. As per our qualification rules, courses must have been rated by at least 10 panellists to be eligible for consideration.

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