Golf in Hamilton

Spread across 270 historic acres, Knollwood Golf Course is a challenging 36-hole facility comprised of the Old Course set right alongside the New Course—both designed by well-regarded course superintendent Jack Harris in 1970 and 1990, respectively. Players can opt for a round on the Old Course or the New Course links and enjoy hole designs that embrace the natural Ancaster topography. Elevated tees and long, perplexing par 5 holes with ominous names such as Buried Treasure and Redemption lead to finely timed fairways that open up into stirring panoramas. The New Course entices advanced club swingers, and the Old Course's more accessible series of par 4 holes with large, accommodating greens is appealing for beginners.

Knollwood players don clean-cut golf attire and enjoy a golfer's paradise that has been open to the public since 1970 and keeps players happy with sprightly paced 10-minute tee times, on-site restaurants and beverage carts, and a "no-argue" rain cheque policy. The facility's proud groundskeepers maintain large, naturalized areas on the course intended to encourage the wildlife to thrive and occasionally join in on a game.

Originally sculpted into the rolling terrain of western New York in 1920, South Shore’s 18-hole course invites golfers of all stripes to conquer its pristine fairways. The grassy monolith stretches across 150 acres of scenic, parkland terrain, where players must shape their shots around babbling creeks, mature trees, and lakes where discontent golf balls live out fantasies of becoming submarines in search of Atlantis, the Utopian land responsible for the Arnold Palmer drink. A pro shop and clubhouse sit on the scenic hillsides, beckoning players with post-round beverages, upgraded golf accessories, and slice-prone spirits yelling “fore” at one another.

The high-definition simulators at Jarzie’s Indoor Simulated Golf virtually transport players to such legendary loops as Bethpage Black, Pebble Beach, and Banff Springs without the hassles of international travel and exorbitant greens fees. In addition to producing accurate three-dimensional renditions of nearly two dozen courses, the computerized system captures critical swing parameters such as ball speed and launch angle, allowing players to better their game as they pummel shots down fairways, shoot for the flagsticks, and try to outrun each hole’s computer-generated yeti. When combined, the clear video playback and swing analysis also highlight areas of weakness that can later be addressed during private lessons with the resident CPGA professionals.

The rippling waters of the West Humber River wend their way through the nine-hole, par 35 course at Riverstone Golf & Country Club. The river’s meandering route turns fairways into tricky doglegs, and two expansive ponds tempt dimpled orbs to slip on their swimsuits and practice swan dives. The course hosts 2,800 yards of stately trees that hug putting greens and a bevy of bunkers that summon sand wedges from their afternoon naps. After a day on the course or during the club's private and semi-private lessons, golfers can relax at the country club’s Bistro at Riverstone, where a seasonally rotating menu features casual fare such as prime-rib burgers or upscale entrees such as jalapeno- and shallot-crusted salmon. Players can sip a cold beer and watch the sun set from the patio as they plan their aging putter's upcoming retirement party.

For more than 40 years, golfers of all stripes have swung golf balls through the arboreal alleyways of Fort Erie Golf Club’s 18-hole par 57 course. Stately oak and willow trees frame the emerald fairways and provide shade over interspersed ponds and shallow bunkers placed greenside on multiple holes. The front nine finishes on a peanut-shaped green characterized by dramatic breaks, a treacherous sand trap, and a flagstick with dreams of becoming an Olympic javelin. The driving range and putting green invite swingers to hone their form, and the clubhouse’s patio invites guests to relax with a beverage from Parskey’s Pub as they count the dimples in each of their golf balls and discard any with frown lines.

Castlemore Golf & Country Club's semi-private 9-hole course challenges golfers with a triple threat of tight fairways, small greens, and numerous water hazards. As obstacles abound, players are forced into nerve-racking shot situations, forcing them to make deft club selections or play conservatively by putting through the entire course. Four par 3s and a lack of par 5s make scoring the par of 32 a possibility for scratch golfers, though three sets of tees per hole ensure enjoyment for players of all abilities. After the round, clubbers can retire to the pro shop for new equipment or a shirt that hasn't just returned from swimming in the course ponds. An elegant, Carolina-inspired clubhouse also houses a restaurant and event centre that seats up to 200 guests and features a terrace that overlooks the 18th green.

Course at a Glance:

• 9-hole, par 32 course
• Total distance of 2,253 yards from back tees
• Three sets of tees