Olivia TaylorFore! If you’re tired of slicing your drives into the Rideau Canal and watching your putts roll further away from the hole than your hopes of breaking 90, maybe it’s time to upgrade your golfing experience.
Ottawa might be best known for politics and poutine, but tucked within the city limits are some surprisingly stellar public golf courses. In fact, that’s what we’re here for today. Let’s explore Ottawa’s top public links, where the views are better than your scorecard (hopefully).
The Marshes Golf Club
– Media from marshesgolfclub
Location: 320 Terry Fox Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3L1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-271-3370
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
This championship course boasts a unique pedigree: a final collaboration between legendary designers Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Sr. Their expertise is woven into every challenging hole where each one is a testament to their legacy in golf course architecture.
But The Marshes goes beyond stunning design. After conquering (or valiantly attempting to conquer) the 18-hole championship course (clocking in at a par-72 and a challenging 7,026 yards!), unwind at the clubhouse or indulge in delicious fare at the Ironstone Grill.
Feeling like a shorter game? The Marshes offers the 9-hole Marchwood short course – perfect for honing your skills or a casual round with friends. And if putting your passion, you can test your precision on the 18-hole Blackbird Falls putting course.
Cedarhill Golf and Country Club
– Media from cedarhillgolfclub
Location: 56 Cedarhill Dr, Nepean, ON K2R 1C5, Canada
Contact: +1 613-825-2186
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Established in 1966, this 18-hole public course delivers a country club experience without the membership fees. Its par-70 layout stretches from 5,135 to 6,316 yards, providing enough challenge to keep seasoned golfers on their toes while remaining approachable for those honing their swing.
Cedarhill has a well-stocked pro shop, run by CPGA professionals, which is a haven for both top-notch advice and equipment upgrades. Plus, they offer club storage, cleaning facilities, and a fleet of power carts, taking the hassle out of your game.
After navigating the strategically placed traps and tree-lined fairways, you can unwind in the “Player’s Lounge” restaurant and patio. This social hub is open to members and non-members.
The Meadows Golf Club
– Media from meadowsgolfandcountryclub
Location: 4335 Hawthorne Rd, Gloucester, ON K1G 3N4, Canada
Contact: +1 613-822-2582
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
This sprawling facility packs a punch with its unique 36-hole setup. It’s not just about playing the same course twice – The Meadows boasts four distinct 9-hole layouts, offering a golfer’s smorgasbord of variety and challenge.
Flexibility is the name of the game here. Craving a classic test? Combine two traditional parkland nines for rolling fairways and strategic bunkering. Feeling adventurous? Mix it up with a links-inspired spread followed by a tree-lined gauntlet demanding accuracy off the tee.
Need to hone your swing? PGA instruction is available. And for those seeking that “home course” feel, season passes offer the benefits of membership, minus the long-term commitment.
Emerald Links Golf & Country Club
– Media from emeraldlinks
Location: 6357 Emerald Links Dr, Greely, ON K4P 1M4, Canada
Contact: +1 613-822-4653
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Established in 1990, this semi-private club has come a long way, now boasting a whopping 27 holes of varied play across three distinct courses – West/South, South/East, and East/West.
Emerald Links delivers that perfect balance: the polished feel of a private club but with the accessibility of a public course. Whether you’re seeking a traditional test across rolling terrain or something wilder with links-style twists, you’ll find one that suits your style.
And the best part? They won’t break the bank, so all that cash you save on green fees can go straight towards celebrating (or commiserating) those birdies at their clubhouse restaurant and patio.
Loch March Golf & Country Club
– Media from lochmarchgolf
Location: 1755 Old Carp Rd, Kanata, ON K2K 1X7, Canada
Contact: +1 613-839-5401
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Founded in 1987, the meticulously designed course stretches across 300 acres of pristine March Highlands forest. More than just a round of golf, this is a mind-rejuvenating experience.
Legendary course designer Gordon Witteveen sculpted Loch March with a “no two holes alike” philosophy. Each of its 18 holes presents a unique challenge within a beautiful natural tapestry.
Tree-lined fairways demand precision, elevated tees offer breathtaking vistas and strategically placed bunkers will test your escape artistry. Every shot here requires both skill and strategic thinking!
Ottawa Golf Club – Irish Hills Golf & Country Club
– Media from irishhillsgolfottawa
Location: 3248 Carp Rd, Carp, ON K0A 1L0, Canada
Contact: +1 613-839-4653
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Forget manicured tracks with predictable holes – this 27-hole spread unfolds across rolling terrain, demanding a savvy mix of bold drives and precise iron play.
Established in 1989, Irish Hills had time to mature into a true golf test. While wide fairways may tempt you to unleash your inner Bryson DeChambeau, those well-guarded greens are where finesse becomes your secret weapon.
With multiple combinations of nines to choose from, you’re guaranteed a fresh challenge every time you tee it up.
Falcon Ridge Golf Club
– Media from falconridge.golf
Location: 4740 High Rd, Gloucester, ON K1X 1B3, Canada
Contact: +1 613-822-6742
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
The story of Falcon Ridge starts with flexibility. Their two distinct courses – the 18-hole Championship layout and the 9-hole Raceview – provide everything from a traditional challenge to a quick round when time is tight.
Fairways range from generous to those demanding precise tee shots, making each hole a strategic puzzle alongside the test of pure skill.
Plus, their recently remodelled clubhouse and the “Out of Bounds” restaurant provide the perfect place to refuel after your round, adding a social element to the pure golfing experience.
