Host of the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur, Royal Ottawa’s rich heritage is proudly on display utilizing the natural terrain to guide the layout. Shaped by golden age architects Willie Park jr and Tom Bendelow - its strategic elements and timeless elegance offers a compelling test that blends history and enduring charm for an experience both refined and demanding.

Largely inspired by Ireland’s Portmarnock Golf Club, the Heathlands course’s fescue-covered dunes, deep bunkers and wildly contoured green complexes shine bright at this 1992 gem from Doug Carrick.

Originally influenced by Donald Ross and refined by Thomas McBroom at the turn of the century, The Algonquin now boasts a mostly Rod Whitman and Keith Cutten design. Blending strategic interest, breathtaking scenery, and tons of ground effect features that harken back to the games Scottish roots.

If there was any golf course to recommend on the basic study of golf architecture in Canada, Waterton Lakes would be it. Its subtle, yet intricate routing is a master work in design. Like the principles of design work on early Scottish golf links, the golf course flows with the land. Its understated nature contrasts sharply against the majestic Rocky Mountains displaying a timeless piece of elegance.

The title of best municipal golf course in Canada likely belongs to a little known golf course in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Here, Hubert Cooke and later Sid Puddicombe developed a golf course that delivers a grand experience with minimal resources constraints.

If Cooke Municipal was not your choice for best municipal golf course in Canada, Lakeview should be. This Herbert Strong golf course sits across the road from The Toronto Golf Club. But while Toronto sits behind many closed doors, Lakeview’s accessibility and grand architectural characteristics sit ready and waiting for everyone to enjoy.