Top Ontario Golf Cities on TeeTime Golf Pass
Ontario’s five largest cities each contribute to the province’s rich golf culture. Here’s how they stand out, especially with the newly integrated TeeTime Golf Pass Ontario (formerly the Golf Fore All program):
- Toronto (GTA): As Canada’s largest city, Toronto anchors a metropolitan area packed with golf. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) features numerous courses offering TeeTime Golf Pass deals. Within Toronto proper, Royal Woodbine Golf Club near the airport is a popular public course included in the program. Toronto golfers enjoy a mix of classic courses and modern indoor golf facilities, ensuring you can swing a club year-round. The GTA’s courses range from cozy municipal tracks to elite clubs – so whether you’re looking for a casual afternoon or a PGA Tour-level test like TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, which hosted the Canadian Open, the Toronto area has you covered.
- Ottawa: Canada’s capital city boasts a passionate golf community and scenic courses on both the Ontario and Quebec sides of the Ottawa River. While Ottawa was newly added to the TeeTime Golf Pass family (via Golf Fore All) and the program’s deals historically focused more on central Ontario, local golfers have plenty to be excited about. Ottawa’s golfing highlights include tree-lined parkland courses and championship layouts like the Royal Ottawa and Eagle Creek. The city has also hosted major tournaments, such as the CP Women’s Open, showcasing its status as a golf hub. As TeeTime Golf Pass expands in Ontario, Ottawa-area courses are poised to join, meaning capital-region golfers can look forward to more savings close to home.
- Mississauga: Just west of Toronto, Mississauga is one of Ontario’s biggest cities and home to several well-known courses. Many of the city’s municipal courses (like BraeBen and Lakeview) are beloved for their accessibility and value. Mississauga golfers can take advantage of nearby partner courses in the GTA region. For example, a short drive from Mississauga’s center brings you to deals at courses in Oakville and Milton (such as Deerfield Golf Club in Oakville). Essentially, Mississauga benefits from being part of the broader Toronto golf scene – local players can easily tap into the pass’s Toronto tee time deals and enjoy a wide variety of golfing options within a 30-minute drive.
- Brampton: A fast-growing city in the GTA, Brampton offers a mix of challenging and beginner-friendly courses. Through the Golf Fore All program, Brampton is represented by courses like Goreway Drive Golf Course (formerly Parkshore), a convenient local course offering discounted rounds to passholders. Brampton’s golf scene is known for its relaxed, community vibe – from the tree-lined fairways of Peel Village Golf Course (a local 9-hole gem) to nearby full-length courses just outside the city. With Brampton’s diverse population embracing the game, the TeeTime Golf Pass helps make golf more affordable here, encouraging newcomers and families to get out on the links together.
- Hamilton: Steeped in golfing history, the Hamilton area (including nearby Burlington and Niagara region) is a cornerstone of Ontario golf. Hamilton itself is home to Chedoke Golf Club, a 36-hole public facility where passholders can save on rounds at both the Beddoe and Martin courses. These courses sit at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment, treating golfers to elevation changes and scenic views of the city. Greater Hamilton also boasts top private clubs – like Hamilton Golf & Country Club in Ancaster, a host of multiple Canadian Opens – underscoring the area’s pedigree. For passholders, affordable options abound: from Scenic Woods in Hannon to Knollwood Golf Course in Ancaster, you can find deals on quality courses all around the Hamilton region while enjoying the area’s natural rolling terrain.
TeeTime Golf Pass Stats: Ontario
- Courses in Program: 126
- Deals Available: 780+
- Weekend Specials: 210+ “2-for-1” weekend coupons included
- Total Golf Courses: Approximately 841 golf courses in Ontario in total, more than any other province in Canada. This means Ontario alone hosts about one-third of all Canadian golf facilities! Golfers here are spoiled for choice, whether they want a casual nine or a championship eighteen.
- Oldest Golf Course: Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, founded in 1875, holds the title of the oldest course in Ontario (and one of the oldest in North America. Playing a round on this historic 9-hole course along the shores of Lake Ontario is like stepping back in time – you can almost imagine the early settlers and soldiers who played here in the 19th century.
- Longest Golf Course: The Legacy Course at Woodington Lake Golf Club (Tottenham, ON) is Ontario’s longest test, stretching a whopping 7,606 yards from the back tees. This par-72 monster has a course rating of 76.9 and a slope of 146, meaning it’s an absolute beast even for scratch golfers. With every par-4 on the Legacy exceeding 417 yards and two par-5s near 600 yards, only the longest and straightest hitters will conquer this track.
- Easiest Golf Course: For beginners or those looking for a relaxed round, Scarlett Woods Golf Course in Toronto stands out as especially forgiving. This short 18-hole executive course (3,749 yards) features a friendly layout with manageable fairways and receptive greens. Scarlett Woods is known for its welcoming, learning-friendly atmosphere – it’s the kind of place where grandparents, parents, and kids can all enjoy a day on the course without feeling intimidated.
Fun fact: Scarlett Woods is also where most of the TeeTime Golf Pass Learn to Golf With Me Youtube video series was filmed. - Hardest Golf Course: Ontario is home to some brutally challenging courses, but The National Golf Club of Canada in Woodbridge is often considered the toughest of the tough. The National, a private club consistently ranked #1 in Canada, has a course rating of 76.3 from the championship tees – one of the highest in the country. Its slope rating of 152 hints at the difficulty: narrow fairways, penal rough, lightning-fast greens, and absolutely no weak holes. To put it in perspective, even scratch golfers often struggle to break 80 at “The Nash.” Other contenders for hardest course include Devil’s Pulpit in Caledon and Hamilton Golf & CC (West Course), but The National’s reputation for punishing even the pros sets it apart.
Public vs. Private Golf Courses
One of Ontario’s strengths is the balance it strikes between public and private golf, ensuring plenty of options no matter your budget or membership status:
Public Courses: Ontario has hundreds of public and semi-private courses – in fact, about 715 courses are publicly accessible (including municipal courses) across the province. This means ordinary golfers have a huge selection of places to play without needing a membership.
From affordable city-run courses like Don Valley Golf Course in Toronto, to daily-fee gems like Cobble Beach in Georgian Bay or Lochness Links in Kawartha Lakes, the public golf scene is thriving. Green fees vary widely (you might pay $25 at a small-town course or $250+ at a high-end resort), but crucially, Ontario makes golf accessible to everyone. With the TeeTime Golf Pass now in Ontario, public players can save even more – many of these courses offer 2-for-1s or discounted rates, some as low as $20-$30 including the cart.
Private Courses: For those seeking an exclusive club experience, Ontario’s roughly 126 private golf clubs offer world-class conditions and amenities. These include famous names like St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto (host of multiple Canadian Opens), Lambton Golf & Country Club (host of US Open qualifiers), Toronto Golf Club (one of the oldest clubs in North America), Hamilton Golf & CC, and The National Golf Club of Canada.
Private clubs in Ontario are known for their top-tier course maintenance and rich traditions – walking the fairways where legends like Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, and Mike Weir have played can be a thrill in itself. However, membership fees can be steep (initiation fees at some top Toronto-area clubs run into tens of thousands of dollars). The good news for non-members is that a few private or semi-private clubs do partner with TeeTime Golf Pass for limited offers (for example, Cherry Downs and Royal Stouffville allow passholder play on certain days). Overall, whether public or private, Ontario’s golf landscape ensures that golfers of all lifestyles have a place to enjoy the game.
Unique Ontario Golf Course Holes
Ontario’s golf courses are not only numerous but also boast some truly unique and memorable holes. Here are a few standout features and signature holes that highlight the province’s golfing character:
- Taboo Muskoka – “Rocky Road” Par 3: The 7th hole at Taboo Resort in Gravenhurst is a jaw-dropper. This long par-3 was literally chiseled through two colossal walls of pink granite rock. Golfers must thread a tee shot through a granite gorge – miss slightly left or right, and your ball ricochets off billion-year-old Canadian Shield rockfaces. It’s a dramatic, one-of-a-kind setting that perfectly encapsulates Muskoka golf (and it’s as beautiful as it is intimidating!).
- Oak Bay Golf Club – Bayview Par 3: Oak Bay, a newer course in Port Severn (Muskoka region), features a breathtaking par-3 6th hole that could be a postcard for Ontario golf. You tee off across a marshy inlet of Georgian Bay to a green perched atop a towering granite outcrop. The green is two-tiered and elevated like an emerald crown on the rocks, and on a windy day the bay’s breezes make club selection tricky. With sparkling water visible through the trees and rugged shoreline all around, this hole gives you pure Group-of-Seven painting vibes – it’s both serene and pulse-pounding at once.
- Wooden Sticks – PGA Tour Tribute Holes: Ever wanted to play Augusta’s Amen Corner or the famous island green at TPC Sawgrass? Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge lets you do just that. This unique course was built with 12 of its 18 holes inspired by famous holes from around the world. For instance, Wooden Sticks’ 17th hole is a near-replica of Sawgrass’s iconic par-3 17th – complete with a daunting island green surrounded by water. There’s also a hole inspired by Augusta National’s #12 at Amen Corner, and one reminiscent of St. Andrews. It’s like a golf trip around the world without leaving Ontario. These homage holes are tons of fun for golfers and provide a test of how well you can handle the pressure of golf’s most legendary designs.
- Niagara Region – Waterfall and Whirlpool Holes: Ontario’s Niagara region offers some picturesque and quirky holes. At Rockway Vineyards Golf Course in the heart of wine country, one par-3 plays alongside a natural waterfall – a lovely distraction as you line up your shot. Meanwhile, Whirlpool Golf Course (a public course in Niagara Falls) has holes near the whirlpool of the Niagara River – the 17th, for example, is a long par-5 where the green is not far from the river’s edge, giving a distant view of the swirling Niagara waters. It’s a reminder that in Ontario, nature often steals the show on the golf course.
Ontario is filled with many more unforgettable holes – from Devil’s Pulpit’s elevated tee drop shots, to Bigwin Island’s island greens on Lake of Bays – but the above examples showcase how diverse and exciting course design can get here. Each round in Ontario might surprise you with a hole you’ll be talking about for years.
The 5 Hardest Golf Holes in Ontario
If you’re up for a challenge (and maybe a dose of humility), Ontario has plenty of brutally difficult holes waiting to test your game. Here are five of the toughest golf holes in the province – bring your A-game if you tackle these:
- Hole 12 at The National Golf Club of Canada (Woodbridge, ON) – Par 5, ~600 yards. The National is Canada’s hardest course, and its 12th hole is a beast among beasts. This snaking par-5 requires a precise drive just to find a narrow fairway. The second shot (if you’re bold enough to go for it) must carry a pond and avoid a maze of bunkers that guard the lay-up area. Even after all that, you face an elevated, sloping green that can make a three-putt feel like an accomplishment. Many scorecards have been ruined on #12 at The National – it’s long, it’s tight, and it’s relentless.
- Hole 9 at Muskoka Bay Club (Gravenhurst, ON) – Par 4, ~460 yards. Muskoka Bay is known for its beauty, but the closing hole of the front nine is as tough as it is gorgeous. Playing uphill between towering “sentinel” rocks, this hole demands two outstanding shots. The drive must thread a valley with granite outcrops on either side, and the approach is sharply uphill to a plateau green guarded by those twin rock monoliths. The hole plays longer than the yardage due to the climb. Par feels like a birdie here – and many good golfers are happy to escape with bogey.
- Hole 18 at Glen Abbey Golf Club (Oakville, ON) – Par 5, 524 yards. Glen Abbey’s finishing hole is famous as the site of Tiger Woods’ 2000 “6-iron from the bunker” heroics, but from the perspective of everyday golfers it’s an incredibly intimidating hole even without a championship on the line. The tee shot is fairly straightforward, but it’s the second shot over a large pond fronting the green that makes or breaks you. For pros, it’s a mid-iron risk/reward play; for amateurs, it’s often a lay-up and a nerve-wracking wedge over water. The green is reachable in two only if you absolutely crush your drive – and even then the heroic carry over water has doomed many rounds. With spectators (or your buddies) watching from the clubhouse patio, this hole can feel like a major championship moment for anyone.
- Hole 17 at Wooden Sticks (Uxbridge, ON) – Par 3, 137 yards. It may not have the raw distance of others on this list, but Wooden Sticks’ 17th makes the cut because it replicates one of golf’s most nerve-wracking shots: the TPC Sawgrass island green. Standing on the tee, you see nothing but a small green surrounded entirely by water. It’s only about 130-140 yards, but the penalty for a miss is absolute – a splash and re-tee. The psychological pressure is immense (there’s a reason PGA Tour players fear the real 17th at Sawgrass!). At Wooden Sticks, you get to experience that same do-or-die feeling. When the wind gusts or your palms get sweaty, this little hole can derail even a great round in a hurry. One perfect wedge is needed, and that’s easier said than done with your heart pounding.
- Hole 3 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club (Etobicoke, ON) – Par 3, ~215 yards. St. George’s is an old-school championship course that has hosted the Canadian Open, and its third hole is a brute. This long par-3 plays slightly uphill to a elevated green that is well-bunkered and sloped. Often set up around 210-220 yards from the tips, it usually demands a hybrid or fairway wood off the tee. Hitting that long of a shot accurately onto a tricky green is a tall order. Miss short and you’re in a deep bunker looking at a difficult sand shot. Miss left or right and thick rough or trees await. Even PGA Tour players find this hole challenging (it played as one of the hardest during the Canadian Open). For mere mortals, making a 3 here feels as good as a birdie elsewhere. It’s a gorgeous hole framed by stately trees and classic architecture – but it will chew you up if you’re not precise.
Each of these holes brings something different to the table – length, water, rock, or just pure psychological terror – but all share a common trait: they demand excellence. Conquering any one of them is a moment you’ll remember (and probably brag about) for a long time!
Top Historical Golf Events in Ontario
Ontario has played host to some of golf’s most prestigious events and memorable moments over the years. The province’s rich golfing history is highlighted by numerous professional tournaments, especially Canada’s national open championships:
- The Canadian Open at Glen Abbey: Oakville’s Glen Abbey Golf Club is arguably the most storied tournament venue in Canada. This Jack Nicklaus-designed course has hosted the RBC Canadian Open a record 30 times (first in 1977) – more than any other course. Glen Abbey was essentially built to be a permanent Open site and became home to Golf Canada and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. Over the decades, fans here witnessed victories by legends like Lee Trevino, Greg Norman, and Vijay Singh. But the most iconic moment came in the final round in 2000: Tiger Woods, needing a birdie to win, hit a now-legendary 218-yard 6-iron from a fairway bunker over water to 18 feet on Glen Abbey’s 18th hole. He made the putt to seal the win and complete his rare Triple Crown (U.S. Open, British Open, Canadian Open in the same year). That shot – often regarded as one of Tiger’s greatest – and the roar of the Glen Abbey crowd are permanently etched in golf history.
- Major Championships and the LPGA: While Ontario hasn’t hosted a men’s major, it has been the site of the CP Women’s Open (formerly Canadian Women’s Open) multiple times, effectively making it an unofficial “fifth major” for the LPGA when it was still a major championship in the 1970s. Notably, London Hunt Club (London, ON) hosted the du Maurier Classic (a women’s major at the time) twice, and more recently Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club (in 2017) saw hometown hero Brooke Henderson draw record crowds. Ontario crowds are knowledgeable and enthusiastic – tournaments here, whether men’s or women’s, often break attendance records.
- Hamilton Golf & Country Club: The Hamilton G&CC in Ancaster has been another frequent venue for the Canadian Open (hosted six times, most recently in 2019). This classic Harry Colt design provided the stage for wins by the likes of Jim Furyk (2006) and Rory McIlroy (2019). Hamilton G&CC is famed for its old-world charm and tough-but-fair layout. When Rory shot a final-round 61 in 2019 to win, it was a course record and one of the greatest rounds in Canadian Open history, delighting fans who had packed the course to see a world-class field compete in Ontario.
- Other Notable Events: Ontario has also hosted PGA Tour Champions (senior) events – for example, the Shaw Charity Classic visited Sault Ste. Marie in the past – and even World Cup of Golf events back in the 1960s at Kawartha G&CC in Peterborough. In 2024, the Presidents Cup (the international team competition) was announced to be coming to Royal Montreal (in Quebec), which has Ontario golfers hopeful that perhaps one day a Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup could be held at an iconic Ontario venue (imagine a Ryder Cup at Glen Abbey or The National!). Additionally, Ontario’s clubs have produced historic amateur events – the Ontario Amateur championship is one of the oldest in North America, dating back to 1923, and has been played at courses across the province. All of these events underscore Ontario’s importance on the golf map. When a big tournament comes to town, Ontario golf fans show up in droves and create an electric atmosphere.
In summary, Ontario’s fairways have seen their share of drama and glory. From Tiger’s magic at Glen Abbey to national champions crowned at Hamilton and Ottawa, the province has contributed many chapters to the story of Canadian golf.
Golfer Statistics in Ontario
Ontario boasts one of the largest golf communities in Canada. With a population over 14 million, the province has a huge base of players of all ages and backgrounds enjoying the game:
- Number of Golfers: Across Canada, nearly 6 million people played golf in 2023, an all-time high and a notable jump from about 5.7 million in 2019. This includes an estimated 900,000+ Ontario golfers, making it one of the most popular recreational activities in the province. Drive by any course on a summer weekend and you’ll see tee sheets packed from dawn to dusk!
- Rounds Played: All those golfers are playing more than ever. According to the National Golf Course Owner’s Association (NGCOA) Canadians played roughly 74 million rounds of golf in 2023, a massive ~24% increase in play since the previous national study (2019). Ontario’s courses were busier than ever as a result, with tee sheets packed throughout the season. The pandemic-era golf boom has not fizzled out – if anything, Ontario’s participation numbers are still climbing in this post-pandemic era.
- Male vs. Female Golfers: Golf participation skews male, though female golf in Ontario is on the rise. Nationally about 77% of golfers are male and 23% female, and Ontario roughly follows that trend. The province has numerous programs to encourage women’s golf (such as businesswomen’s leagues, Swing Like a Girl clinics, etc.), and it’s paying off with more women picking up the game in recent years. It doesn’t hurt that Canadian female stars like Brooke Henderson (an Ontarian herself) are inspiring a new generation of girls to hit the links.
- Average Handicaps: Handicap data in Canada is similar to the U.S. In general, men’s average handicap is around 14-15, and women’s average is around 27-28. In Ontario, where the golf season is shorter (April to October typically) than, say, Florida or California, those numbers might be a touch higher due to a bit of rust each spring! But many Ontario golfers are highly skilled – the province produces a large share of scratch and plus-handicap players competing in national amateur events. And of course, for casual players, the focus is more on fun than the handicap number.
- Youth and Senior Golfers: Golf is truly a lifetime sport in Ontario. Approximately 30% of Ontario golfers are over the age of 50, as the province’s large retiree population loves to stay active on the course (and who can blame them?). At the same time, junior golf is thriving – from local summer camps to high school golf teams and collegiate programs. Many courses offer “Kids Play Free” times or nominal fees for juniors to encourage family golf. It’s not unusual to see three generations of a family out playing together. Ontario also has strong developmental programs (Golf Ontario’s junior tours, etc.), so the pipeline of young talent remains strong.
- Golf Season and Frequency: Ontario’s golf season typically runs April through October (weather permitting). In the peak summer months, keen golfers might play multiple times a week. Surveys indicate that the average Ontario golfer plays around 15-20 rounds per year, but of course there are die-hards who will log 50+ rounds in a season, and others who might only play a few casual scrambles. The rise of indoor simulator golf venues in cities like Toronto means golfers can now “play” year-round – it’s common for leagues to form in winter using simulators, keeping swings sharp for spring.
In summary, Ontario’s golfer population is large, diverse, and passionate. From buddies getting together for weekly league play, couples enjoying a weekend tee time, or juniors learning the ropes at summer camp, golfers in Ontario truly span all ages and skill levels. And with the sport’s social and health benefits, the golf community here continues to grow each year.
Famous Golfers from Ontario
Ontario has produced some of Canada’s most accomplished golfers, including major champions and world-class talents. Here are a couple of the most famous names every Ontario golfer is proud of:
- Mike Weir (Sarnia, ON): “Weirsy” is a Canadian golf icon and a hometown hero for Ontario. Born in Sarnia and raised in Bright’s Grove, Mike Weir put Canada on the world golf map in 2003 when he became the first Canadian man to win a major championship, triumphing at The Masters. That victory at Augusta – in a sudden-death playoff – remains one of the greatest moments in Canadian sports. Mike Weir’s career includes 8 PGA Tour wins, and at one point he rose as high as #3 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Beyond the Masters, he also contended in U.S. Opens and Presidents Cups, inspiring a generation of Canadian golfers. In Ontario, you’ll find kids and adults alike who still talk about watching Mike hit clutch shots or wear the Green Jacket. Mike’s work ethic and humble demeanor endeared him to fans; he also received the Order of Canada for his contributions to sport. To this day, he remains actively involved in golf (now playing on the PGA Tour Champions and captaining the International Team in the Presidents Cup). Mike Weir’s legacy proves that even a kid from a small Ontario town can conquer the golf world.
- Brooke Henderson (Smiths Falls, ON): If Weir inspired the boys, Brooke Henderson is inspiring an entire generation of girls in Canadian golf. Hailing from Smiths Falls, a small town in eastern Ontario, Brooke burst onto the scene as a teenager and has become the most successful Canadian professional golfer ever – with 14 LPGA Tour wins (as of 2025) including 2 major championships. Brooke’s aggressive style (she’s known for her long driving despite her petite frame) and calm under pressure have made her a fan favorite. She won her first major at age 18 (the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship) – the youngest ever to win that event – and added another major at the 2022 Evian Championship. Crowds flock to see her whenever she plays in Canada; the atmosphere when Brooke is in contention on home soil is electric. In 2018 and again in 2023, she won the Canadian Women’s Open, becoming the first Canadian in 45 years to win our national golf title – and she did it in front of adoring fans chanting her name. Brooke’s from a golfing family (her sister caddies for her), and she proudly represents Smiths Falls and Canada on the world stage. At only 28 years old, she’s poised to break even more records.
Fun fact: Brooke was named the Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year multiple times, and there’s a street in Smiths Falls named after her. She exemplifies the bright future of golf in Ontario.
It’s worth also mentioning other Ontario golfing greats like Sandra Post (Oakville, first Canadian to win an LPGA major, in 1968) and Moe Norman (Kitchener, legendary ball-striker known for his uncanny accuracy). And current PGA Tour players Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes, both from Ontario, are carrying the torch on the men’s side, each with Tour wins to their name. Clearly, Ontario has a knack for producing top golf talent – from the golden era of George Knudson and Al Balding, to today’s stars like Brooke and Corey. These hometown heroes continue to inspire golfers across the province.
Economic Impact of Golf in Ontario
Golf in Ontario isn’t just a sport – it’s also a significant economic driver. The business of golf – including course operations, equipment sales, tourism, and more – contributes billions to the province’s economy and provides tens of thousands of jobs. Here are some key points about golf’s economic impact in Ontario:
- Jobs and Employment: The golf industry is a major employer in Ontario. It’s estimated that around 85,500 jobs in the province are supported by the golf sector.
Ontario’s golf sector generated about $5.0 billion in labour income in 2023, a huge rise from approximately $3.8 billion in 2019To put that in perspective, about 1 in 60 jobs in Ontario is tied to golf in some way! This includes roles like club managers, greenskeepers, golf pros, food & beverage staff at clubhouses, turf equipment technicians, and many more. Notably, golf is also a significant employer of youth – many high school and college students get summer jobs as pro shop assistants, range attendants, or maintenance crew, making golf a key source of youth employment.
- Economic Output: The economic footprint of golf in Ontario is huge and growing. According to the newly released 2024 impact study, Ontario’s golf industry contributed about $8.0 billion to the province’s GDP in 2023. That’s a big leap from roughly $6.5 billion in 2019, reflecting golf’s post-COVID growth. In fact, Ontario alone now accounts for roughly one-third of Canada’s total golf GDP ($23.2 billion nationwide), underscoring that Ontario is the economic powerhouse of golf in Canada. This GDP contribution comes from course operations (green fees, memberships), capital investments in facilities, golf tourism, and the manufacturing/retail of golf equipment and apparel.
For comparison, Ontario’s golf GDP impact is larger than the entire arts and entertainment industries in some provinces! It’s a substantial economic pillar, especially in regions like Muskoka and Niagara where golf tourism is a big part of the local economy.
- Government Revenue: The benefits don’t stop at paycheques – golf also fills public coffers. Golf in Ontario contributed roughly $1.7 billion in taxes to federal, provincial, and local governments in 2023. (That’s on par with what it contributed in 2019, roughly keeping pace with inflation.) These revenues help fund public services and infrastructure, a often overlooked benefit of a thriving golf industry. Nationally, the golf sector generated about $4.7 billion in government tax revenue in 2023, so Ontario’s portion is a substantial piece of the pie.
- Golf Tourism: Ontario attracts traveling golfers from far and wide. Regions like Muskoka, Niagara, and Prince Edward County have become golf vacation hotspots, often paired with other tourism draws (lake resorts, wineries, Niagara Falls attractions). Golf packages and buddy trips bring in significant tourism dollars. Major events like the Canadian Open inject millions in short-term economic activity to host cities (through hospitality, transportation, etc.). Even within the province, Ontarians themselves contribute to golf tourism – for example, a group from Toronto might take an annual trip to Cobble Beach or Deerhurst Resort for a golf getaway, spending on accommodation and dining in addition to golf. All told, golf-related travel spending in Ontario is in the hundreds of millions annually, supporting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in those communities.
- Ancillary Businesses: Beyond courses, Ontario has a robust golf retail and manufacturing scene. The province is home to the headquarters of Golf Town (Canada’s largest golf retailer) and many smaller pro shops and specialty club fitters. Several golf equipment and apparel companies operate in Ontario, from high-end club makers to clothing brands, contributing to commerce and jobs. Additionally, the growth of indoor golf simulators and training facilities (especially in urban areas) has created a mini-boom in the golf-tech and services industry – further adding to economic activity and innovation within the province.
- Charitable Impact: The golf industry’s impact extends to charitable causes as well. With hundreds of charity tournaments hosted at Ontario courses each year, the province plays a key role in the $382 million raised for charities through golf in Canada. Golf’s charitable impact is tops among all participation sports in Canada – something for which Ontario’s golf community can be especially proud. From hospital fundraisers to local youth sports charities, those golf marathon days and charity scrambles are making a difference while also fueling economic activity at clubs.
In summary, golf in Ontario is not just a pastime – it’s an economic powerhouse. The industry supports livelihoods, drives tourism, and contributes substantially to government revenues. When Ontarians get a TeeTime Golf Pass or a membership or even a new driver from the pro shop, they’re participating in an economic network that benefits the entire province. So next time someone jokes that you’re “out there golfing instead of working,” you can smile and say that golf is working – working to keep Ontario’s economy strong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions about the golf courses on TeeTime Golf Pass below:
There are 549 golf courses across North Carolina, so finding a course to suit your style won’t be an issue.
If you’re looking for a challenge, head to Franklin Golf Course, known for its tough layout and high course rating.
Spring and fall offer perfect golfing weather here, but North Carolina courses are generally playable most of the year.
Absolutely! The golf deals app from TeeTime Golf Pass is a great way to find discounts on tee times and enjoy affordable rounds at courses across North Carolina.