Sand Hills Golf Club, located near Port Franks along the shores of Lake Huron, is a hidden gem of southwestern Ontario golf. The 18-hole, par-70 layout stretches over 6,000 yards, carving through natural sand dunes, mature pines, and open meadows.
The course combines a true links-style feel with cottage-country relaxation. Wide fairways roll over the dunes, creating uneven lies and interesting stances, while the greens are elevated and firm—ideal for bump-and-run creativity. The wind off Lake Huron is a constant companion, shifting the course’s personality day by day.
Sand Hills is known for strong conditioning, affordable rates, and a relaxed pace of play. Its signature holes—like the short par-4 7th that dares you to go for the green—embody the risk-reward style that keeps golfers coming back.
The clubhouse is simple but warm, offering snacks, drinks, and an inviting patio that looks out over the 18th green. This is golf in its purest form—scenic, walkable, and rooted in nature.
My buddy Tim called golf “the expensive sport” last summer. He said it while buying his third $14 beer at an NFL game. I let it go – mostly because he was paying for mine too – but the comment stuck with me. Was he right?
I didn’t think so. But I wanted to prove it with actual numbers.
So I dug in. National Golf Foundation reports, concert ticket data, NFL cost analyses, streaming price histories. The full picture. And what came back surprised even me – golf isn’t just holding its own against other entertainment options. In a
