Unlike most golfing nations where consensus exists around a clear number one course, Canada presents a fascinating anomaly. Whilst panellists consistently rank Jasper Park Lodge as the country's second-best course, the top spot remains hotly contested amongst five world-class contenders. This unique situation reveals not just the exceptional quality of Canadian golf, but the remarkable architectural diversity that makes the country one of the world's most underrated golf destinations.
For serious golf travellers, this debate offers an extraordinary opportunity: access to world-class golf architecture across diverse landscapes at substantially lower costs than comparable international destinations, with the added advantage of no mandatory caddies and favourable exchange rates.
When Golf Club Atlas managing partner Andrew Harvey spoke with Jasper Miners of Top 100 Golf Courses about Canada's golf course rankings, Miners revealed something unprecedented in the golfing world. "There's really no general consensus on the best golf course in Canada," Miners explained during the discussion. "There could pretty much be as many as five number ones."
This stands in stark contrast to other major golfing nations. The United States essentially debates between Cypress Point and Pine Valley, whilst Scotland's argument centres around St. Andrews and Muirfield. Canada, however, offers no such clarity amongst its elite courses.
When Top 100 Golf Courses reviewed the Top 10 Courses in Canada, Jasper Park Lodge emerges as the consistent number two choice across all demographics. But the top spot remained fractured between St. George's Golf and Country Club, Cabot Cliffs, Banff Springs, Capilano Golf Club, and Toronto Golf Club, with Hamilton Golf and Country Club and Cape Breton Highlands Links also receiving serious consideration.
This disparity stems from what Harvey identifies as the "Thompson Five" (Banff, Jasper, Capilano, St. George's, and Highlands Links), the "Harry Colt Two" (Toronto and Hamilton), and the "Cabot Two" (Cliffs and Links). These nine courses represent different eras of golf architecture across vastly different landscapes, making direct comparison exceptionally challenging.
Canada's ranking controversy reflects its unique position as perhaps the only country offering three distinct styles of elite golf within its borders. Each region presents world-class examples of different architectural philosophies, creating an apples-to-oranges comparison that defies easy resolution.
Rocky Mountain Golf Courses represent perhaps the most dramatic golf anywhere in the world. Stanley Thompson's masterpieces at Banff Springs and Jasper Park Lodge showcase the dramatic possibilities of mountain golf. Set against the Canadian Rockies, these courses utilise spectacular elevation changes, dramatic vistas, and strategic routing through mountainous terrain to create unforgettable golf experiences that blend natural grandeur with architectural excellence.
Southern Ontario Parkland Golf centres around the Greater Toronto Area, where Harry Colt's influence created two of Canada's finest courses. Toronto Golf Club and Hamilton Golf and Country Club showcase Colt's mastery of rolling terrain and strategic bunkering. St. George's Golf and Country Club, meanwhile, represents what Harvey calls "that American championship golf course" style—a demanding examination that has proven worthy of multiple Canadian Opens.
Atlantic Links Golf achieved new prominence with Cabot's arrival in Nova Scotia. Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links offer modern interpretations of links golf that rival anything in Scotland or Ireland, whilst the classical routing of Cape Breton Highlands Links provides a more traditional links experience through some of the most dramatic coastal terrain in North America.
Understanding Canadian golf's excellence requires appreciating Stanley Thompson's unprecedented influence. Working primarily during the 1920s and 1930s, Thompson created what many consider the finest collection of golf courses by any single architect in any single country. His five Canadian masterpieces—Banff, Jasper, Capilano, St. George's, and Highlands Links—each demonstrate his ability to maximise dramatically different sites.
Thompson's genius lay in his restraint and site sensitivity. Rather than imposing a signature style, he allowed each landscape to dictate the golf experience. This philosophy created courses so perfectly suited to their environments that they feel inevitable rather than constructed.
Today, Rod Whitman emerges as Thompson's potential successor. The Alberta-born architect has developed a portfolio that increasingly draws comparisons to the master.
Harvey suggests Whitman's career trajectory could rival Thompson's legacy: "If they're all as good as they currently are, you kind of go, okay, now there's a conversation to be had." With fifteen to eighteen courses planned or completed, Whitman's body of work may eventually challenge Thompson's supremacy in Canadian golf architecture.
Western Canada continues producing exceptional golf course talent, from shapers like Josh McFadden (working with Gil Hanse) to architects like Riley Johns (working with Keith Cutten). This regional concentration of talent suggests something unique about the western Canadian golf experience that inspires deeper architectural understanding.
Canadian golf's most compelling argument for serious travellers lies not just in quality, but in exceptional value. Whilst a day at Sunningdale or Sandwich now approaches £500 including caddies and amenities, equivalent Canadian experiences cost significantly less with no mandatory additional services.
The conversion rate alone makes Canadian golf attractive for international visitors. Where British golf has become prohibitively expensive for many travellers, Canadian courses offer world-class experiences at accessible prices. Harvey notes, "You can see some really great stuff on a budget, even though you're flying overseas."
This value proposition extends beyond green fees. Canadian courses rarely require caddies, allowing golfers to experience these architectural masterpieces without the exponential costs associated with other world class venues. The emphasis on walking golf maintains the intended architectural rhythm whilst keeping costs reasonable.
Seasonal considerations offer additional opportunities. Unlike the year-round accessibility of warmer climates, Canadian golf's concentrated season creates intense appreciation amongst locals and visiting golfers alike. The brief but glorious Canadian golf season—peaking in July and August—means early planning and booking are essential.
Canada's vast geography—75 to 80 hours driving coast to coast—demands strategic planning for golf travellers. Rather than attempting a comprehensive national tour, successful Canadian golf trips focus on specific regions while acknowledging the country's three distinct golf landscapes.
Western Canada Golf Tours offer the most dramatic golf experiences, centring on the Rocky Mountain courses of Banff and Jasper. These anchor points allow for exploration of hidden gems throughout Alberta and British Columbia. Rod Whitman's work provides contemporary excellence alongside Thompson's classics.
Central Canada Golf Itineraries encompass the Southern Ontario corridor and Montreal region, offering the highest concentration of elite courses. The proximity of St. George's, Toronto, and Hamilton allows for efficient touring of multiple architectural styles within reasonable distances.
Atlantic Canada Golf Adventures present the most remote but perhaps most rewarding golf experiences. Cabot's two courses alone justify the journey, whilst Highland Links offers one of golf's most unique experiences through Cape Breton's dramatic coastal landscape.
Harvey's assessment proves increasingly relevant: "Every time I go somewhere, it reaffirms that the truly great golf courses here have their place in the discussion internationally." With six courses on Golf Club Atlas's coveted custodian list—tied with Australia and trailing only Scotland, England, and the United States—Canada's golf credentials are beginning to be appreciated by more and more astute travelling golfers.
For golf travellers seeking world-class architecture without world-class prices, Canada offers an increasingly compelling proposition. The country's inability to agree on its best course reflects not confusion, but an embarrassment of riches.
