Breaking Par
Muskoka is a golfer's paradise, where nature itself seems to have shaped the perfect fairways. With its lush forests, towering pines and dramatic rocky outcrops, this iconic Ontario region provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for some of the province's most scenic courses. The unique topography — rolling hills carved by ancient glaciers, shimmering lakes and rugged granite — creates natural hazards and views that make every round unforgettable.
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in Muskoka's golf experience, Rocky Crest Golf Resort offers the ideal place to stay. Use it as a jumping off point to explore its championship course as well as those of its nearby sister properties.
To get you in the golfing mindset, we're presenting you with three signature holes at three of Muskoka's beloved golf courses — for an epic lineup of nine must-play holes this summer.
Rocky Crest Golf Club
Hamer Bay Road RR#1, MacTier, Ontario
When course architect Thomas McBroom, a four-time winner of Golf Digest's Best New Canadian Course award, designed the Rocky Crest Golf Course, he decided to use the natural rock to his advantage, saying it "shows off the beauty of the Canadian Shield."
Indeed, the course is lined by forests of pine, birch and hemlock, with rolling fairways that are accented by deep bunkers and those classic granite outcroppings that define the Muskoka region. The course sits adjacent to the Rocky Crest Resort at the north end of beautiful Lake Joseph.
Wildlife can often be seen on the course as deer and other animals peek out from the natural surroundings. The course has received rave reviews since it opened in May 2000.
At the end of a round of golf, the Clubhouse at Rocky Crest is a welcoming space built to resemble a quintessential Muskoka Log Cottage. With grand vaulted ceilings and a dining room overlooking the 18th green, the Clubhouse is a perfect spot to enjoy a meal and refreshments.
Spend some time enjoying a drink on the beautiful flagstone patio as you watch other players finish their rounds.
Rocky Crest was ranked 42nd on SCOREgolf's Top 100 Canadian courses in 2024. The year prior, it was ranked 13th on their Top 52 Best Public Golf Courses in Canada.
The 18-hole course has many highlights, but the following three holes exemplify what makes the Rocky Crest Golf Course a perennial favourite: Holes #1, 8 and 18
Rocky Crest Hole #1
Par 5
This opening hole exemplifies the natural features of Ontario's Muskoka region, offering a memorable start to the round and what to expect when playing at Rocky Crest Golf Club.
The hole features a narrow fairway, but with lots of rough, framed by towering pines, white birch, and hemlock trees.
The approach shot requires precision to a well-guarded green, demanding both accuracy and thoughtful club selection.
Rocky Crest Golf Club #8
Par 3
The 8th hole at Rocky Crest Golf Club is a par 3 that exemplifies the natural beauty and challenges of Ontario's Muskoka region.
Measuring between 120 to 158 yards, this hole features a slightly elevated tee shot to a green nestled at the top of a beautiful swamp. The narrow green is flanked by a natural wetland to the left, adding both beauty and difficulty to the approach.
Players must carefully select the appropriate club to navigate the elevation change and potential swirling winds. The rocky outcroppings and dense forests framing the hole provide a picturesque backdrop.
Rocky Crest Hole #18
Par 5
This visually appealing hole requires a tee shot over a marsh, with the fairway winding through majestic granite outcroppings.
A well-executed tee shot can set up an opportunity to reach the green in two strokes, though it is a par 5.
The hole concludes with a picturesque view of the log clubhouse, Canadian flag, elevated stone patio and the dining room's beautiful chandeliers, which especially pop and are stunning at dusk.
The Lake Joseph Club
1072 Elgin House Rd, Port Carling, Ontario
The Lake Joseph Club opened in 1997 to much acclaim. Designed by award-winning architect Thomas McBroom, the course utilizes the granite crags, towering trees and heaving topography of the incomparable Muskoka region with such success that the course was named the best new course in the country when it opened by Golf Digest. It has since become a favourite of those playing in Muskoka.
The Lake Joseph Club is home to a Clubhouse Bistro where you will find delicious meals for before or after your round. On the lakeside property, you'll also find the famous Water’s Edge Wine Bar & Grill. As its name suggests, this restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Joseph and offers a dining experience that combines exceptional cuisine with breathtaking views. Guests can choose to dine on the expansive patio overlooking Lake Joseph or in the indoor dining room, both providing stunning vistas.
Alongside the 18-hole resort course, there is also a 9-hole Academy course for beginners and families alongside.
Here is a highlight of Holes #2, 8 and 9 of the championship 18-hole course.
Lake Joseph #2
Par 4
Your target off the tee is the 150-yard marker, keeping in mind the fairway ends just past it. Driver is not recommended!
Take an extra club on your approach because it's all carry from the fairway to the green. This hole requires a precise tee shot to navigate the fairway, which is flanked by trees to the left and a sloping hill with fescue to the right.
The undulating terrain adds complexity, making club selection into the green important as it is entirely carry and anything short will roll back down the hill, leaving a very difficult up-and-down.
Lake Joseph #8
Par 3
The 8th hole is a standout par 3 that exemplifies the course's integration
with the Muskoka region's natural beauty. Measuring 143 yards from the back tees, this hole features an elevated tee deck approximately 75 feet above the green, offering golfers a unique and challenging perspective.
The green is well-protected by a granite rock wall backdrop, adding both aesthetic appeal and strategic complexity to the hole.
The green itself is narrower than it is deep, requiring precision and careful club selection to navigate the extreme elevation change and potential wind conditions.
There's trouble all around the green on this signature par 3. Most players use one less club to compensate for the elevation change.
Lake Joseph #9
Par 4/5
The 9th hole exemplifies the course's integration with the Muskoka region's natural beauty, offering golfers a memorable experience that combines strategic play with breathtaking views of Lake Joseph from the elevated fairway and tee deck.
Your target off the tee is the small group of trees at the end of the
fairway.
Don't get too aggressive and cut the corner on the right side of the
fairway because it's a very long carry and there's lots of trouble to get into.
Grandview Club
245 Grandview Dr N, Huntsville, Ontario
Situated in Huntsville, Grandview Golf Club offers a premier golf experience in Muskoka.
Co-designed by two-time major winner Mark O’Meara and renowned course architect Brit Stenson, the Mark O'Meara Course at Grandview opened in 2001. The course integrates beautiful views of natural wetland and forests with significant elevation changes, which makes play here both visually appealing and strategically challenging.
The Clubhouse at Grandview embodies Old Muskoka's grandeur, with a blend of stone and wood. The Clubhouse is a popular place to enjoy a drink and bite to eat after a round of golf. The patio overlooks the first hole.
Grandview was the course of choice for the 2002 Telus Skins Game won by Sergio Garcia over Vijay Singh, John Daly and Mike Weir. Here we highlight the course's signature holes #1, 5 and 6.
Grandview #1
Par 4
The first hole on the Mark O'Meara Course is a good opening hole to shake the nerves.
Aim your tee shot at the 150-yard marker on this very generous fairway. As you drive from tee to fairway, enjoy the ride across the winding bridge over a Muskoka swamp where you might catch a glimpse of some ducks.
The green is large, but protected by some bunkers short side, and long is trouble into the bush – so a careful club selection is essential on your approach.
Grandview #5
Par 5
There’s a birdie chance on this reachable Par 5 – aim your tee shot down the middle and let it rip, just try your best to keep it straight as there’s a tree line close to the fairway on both sides.
Keep your 2nd shot to the right if you are laying up to the top of the hill, there’s a blind pond down the left-hand side over the rocks on the same line as the green.
Grandview #6
Par 5
Nicknamed the sugar shack, this long and difficult hole is demanding and
requires a few long shots into the green.
Aim your tee shot at the 150-yard marker. As you approach the fairway you will see an old log cabin that once served as a Sugar Shack in the early 1900s.
Be sure to hit enough club to carry onto the green as there is a deep bunker protecting it – par on this difficult hole is a great score.
Stay at Rocky Crest Golf Resort for easy access to all three courses. Boasting luxury suites, villas, cabins, and cottages, Rocky Crest is the perfect spot for families and groups of all sizes to unwind and create lifelong memories.
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