The 5 Best Private Golf Courses in Ottawa
Playing golf with friends, business partners, co-workers, and even your family isn’t just a good way to get your body moving, but it can be a relaxing bonding experience.
What makes private golf courses a step above public ones is the general upkeep and amenities available far surpass the latter. Most importantly, though, the memberships in private ones ensure that almost everyone knows one another.
And what’s better than several rounds of golf with good company and beautiful scenery all around you?
In this article, we review the best private golf courses in Ottawa.
The Cost of Private Golf Courses in Ottawa
Each private golf course has its own set of costs depending on the type of membership you’re applying for. You or your spouse’s employment background can also play a part in the type of fees you’ll need to pay.
You can refer to the table below for estimates on the costs of some memberships:
1. Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club

Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities & amenities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club is our first entry on this list, and it has a rich history behind it. Before it became the private golf course we see today, it started prior to 1873 as Ottawa For the Hounds, which was an equestrian club.
It has an area of 5000 sq. ft. for its practice range where you can warm up and play a few rounds. This area has 6 target greens placed at varying distances and 11 target bunkers, plus it’s available 5-6 days a week.
For actual games, it has 4 dedicated areas, with the smallest at 3500 sq. ft. and the largest at 12000 sq. ft. You definitely won’t get bored walking all around and seeing not just the lovely architecture but the calming, lush greenery that surrounds it.
If you’re a beginner at golf or maybe your skills have gotten rusty, then there’s no need to worry. The Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club offers private coaching with its pros, who will take you to the dedicated Private Teaching Tee Area for you to learn at your pace.
With all that said, you can expect that its fees aren’t anything to scoff at. However, members and anyone who’s visited Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club can say it’s definitely worth it.
Pros
- Large playing area
- Available practice area
- Offers private coaching services
- Courses are open 5-6 days a week
Cons
- Expensive fees
Customer Reviews
Beautiful course
“First time on the course today for the CP Women’s Open. Beautiful course, miraculous reset after the storm fell a thousand plus trees. Spectacular set up for the WO. Members only understandably after this visit.” – Harris Harris
Great place
“Great place. This was my first time golfing so I have nothing to compare the facility to but to me, it was a great experience. The pricing was pretty good, the staff very friendly and there was lots of room on the really nice driving range. They also let you use clubs for free for the driving range!” – John Peterson
2. Rideau View Golf Club

Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities & amenities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Customer satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Established in 1957, the Rideau View Golf Club has since then continued to uphold its values and principles rooted in family, inclusion, and community.
Rideau View Golf Club’s facilities are nationally-recognized, making it worth every penny spent. If you’re interested in checking out its facilities, you can arrange an appointment for a guided tour to see exactly what you’ll be paying for.
Aside from the actual golf courses available, there are even practice ranges contained in a 10,000 square feet area where you can warm up before any match. Its courses were designed in such an ingenious way that they’re playable for golfers of all levels.
Members of Rideau View and their guests can access the practice facilities, which have specific areas for each specialty. From the chipping area, driving range, pitching range, and practice bunker, it’s perfect for any kind of pre-game warmup.
The 7500 sq. ft. putting green is probably the highlight of the practice facilities. Thankfully, it’s located just a few steps away from the 1st and 10th tees, a very convenient place for a warmup.
Rideau View is just 25 minutes away from Ottawa’s city center, so you and or your guests won’t have any trouble traveling to it.
Our only complaint is that memberships are pretty pricey. Plus, it’s an exclusive club where you need other members to introduce you before you can even join.
Pros
- Decades-old and well-established
- Nationally-recognized facilities
- Offers guided tours
- Has a 10,000 sq. feet practice range
- Suitable for golfers of all skill levels
- Several facilities
- Close to the city center
Cons
- Pricey
- People need to be introduced to become a member
Customer Reviews
Incredibly convenient
“The recently revised practice area is the best I have seen anywhere. It is right outside the proshop, so incredibly convenient. Huge practice putting green with a nice variety of slope and flat. Rideau View has done a terrific job with this. The course itself remains a great place for a round of golf” – Robert Richardson
Golf course for golfers
“A golf course for golfers. A club where the members are very welcoming to new members. Great participation in the the various leagues and tournaments. A nice looking club house which can be booked for weddings, parties and business meetings. Reasonable annual dues and lots of different membership levels.” – Stan Wolfe
3. Camelot Golf & Country Club

Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities & amenities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Camelot Golf and Country Club has hosted 6 significant golf championships since its first one in 2001 and the latest one in 2018.
Not surprising, if we’re being honest, because it’s been regarded as one of the best courses in Canada. Most recently, it’s been ranked #90 in SCOREGolf’s Top 100 in 2020.
Camelot Golf and Country Club is filled with tall pines and gentle meadows that make it an especially exciting course for any player. To think, it’s only 15 minutes away from Ottawa’s center!
It’s like a hidden treasure hiding right under your nose. It’s no wonder it’s been selected to host big championships like the 2012 Men’s Canadian Amateur.
The golf courses aren’t the only beautiful places here, though, because Camelot Golf and Country Club also boasts a clubhouse. Whether you need a quiet yet refined space for business dinners or something big and showy, this venue is worth considering.
It’s an outdoor location that offers a panoramic view of the scenic surroundings and can hold up to 160 guests. There’s even a three-level patio available that overlooks the golf course.
If you want something more casual, its restaurant, “The Legend,” can host up to 80 guests. For truly private dealings, the Founders’ Boardroom might be the best fit for you.
Be warned, though, a past client revealed that they found the staff during their stay to be distasteful. While this doesn’t speak for all the staff members, just keep it in mind while you’re considering Camelot Gold and Country Club.
Pros
- #90 in SCOREGolf’s Top 100 in 2020
- Lovely and scenic views
- A short drive away from the city center
- Available venue for events and meetings
- Has a clubhouse and large restaurant
Cons
- Potentially rude staff
Customer Reviews
Nicest course in Ottawa
“This is hands down the nicest course in the Ottawa area. Greens/Fairways/Teeboxes are in pristine condition. New high tech carts. Beer cart girl was always around. Food at the turn is great and so is the restaurant in the clubhouses. Views are amazing and staff are super friendly. 10/10 would recommend anyone who loves golf to try and play here.” – Adam Jacobs
Thoughtfully designed and beautifully maintained
“A unique and very challenging course. Be sure to ask for guidance on your shots if it’s your first time playing here. Several blind approaches to challenging greens. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully maintained.” – Daryl Smith
4. Carleton Golf & Yacht Club

Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities & amenities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Carleton Golf and Yacht Club is situated along the banks of the Rideau River and just a few minutes drive away from Ottawa’s downtown area.
Carleton Golf and Yacht Club is proudly one of the first golf course residential communities that had been established in North America. Even now, this member-owned club boasts its outstanding courses and friendly community.
Interested applicants can expect a challenging course layout that hosted the PGA of Canada’s Seniors’ Championship in 2019. You can easily book your tee times through its online booking system.
This private golf course also has fully-equipped practice areas and locker areas with towel service. After a long day of golf, a nice hot shower is a perfect remedy to freshen up.
Unsure about whether or not Carleton Golf and Yacht Club is right for you? You don’t need to worry because it offers a 30-game trial membership that allows you to try out all the benefits of being a regular member.
If you feel that it’s not gonna work, this private golf course won’t hold it against you. So you can try out its trial membership without any commitment or worries.
New to golf? There’s also a program for that called “Learn to Love it,” where you’ll have group lessons led by the club’s professional golfer.
Carleton Golf and Yacht Club also offers its location as an event venue for couples celebrating their special day or any other gatherings. From tournaments to meetings, its banquet rooms are available all year and can accommodate up to 160 guests.
The only downside we saw is that booking good tee times for older members can be difficult due to how many members are eager to get their turn first. Additionally, its fees are expensive, as expected.
Pros
- Near the downtown area
- Previously hosted significant championships
- Online tee-time booking system
- Practice areas & locker rooms
- Trial period
- Beginner golf programs
Cons
- Older members have difficulty booking tee-times
- Expensive fees
Customer Reviews
Challenging and fun
“I’ve been a member for some time. The course is challenging and fun for both beginners and advanced players, and it’s always in immaculate condition. Because it is member-owned, club decisions are always about what’s best for members—not best for a corporation. Made a lot of great friends, too!” – Brenda Adams
Something for everyone
“Carleton is a great club! Not only is it a beautiful course and easily walkable….but there are many leagues and social events….something for everyone. I’ve been a member for 7 years and have made many new friends and learned a lot about golf!” – Laurie Higgins
5. Hylands Golf Club

Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities & amenities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Hylands Golf Club began in 1960 as an affordable golf course for military personnel. Since then, it has matured into a top-quality military golf course that offers a full range of services and amenities to its 1500 members and their guests.
Due to its history, this private golf course prioritizes military personnel and has rates depending on their current status. There are rates for active military personnel, former military personnel, and also for non-military personnel.
Military personnel can enjoy not just special membership rates but also have priority when it comes to booking tee times. Hyland’s Golf Club allows them to book up to 4 days in advance.
Getting a little rusty with your skills, or want your child to start their golfing journey for the first time? Its Pro Shop has professionals who offer all levels of training for both adults and juniors.
If you plan on hosting your own golf tournament, there’s no need to look further because this private golf course and its first-class facilities are more than happy to host you. Just contact its event coordinator to schedule your championship as soon as possible.
Despite how intimidating Hylands Golf Club may seem due to its preferential treatment towards military personnel, it’s not unfounded by any means.
Pros
- Special prices for military personnel
- Advanced tee time bookings
- Adult & junior lessons
Cons
- Preferential treatment
Customer Reviews
Worth the money
“What a beautiful and fun golf course. Beautiful 36 holes can be played. It is membership only however, it’s worth the money as the course is really well maintained and the service is super friendly” – Marc Trepanier
Great golf course
“Great golf course in Ottawa. Friendly staff, well maintained greens and lots of washrooms on the course. Also, the course is close to the airport so you can watch the planes from some holes.” – Alicea MacPherson
FAQs about Private Golf Courses in Ottawa
If you’re curious to know about other exclusive clubs, you can check out our reviews on the top country clubs in Ottawa to learn more!