Discover the Best Public Golf Courses in Vancouver: A Golfer’s Guide
Vancouver offers a range of exceptional golf courses, all within a 45-minute drive from the Lower Mainland. As a passionate golfer who enjoys testing my skills on different courses, I’ve had the pleasure of playing at many of these venues. One of the aspects I love most about golfing in Vancouver is the year-round accessibility.
Here are my top picks for public courses in the area that offer an outstanding overall experience and are definitely worth exploring:
1. Fraserview Golf Course
Fraserview Golf Course stands as one of Vancouver’s historic clubs, boasting a rich legacy in the city. Located conveniently off Knight Street, it offers easy access to golfers looking to venture south of the city. Despite being a municipal course, Fraserview surprises with its impeccable maintenance, featuring lush greens, well-designed fairways, and cleanly placed tee boxes. Securing a tee time here is highly recommended.
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 72
Google Rating: 4.5 (942)
Address: 7800 Vivian Dr, Vancouver
Driving Range: ✔️
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
2. Kings Links by the Sea
While located in Delta, this course is worth the journey for its distinctive links-style layout. Unlike many courses closer to the North Shore, this one offers a flatter terrain, yet it remains a challenging course with its lengthy fairways, strategically placed pot bunkers, and tricky greens. Playing here is always a pleasure, and I highly recommend making the trip for a great golfing experience.
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 72
Google Rating: 4.3 (288)
Address: 3388 72 St, Delta
Driving Range: ✔️
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
3. Northlands Golf Course
Nestled at the base of Mount Seymour on the North Shore, Northlands Golf Course is a par 72 course renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Offering several picturesque tee boxes, it’s a perfect for scenic shot lovers. However, this course is not for the faint of heart. The fairways can be narrow, and the dense tree line is notorious for swallowing up errant shots. With rocky areas, it’s recommended to take an unplayable lie if needed. For newcomers to the game, I recommend bringing extra balls, as Northlands enforces a strict pace of play. Experienced golfers, on the other hand, will enjoy the challenge this course presents.
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 71
Google Rating: 4.3 (447)
Address: 3400 Anne Macdonald Way, North Vancouver
Driving Range: ✘
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
4. University Golf Course
Located conveniently for residents of Point Grey and Kitsilano, this course is a popular choice for weekend rounds. The track is meticulously maintained, with hazards strategically placed to challenge golfers without ruining their game entirely. While a wayward slice or hook might catch you off guard, the course is forgiving overall, offering ample opportunities for recovery. The greens are true, ensuring that your approaches are both challenging and realistic.
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 72
Google Rating: 4.3 (482)
Address: 5185 University Blvd, Vancouver
Driving Range: ✔️
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
5. Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club
Offering views of the North Shore, McCleery Golf Course is a delightful destination for a round of golf. This course is known for its excellent design, featuring true greens and well-conditioned fairways that enhance the overall golfing experience. It’s worth noting that 13 out of the 18 holes incorporate water features, adding an element of challenge. However, even with this feature, I found the course to be a pleasant and manageable play that offers a fun challenge without being overly demanding.
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 71/72
Google Rating: 4.3 (737)
Address: 5460 Number 7 Rd, Richmond
Driving Range: ✔️
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
6. Gleneagles Golf Course & Clubhouse
Gleneagles Golf Course may be only 9 holes, but it’s praised by all who play it. It’s the perfect choice for a quick round after work, offering a a well-maintained course that doesn’t overwhelm its players. Despite its shorter layout, the course has plenty of character. After your round, be sure to visit The Orchard, the clubhouse restaurant, for some tasty post-game bites.
Course Type: 9-hole, Par 35
Google Rating: 4.4 (265)
Address: 6190 Marine Dr, West Vancouver
Driving Range: ✘
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
7. Langara Golf Course
The second of three courses, Langara Golf Course, is managed by the city of Vancouver. Offering a solid golfing experience, Langara features gentle rolling hills, well-crafted greens, and views of the surrounding area. Situated in the picturesque Oakridge area, Langara is one of the most accessible course in the Lower Mainland.
One of Langara’s major perks is its excellent practice facilities, including a driving range and practice greens, making it an ideal destination for improving your game.
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 71
Google Rating: 4.2 (556)
Address: 6706 Alberta St, Vancouver
Driving Range: ✘
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
8. Savage Creek Golf Course & Driving Range
Savage Creek Golf Course stands out as a unique and enjoyable experience. While it may not adhere to the typical golf course design, it offers a fun and refreshing change of pace. The course primarily features par 3 and 4 holes, with only one par 5, making it ideal for those seeking a no-pressure round or newer golfers looking for a manageable challenge.
One of Savage Creek’s most notable features is its incredibly unique greens, adding an element of excitement to every hole. If you prefer a course that doesn’t require hitting long yardages over 6000, Savage Creek is a perfect choice. However, due to its popularity and ease of play, the course can get backed up at times, meaning the pace of play may not be much faster than a typical par 72 course.
Course Type: 16-hole, Par 58
Google Rating: 4.5 (802)
Address: 7388 No 6 Rd, Richmond
Driving Range: ✔️
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
9. McCleery Golf Course
The third course managed by the city of Vancouver, McCleery Golf Course, may not be the top-rated course among locals according to Google reviews, but it’s still a course worth experiencing. Offering pleasant views of the North Shore mountains, charming ponds, lush trees, and well-maintained greens, McCleery provides an ideal backdrop for your round of golf.
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 71/72
Google Rating: 4.1 (367)
Address: 7188 Macdonald St, Vancouver
Driving Range: ✔️
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
10. Burnaby Mountain Golf Course & Driving Range
While I haven’t had the opportunity to play this course yet, I highly recommend giving it a try based on the feedback I’ve gathered. From discussions with other golfers and reading numerous positive reviews, the course is praised for being well-maintained, with a friendly staff and offering a balanced level of challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned player or newer to the game, the course is said to provide an enjoyable and fair experience. It’s definitely at the top of my list for my next round.
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 71/72
Google Rating: 4.3 (900)
Address: 7600 Halifax St, Burnaby
Driving Range: ✔️
Practice Green: ✔️
Book A Tee Time Here
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Max Polubiec, Real Estate Advisor
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Vancouver, BC
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