Emerald Links, Greely, ON

The Emerald Links Golf and Country Club is one of the most popular golf courses in the Ottawa area which often attributes to slow play. Like most good things, this course is worth the wait.

The course is nestled in an upscale neighborhood and driving in, it appears the neighbors might be a little too close for comfort. To great surprise, the houses are barely noticable once you step foot on the well-manicured course.

Since the first 18 holes of Emerald Links were designed by Graham Cooke in 1990, the trees along the fairways are at the ideal age, mature enough to block out the rest of the world without showing signs of wear and tear. A third set of nine holes was added in 2002 and golfers can play a combination of the three nines during their golf round. The East and West are the best combination of holes, according to local golfers.

The course is very tranquil and the bent grass on the fairways is so well maintained that it's almost like walking on carpet. The greens are also well-manicured and tend to run a little fast, offering quite the challenge to shoot par on many of the holes. While the fairways and greens are in exceptional shape, the tee boxes could use the same attention. The tee boxes are the only place where the high-traffic of golfers really comes to light.

Emerald Links has some challenging holes, but it is fairly easy for a good golfer to score well. The fairways are wide open on most holes so control your slice and par is certainly attainable.

Annual memberships are available at this semi-private club, as well as moderately priced daily rates. Special rates for junior and senior golfers are offered, as well as several options for riding in a golf cart or walking with clubs.

A full restaurant is on site with trained chefs so be sure to grab a bite to eat during or after your round. Another option is to use the mobile ordering system to place your order as you play and then pick up at the turn.

The Patterson family owns two other courses in the area – Anderson Links and Cloverdale – but this is the best golf course of the three. Next time you are in the Ottawa area, be sure to check out Emerald Links Golf and Country Club. The course is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Ottawa International Airport.