St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, St. Catharines, ON

The St. Catharines Golf Course is an example of country club golf at its best. This private, highly exclusive club is one of the oldest in the Niagra area having opened at its current site in 1910. The rich history is reflected from the clubhouse throughout the course where century-old trees line each hole.

Another draw to the club is the great location in Ontario's city center. The club is easy to get to from anywhere in the city.

The par-72 course was designed by renowned golf architect Stanley Thompson in collaboration with Robert Trent Jones. The layout is difficult yet enjoyable with twisting fairways, challenging rolling greens and bunkers throughout. Choose from five tees to best suit your game, with the back tees measuring 6,814. The course rating is 73.3 and the slope rating is 132. Again, this is not an easy course.

The par-5 sixth hole is the No. 1 handicap hole. The hole is also the longest on the course at 577 yards.

St. Catharines Country Club also offers a fabulous menu in the clubhouse so be sure to stop by for a bite after your round. Other amenities include a recently renovated short game practice area and a curling facility on site.

The course has been the host site of many college, amateur and professional golf tournaments including the 2009 and 2010 Canadian Tour Championship.

Only members and guests of members can play at St. Catharines. Guests can expect to pay over $120 to play a round of 18 holes with a cart. Many would argue that the course is certainly worth the price.