St George's Golf & Country Club

St George's Golf & Country Club: Located in the leafy western suburbs of Toronto, this private club is home to one of Canada's most renowned courses. Although the clubhouse and pro shop are "cut-off" from the course by busy Islington Avenue, there is nothing disjointed about the layout itself. Designed by the great Stanley Thompson, this wonderfully undulating roaming course sets down a testing parkland challenge for golfers of all abilities.

Thompson's highly-acclaimed layout rolls its way out-and-back through attractive and constantly undulating parkland. Well-spaced, tall mature trees of many varieties give excellent definition to the holes. Stylish tongued bunkering threatens many tee and approach shots, while water (in the form of a small stream) is only in play at the par-3 13th and par-4 14th holes. Any housing around the course perimeter is generally discreet, and set well back.

With many demanding and classical Thompson holes along the way, the layout culminates in a closing three-hole stretch in one of the flatter and more open parts of the course. The 16th is arguably the most deceptive of the par-3s. After the long and doglegging par-4 17th, the long straightaway par-4 18th brings you to a fiercely bunker-defended green in front of St George's iconic clubhouse.

With the clubhouse combining the styles of an English spired church, a French chateau and a stately mansion, its well worth having a look round inside if you are invited to play here. From the changing rooms through to dining on the Upper Verandah, you may pick up the whiff of "old money" in the air. Not entirely surprising at this most prestigious of Toronto's private golf clubs.

Limited access: this private course is generally playable only by members and their invited guests.