Prince Edward Island is a maritime Canadian province, the smallest of all the country’s ten, and is comprised of the island of the same name and multiple other smaller islands nearby. It is situated along the east coast of Canada, by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and spans only 2,200 square miles with a population of 140,000. It is home to only two cities – Charlottetown, the provincial capital, and the much smaller, less populous Summerside in the western region – but has eleven urban towns, the largest being Cornwall, Stratford, and Borden-Carleton. It enjoys a mild climate with warm summers perfect for beach weather and generally strong winds all year-round.The geography at Prince Edward Island is generally made up of a flat, tree-strewn terrain accented by a few gently rolling hills, and barrier islands with white sand beaches and saltwater marshes lying on the north coast. However, a few beaches feature red soil, and those tend to have grassy sand dunes and sandstone cliffs. It’s also interesting to note that there are no large rivers or lakes in the archipelago, but instead, several small streams. With such a naturally scenic and remote location, it’s no wonder that Prince Edward Island is one of Canada’s favorite golf destinations. It is home to nearly 30 courses of almost every size, type, and layout lying in close proximity to the state capital and usually within short distances of some popular tourist attractions and famous landmarks. With such a fine assortment of widely varied choices that holds something for every golfer, it’s hard to decide where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together this list of Prince Edward Island’s top 10 best public golf courses to guide you on your golfing adventures throughout the province. Each and every course named here was selected for and judged on their scenery, playability, services, and amenities offered, and most importantly, their layout quality – aided by a collection of player reviews as well as inputs from several prestigious golf publications.
Best Golf Courses in (Province/State)
1. The Links at Crowbush Cove
Rating: 4.83/5.0Location: Morell, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 72Length: 6,903 yardsStarting off our list strong is a name you surely have heard when talking about Prince Edward Island’s premier golfing destinations and Canada’s overall top-ranking courses: The Links at Crowbush Cove. A stunning coastal course with seaside holes and strikingly green fairways under miles of clear blue sky. Strap in for an invigorating game at this world-class, 18-hole golf facility that’s among North America’s finest. Designed by famed Canadian architect Thomas McBroom, The Links at Crowbush Cove was built atop one of the state’s most iconic beaches overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. McBroom’s deft hand at artistry and design is undisputedly clear in the way he has laid out the course around the coastal dunes of the north shore. The property has been highly acclaimed ever since it first opened in1994, as it was immediately honored the number 1 spot on Golf Digest’s “Best New Courses in Canada” on the same year. More recently, the course was also named one of the “Best Courses in Canada” by Golf Digest for both 2015 and 2016, placing 2nd in Golf Magazine’s “Best Value Golf Courses in Canada”, and Canadian Golf’s “Top 100 Courses List” in 2015. The championship par-72 links-style layout at Crowbush Cove is the perfect blend of rich natural scenery and thought-provoking, challenging holes. It features an excellent layout that winds through a diverse landscape of tree-lined sandy dunes, coastal areas, and wide open marshes to make for nine inland holes and nine seaside holes. Though the fairways are very generous, the fast and wild undulating greens, relentless winds, and abundance of sod-stacked bunkers all elevate the layout’s overall difficulty. Those who dare to take on the challenge will either be rewarded with immense pride and enhanced skills for their efforts, or head back with a whopping so thorough that you’ll vow to improve your game even more before even thinking about taking this monster course on again. Among the most memorable holes of the entire track include the par 3 6th, perched atop a marsh with a sloping green fortified with water to the left, a large bunker to the rear, and a pot bunker to the right; the coastal 16th, a 360-yard par-4 that’s easily one of the most scenic of the track, with its expansive view overlooking the ocean and the beach, featuring an uphill fairway leading up to a heavily guarded green; and lastly, the course’s signature hole, the 565-yard 11th hole, a par-5 with an ocean view to the back of the tee and to the front, a 75-yard pond and two fairway bunkers defending the raised green. Overall, the Links at Crowbush Cove is a definite must-play course if challenge and adventure are your cups of tea. If not, it’s still well worth the visit for its breathtaking coastal views and first-class facilities that set the gold standard among the top public golf courses in Prince Edward Island.
Rating: 4.78/5.0Location: Cardigan, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 72Length: 7,284 yardsLocated in the small community of Brudenell in Prince Edward’s eastern region is another consistent contender for the title of the best public golf course on the island: Dundarave Golf Course. First established in 1999, this 18-hole facility is actually the sister course of the Brudenell River Golf Course which was built thirty years prior. Both are found in the four-star luxury resort, Rodd Brudenell River Resort, within the Brudenell River Provincial Park that’s only a short 30-minute drive from the province’s capital, Charlottetown. The handiwork of two award-winning architects, Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, the design at Dundarave Golf Course is a fusion of traditional architecture and contemporary styling that perfectly showcases the beauty that abounds in this region of Prince Edward Island. With contoured, undulating greens and expansive fairways bordered by rows of pine trees, the property’s most distinct and most famous feature by far is its assortment of red sand bunkers of varying shapes and sizes that provide a striking contrast to the greens and blues on the rest of the layout. Although officially dubbed as a traditional layout, four types of golf themes can actually be played here at Dundarave, as some holes play wide and open in the meadow (in classic links fashion); while others lie in densely wooded areas (like in a heathland course); a few meander along the river’s edge (these are the coastal holes); and several wind up and down the hills to ponds and wetlands (which are the inland holes). All four themes are formidable tests of skill where greens are defended by strategic bunkering patterns, undulating greens, and tall fescue in the rough, as well as a fair share of water hazards and wetlands on several holes. Among the layout’s best holes are the 162-yard 5th hole, a short par-3 with a large, elevated green surrounded by bunkers with a lovely view of an ocean inlet and rushing waves; the par-4 8th hole, the most aesthetically pleasing hole at Dundarave is also one of the most difficult, being a descending dogleg left with ten bunkers coming into play and a small green with water hazards front and back as well as trees on the right; and the course’s signature hole, the par-3 17th hole that goes downhill to a large bunker fortifying the green amidst gorgeous views of the surrounding natural scenery. With such an exciting, widely diverse layout that offers something for everybody, be sure to stop by Dundarave Golf Course on your trip to Prince Edward Island and see for yourself why this course earned a spot in Canadian Golf’s “Top 100 Courses” in 2015.
Rating: 4.74/5.0Location: Hunter River, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 72Length: 6,857 yardsLocated only 15 minutes northwest of North Rustico and 10 minutes west of Glassglow Hills, lying amidst the state’s tourist haven of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, is the Green Gables Golf Club. This public 18-hole facility has achieved state-wide acclaim as one of Prince Edward Island’s best public golf courses because of its fun layout and the picturesque, oceanside vistas. Another top-rated links-style course carved from the sandy dunes of PEI’s scenic north shore, Green Gables G.C. flaunts lush bluegrass greens and bentgrass fairways that are kept in tip-top shape like the rest of the property. It first opened in 1939, making it one of oldest public golf courses in the entire province, and was designed by the legendary golfer-turned-architect Stanley Thompson. Almost seventy years later, the course was restored by Thomas McBroom who infused his own artistic flair into Thompson’s original vision to create a sleek and upgraded modern course with a hint of that classical touch that has successfully managed to merge with the times yet still meeting the highest standards of the game. The ocean vistas also allow for glimpses of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Lake of Shining Waters, most especially from the six ‘water’ holes. A championship layout that plays to a par 72, the course is adorned with plenty of mature trees lining the generous, gently rolling fairways while the deep sand bunkers and undulating greens offer plenty of intrigue for the most discerning players. Though there are many tricky holes to be found here, the layout at Green Gables Golf Course actually offers plenty of good scoring opportunities and straightforward shots to keep it accessible to a wide range of golfers. Four different sets of tees are also available to accommodate players from all skill levels. Some of the most outstanding holes of the track are: the 3rd, a 546-yard downhill par-5 with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean; the par-4 14th, which plays away from the lake towards a creek that cuts through the fairway and an elevated green with a bunker to the left; the 196-yard 16th hole, a gorgeous par-5 perched atop an inlet of the Lake of Shining Waters with an uneven putting surface; and finally, the 453-yard 13th, Green Gables’ signature hole, where players can glimpse the Lake of Shining Waters for the first time from the dogleg left fairway that descends into a well-guarded green.
4. Brudenell River Golf Course
Rating: 4.70/5.0Location: Cardigan, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 72Length: 6,542 yardsBrudenell River Golf Course lies adjacent to the Dundarave Golf Course in one of Prince Edward Island’s deluxe four-star vacation destinations, the Rodd Brudenell River Resort. Though it’s ranked slightly below its sister course, this 18-hole golf complex is still worthy of being recognized as one of the best golf courses in Prince Edward Island. Popular for its expertly crafted layout design and invitingly lush riverside scenery that casts a broad appeal, Brudenell River Golf Course has been a long-time favorite of many avid golfers. With a four-star rating by Golf Digest and named one of the state’s “Best Places to Play”, Brudenell River G.C. has captured the hearts of many locals and visitors ever since it first opened in 1969. Designed by experienced Canadian architect C.E. Robbie Robinson, of Doon Valley Golf Club fame, Brudenell has made quite a name for itself, not only in terms of providing an exceptional round of golf but also as a widely sought-out tournament venue – having hosted multiple Canadian Tour events and the nation’s first-ever women’s skin game, the Lorie Kane Island Challenge, back in 2000. It flaunts a timeless and traditional design with tree-lined fairways, contoured greens, and a sprinkling of water features throughout the entire track. Though the fairways are spacious and the elevation changes are minimal (making it pleasantly walkable), this course still holds plenty of challenge with its strategically laid-out bunkers, water hazards, and a few notable doglegs and blind shots. Its six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s are routed along the property’s picture-perfect gardens and riverside, accented by a number of lakes and ponds that often come into play. Of the 18 distinct holes composing the layout, the best by far are: the charming par-3 5th, with a pond to the front and an ocean inlet to the left of its unique L-shaped green; the 10th, a 135-yard par-3 that’s Brudenell River Golf Course’s signature hole that plays over the water with a pond and a pair of bunkers fronting the green; the 390-yard 13th, a lenient dogleg par-4 that requires a skillfully maneuvered approach shot, with four bunkers guarding the green; and lastly, the par-5 17th, which stretches 553 yards from the tips and swerves left and downhill past a couple of fairway bunkers to a green fortified on both sides and at the back by four surrounding bunkers while also presenting players with a delightfully expansive view of the eponymous Brudenell River.Aside from the championship layout at the Brudenell River Golf Course, guests can also enjoy their driving range, putting course, target greens, practice area, teaching pro, beverage carts, snack bar, and on-site restaurant and bar. With its beautiful riverside setting, formidable but friendly layout, excellent amenities and friendly staff, Brudenell River Golf Course is an easy addition to our list of the best public golf courses in Prince Edward Island.
Rating: 4.67/5.0Location: O’Leary, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 72Length: 6,840 yardsEscape to another one of Prince Edward Island’s best golfing destinations, lying along the North Cape Coastal Drive in the western region: Mill River Golf Course. A prized landmark of the community at Woodstock, this 18-hole public golf course was built in 1971 and is another excellent C.E. Robbie Robinson showpiece.Built around a mature forest landscape, heavily wooded and carpeted with bentgrass greens, the Mill River Golf Course is the crowning jewel of the Rod Mill River Resort. It boasts a rolling terrain with varying degrees of elevation changes and expansive tree-lined fairways peppered with several lakes and streams along the 6,840 yardage. Though Graham Cooke was later tasked to renovate the property in 1996, he took care to ensure that Robinson’s handiwork still manages to shine through. A popular playground for many, avid golfers visiting the course at Mill River will be treated to a splendid time with the immersive natural setting as you make your rounds.Equipped with five sets of tee boxes to accommodate a wide variety of players, the par-72 parkland layout weaves its 18 holes along wide, open areas and through the property’s woodlands. There are almost 60 strategically-laid out sand bunkers to be found here along with several water hazards that are very prominent on five holes.Overall, the best holes of the track are: the par-3 5th named “The Lookout”, a 160-yard hole with a wide, double-bunkered green and a shallow putting surface that makes distance control essential; the 7th, a 419-yard par-4 called “Hunters’ Spring” that puts a premium on shot accuracy with a creek cutting across its split fairway that swerves to the left towards an elevated green; the 13th, aptly named “Aquabound” for its double-tiered, pond-protected putting surface and downhill fairway; and finally, the dogleg left par-4 18th hole, ending the game on a high note with a beautiful blue pond to the front-right of its very elevated green 416 yards away from the back tees. This underrated course is no slouch on the challenge department. It will definitely demand that you use all your tricks and all the clubs in your bag in order to eke out a decent score at the end of the round. It is also one of the province’s most popular and affordable courses, which is why it deserves a spot on our list of the best golf courses in Prince Edward Island.
Rating: 4.62/5.0Location: Stanley Bridge, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 72Length: 6,651 yardsAndersons Creek Golf Club is a semi-private 18-hole course nestled amidst a deep valley where the Anderson Creek is found. First established in 2003, this island course has been named one of the best courses in Prince Edward Island’s eastern region and recognized as one of the “Greatest New Courses in Canada” by Golf magazine. Helmed with designing the property was then up-and-coming architect Graham Cooke, whose predilection for gently rolling hills and mixed woodlands shines through with his work here at Andersons Creek. Strategically located only a few minutes away from central Cavendish (the province’s bustling tourist attraction) and 25 minutes or so from the Charlottetown Airport, the course flaunts terrific elevation changes and tall, undulating greens that play fast and fair to the stroke of a club. Set in a luxurious rural area, this 18-hole championship caliber course is as stunning as it is satisfying to play. The par 72 championship layout at Andersons Creek will challenge even the most seasoned players, as it features some noteworthy forced carries, uneven lies, and numerous water hazards that come into play for half of the holes. Of all the 18 holes of the track, those that stood out the most were: the tricky par-5 3rd, starting out strong with a sloping fairway that leads into an elevated green surrounded by bunkers; the 131-yard par-3 4th, continuing the good first impression with its ascending and descending fairways leading to a small, well-bunkered green; and the forced carries over the water on the 9th and 15th holes, both spanning almost 200 yards each off the back tee. Other off-course amenities include a well-stocked pro shop, a guests lounge, and a clubhouse overlooking the New London Bay and Gulf of St. Lawrence dunes. All in all, Stanley Bridge’s Andersons Creek is a golf course you don’t want to miss should you ever pass by the area, with its reasonable prices and enjoyably challenging layout that is Graham Cooke in top form.
7. The Eagles Glenn Golf Course
Rating: 4.58/5.0Location: Cavendish, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 72Length: 6,785 yardsLocated in the northern shores of Prince Edward Island in the resort area of Cavendish, The Eagles Glenn Golf Course is another Graham Cooke signature piece flaunting velvety bent grass greens carpeting the greens and fairways. Open all year round, this public 18-hole course is great for golfers of all skill levels and easily accessible as it lies along the central coastal drive.Meticulously maintained, The Eagles Glenn Golf Course rose to prominence for hosting the 2007 Canadian Senior Men’s Match Play Championship as well as CN Future Links Atlantic Championships in 2009 and 2012. First unveiled in 2002, the course is sculpted from 300 acres of rolling countryside terrain deep in the heart of Cavendish and make for an ideal golfing holiday and beach vacation rolled into one. The links-style layout playing to a par 72 is riddled with numerous grassy mounds and swathes of tall fescue bordering the greens and fairways. The track features ten par-4s, four par-5s, and 4 par-3s each with five different sets of tees to cater to a wide array of skill levels. The spectacular bunkering and subtle elevation changes keep things friendly but still interesting. Still proving to be an exciting test of a golfer’s skill, most of the holes along the championship track at The Eagles Glenn actually play very wide and open, making for some expansive, unencumbered views of the gorgeous north shore setting, overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Particularly unforgettable is the view from the downhill par-3 4th hole. This 18-hole championship course is a must-play course that should be included in your to-do list when you are visiting PEI. It is definitely one of the top golfing destinations in Prince Edward Island.
Rating: 4.53/5.0Location: Vernon River, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 70Length: 6,908 yardsThe Avondale Golf Course, an easily accessible semi-private 18-hole course only 15 minutes away from Charlottetown, lying along the Points East Coastal Drive is our eight pick for Prince Edward Island’s best public golf courses. Its layout spans an impressive 6,908 yards riddled with numerous long holes – a dream come true for many long hitters. Adorned with dwarf bluegrass greens and fairways of bentgrass, this hidden gem of the southeastern region was built atop gently rolling woodland terrain. Designed by architect Jeff Fuller, the classical links-style layout has enamored both locals and visitors alike ever since it was first unveiled. With plenty of white sand bunkers and gently rolling, tree-strewn fairways, the ferocious winds characteristic of the area should also be factored in as a legitimate hazard in its own right. Impeccably maintained and welcoming a wide spectrum of players, Avondale Golf Course boasts a remarkable par-70 layout equipped with four sets of tees for players to choose from. The black tees, rounding out at 6,768 yards, are best for golfers of 0-5 handicap; while the blue tees are for 6-14 handicappers; the 5,892-yard white tees for golfers of 15-20 handicap; and the red tees, measuring 5,187 yards, for those holding 26 and above. Among the most memorable holes of the track are: the 3rd, a long and testy par-4 often said to be the most difficult of the entire layout, with a creek 250 yards from the tee and a small, triple-tiered green; the 8th hole, the toughest par-3 of the track, spanning 210 yards and demanding a long-iron or fairway wood to reach the ridged green, as those that come up short roll straight down the side or may end up in the greenside bunkers; the slightly downhill 12th hole featuring the longest par-3 of the track, spanning 218 yards and demanding absolute precision and control to land the narrow green, or you’ll find your way either into a deep bunker or the water hazard to the left; and lastly, the par-4 14th hole that’s a mild dogleg left featuring one of the tightest tee shots of the course and an elevated green that’s very tricky to land. Aside from the course itself, you can also enjoy their putting, chipping and pitching greens when warming up for your round, or replenish your personal golfing arsenal with the wide selection available at the pro-shop. Other off-course amenities include a driving range, a teaching pro, a golf clinic, and beverage carts. All these elements combine to make the perfect weekend getaway for locals or travelling golfers in need of a fix while in Prince Edward Island.
9. Fox Meadow Golf & Country Club
Rating: 4.48/5.0Location: Stratford, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 72Length: 6,836 yardsAnother must play course in the Prince Edward Island golfing scene, the relatively new Fox Meadow Golf & Country Club is well worth the visit for both residents and travelling golfers alike. Located only mere minutes from downtown Charlottetown, the course at Fox Meadow is unassuming but engaging and a great, family-friendly PEI golfing destination at the same time. Canadian designer Robert Heaslip, with over 20 years of experience under his belt, dazzles golfers once again with this Stratford showpiece. Carved from 6,836 yards of old farmland and surrounded by rural and city harbor views all around, this impressive design features minimalist but modern architecture and plenty of hardwood and softwood trees. There’s also a fair share of flourishing wildlife, particularly foxes, frolicking about the property. Playable for beginners but still entertaining for advanced players, the course at Fox Meadow Golf & Country Club weaves among the trees to test a player’s proficiency at course management. Some course highlights include: the 454-yard 3rd hole, a lengthy, uphill par 5 that demands a drive over the marsh to reach the small, almost obscure green fortified with nine bunkers; the fun par-3 7th hole, with an almost-islet green that’s not quite entirely surrounded by water; the 11th, a downhill par-4 with an out-of-bounds left and an elevated green with three bunkers to the right and hardwood trees behind it; and finally, the finishing 18th hole, a 449-yard par-5 with a lengthy up-and-down sloping fairway that leads into a heavily-guarded green, with three large bunkers surrounding it.It’s also worth mentioning that their on-site teaching facility, the Fox Golf Academy, is among Eastern Canada’s finest and most famous. Other amenities include a driving range, a pitching area, putting greens, practice bunkers, a teaching pro, a fully-equipped pro shop, a 9th hole canteen, food and beverage carts, a colonial-style clubhouse, and an on-site restaurant named The Fox Den Bar & Grill that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for reasonable prices. Awarded with a four-star rating by Golf Digest as well as a spot in their “Best Places to Play in Prince Edward Island” list, you’d be hard pressed to dethrone Fox Meadow Golf & Country Club from its well-earned seat among the province’s best public golf courses.
Rating: 4.43/5.0Location: Cornwall, Prince Edward IslandHole: 18Par: 70Length: 5,847 yardsCapping off our list of Prince Edward Island’s best public golf courses is the pride of Cornwall, the Glen Afton Golf Club. One of western PEI’s finest courses, this semi-private 18-hole golf facility was voted one of the “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest for two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009. Its impressive par-70 layout is a crowd-pleaser on all fronts, spanning a walkable 5,847 yardage adorned with a variety of bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue. Designer Bill Robinson, famous for his work on New Jersey’s Bowling Green Golf Club and Connecticut’s Portland Golf Course, has crafted a truly classic course set in the Northumberland Strait. It lies 20 minutes west of the provincial capital and 2 miles away from the area’s public beaches, making it a quick and easy stop on anyone’s Prince Edward Island road trip. Though generally family-friendly, the course can turn challenging at times throughout its 18-hole layout. The starting nine is characterized by wide-open fairways that lend itself to good scoring opportunities, whereas the finishing nine comprises mainly of picturesque coastal holes that are more challenging than it initially lets on. Environmentally conscious patrons will also be pleased to know that Glen Afton uses minimal herbicide and works hard to reduce their carbon footprint while conducting their operations. There’s also the choice of three different sets of tees made available for players.Among the course’s best holes are: the par-5 3rd, stretching 548 yards from the tips with bunkers down the right of the fairway and rough to the left, the large, level green demands shot accuracy from players as the ball could easily go astray into the surrounding woods; the 5th hole, a quirky and interesting 378-yard par-5 with another up-and-down sloping fairway and a ridged green bordered by trees to the back right and a playable waste area to the left; the par-3 10th hole, with its elevated tee boxes 60-80 feet above the green, fronted by a large pond; and finally, the par-4 13th hole which runs along the oceanside with a dogleg right and a smattering of trees in the middle of the fairway and along the right edge, demanding a solid drive and a carry over the 150-yard pond to hit the mark on the upward-sloping green guarded by a bunker to the left.A quaint little paradise for golf enthusiasts from far and wide, with its lush rolling fairways, well-manicured greens, and breathtaking seacoast views, the Glen Afton Golf Club deftly closes the curtain on our list of the top public golf courses in Prince Edward Island.
Wrap up
While Prince Edward Island is by no means on the level of, say, California or North Carolina in terms of golf course quantity, it more than meets the standards of golf course quality. A fresh new golf destination with many promising prospects, all of the courses mentioned here provide their guests with a world-class golfing experience that showcases PEI’s best features, as well as exceptional value for their money in terms of scenery, services, amenities, and layout. Despite there being only 30 or so courses in the province, this is by no means a definitive list of all of them. There are a dozen or more left off this ranking and several nine-hole golf facilities well worth your visit. With that said, feel free to discover all the hidden gems and unsung heroes of Prince Edward Island’s golfing scene for your own pleasure and let us know of your experiences if ever. We would be glad to hear from you.
