Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinBest Public Golf Courses in Vancouver
Vancouver is a city that’s known for its picturesque mountains and ocean views, which makes it a spectacular spot for a round of 18 holes.
The best public golf courses in Vancouver are McCleery Golf Course, Langara Golf Course, University Golf Club, Fraserview Golf Course, and Stanley Park Pitch & Putt.
These public golf courses provide different courses for all skill levels, lush green terrains, well-sculpted tee shots, and magnificent views of nature.
That’s why it’s not surprising that golfers worldwide come to play here!
So, let’s take a look at what these courses have to offer!
1. McCleery Golf Course
Image by the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
The McCleery Golf Course was built in 1959, and it’s open all year to golfers of all skill levels.
Canadian architect Ted Baker designed this target-style golf course, featuring well-sculpted tee shots and greens. Tall trees also grace the entire course, and there’s also a newly-renovated driving range.
Image by the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
Below are their current rates based on the number of golf balls you require:
Data from the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
The driving range also has plenty of onsite washrooms, a private teaching room, and a small retail shop where you can purchase and rent golf accessories.
If you’re new to golf or want to improve your game, you can enroll in the McCleery Golf Academy, where you’ll be taught by a team of PGA of Canada mentors.
Golf lessons are available for beginners, children, and adults. The cost of their golf lessons is determined by the level of the course and the duration.
Their golf lesson rates are listed in the table below:
If you plan to visit the course frequently, you can also sign up for a membership that starts at CAD 49.95 for a full 12 months of membership. Getting a membership at the McCleery Golf Course includes numerous features and benefits.
This includes up to CAD 2,500 reimbursement for damaged or lost equipment, 10% off on Gold Canada merchandise, personalized equipment ID labels, and many more.
Image by Golf Pass via https://www.golfpass.com/
While you’re there, you might want to check out the Clubhouse, open to visitors seven days a week. You can get a meal here such as sandwiches, soup and salads, wraps, and a wide assortment of burgers.
You can enjoy your meal on their patio with an unobstructed view of the golf course. This is a perfect way to end or start your game!
2. Langara Golf Course
Image by the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
The Langara Golf Course is a traditional-style course built in 1926 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. This public golf course has wide, tree-lined fairways and 71 courses suitable for all golfers.
A flat trail run also passes along the golf course, where you can walk and jog. Numerous trees provide shade where you can rest under. The grounds are also lovely and verdant because they’re filled with flowering plants and shrubs.
Unfortunately, this golf course doesn’t have a driving range where you can practice your skills, but they do have other amenities such as walking trails, putting and chipping areas, and a golf shop where you can rent golf equipment.
Check out the table below for their available golf items and their rates:
Data from the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
While they don’t offer golf lessons, you can sign up for a membership at the Langara’s Men’s Club which costs a one-time fee of CAD 100.
This allows you to book in advance during weekends, join single and pair events, participate in weekly events, and many more.
Image by the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
If you get hungry, you can go to the Langara Clubhouse and order a full meal. Their clubhouses can also be rented for private parties, business meetings, banquets, and as a wedding venue.
3. University Golf Club
Image by BC Golf Safaris via https://bcgolfsafaris.com/
The University Golf Club, which opened in 1929, has courses for all skill levels. This course’s fairways are wide and narrow, with large trees. Players will also appreciate the University Golf Club’s 10-minute tee time intervals.
Image by the University Golf Club via https://twitter.com/universitygolf
This public golf course features a scenic 18-hole par-72 course. They also have a driving range where you can go through some drills before going on the course.
Image by Google Maps via https://www.google.com/
The University Golf Club also offers premier golf lessons where instructors tailor their lessons to fit all skill levels and student needs.
This golf academy is open seven days a week, and if you’re a new student, they offer a Ready Fore Golf program for CAD 110, which includes a 4-week course covering golf fundamentals and techniques.
For more information about available golf lessons and rates, it’s best to contact them via phone or email to get an exact price.
As for amenities, the University Golf Club has one of the best clubhouse facilities in Canada as it can accommodate weddings, banquets, meetings, and many more.
Image by Nasa Rouf via https://www.google.com/
If you get hungry, stop by the Westward Ho! restaurant with a fantastic menu selection of main courses, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads. They also offer various desserts, such as cheesecakes, brownies, and pies.
4. Fraserview Golf Course
Image by the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
The Fraserview Golf Course features an 18-hole, par-72 course with tree-lined golf courses, putting greens, and a driving range. This golf course was founded in 1936 and is one of Canada’s oldest municipal golf clubs.
Image by the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
This well-kept, traditional-style course features terrain changes along magnificent views of the Fraser River. The Fraserview Golf Course also has practice putting greens and a driving range for beginners.
The table below lists their current rates on golf baskets:
Data from the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
Other amenities they have include putting and chipping areas, on-site washrooms, private teaching rooms, and a golf shop.
If you want to learn how to play golf, the Golf Institute at Fraserview offers beginner to advanced golf lessons.
You may also sign up for a membership so you can have access to a wide variety of benefits ranging from access to prime weekend tee times to prizes and awards, and discounts on golf merchandise.
Their yearly membership rates for adults cost CAD 260, while senior citizens cost CAD 160 as long as you present a senior card upon registration.
5. Stanley Park Pitch & Putt
Image by the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
The Stanley Park Pitch & Putt is a 1,200-yard and 18-hole pitch and putts with rhododendron gardens. This golf course is located near Stanley Park’s amenities, such as the lawn bowling club, Second Beach swimming pool, and many more.
The pitch and putt course features molded fairways and pristine greens in a stunning location along English Bay. In general, the course should take about 1.5 hours to complete.
There are also plenty of golf equipment rentals at the Stanley Park Pitch & Putt. Check out the table below for their available items and their rates:
Data from the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
In addition, the Stanley Park Pitch & Putt also has outdoor teahouses and beachfront hideaways, making it the best spot for friends and families.
Enhance Your Experience with the VanGolf App
Image by the City of Vancouver via https://vancouver.ca/
The VanGolf app is made to enhance your golf experience at Vancouver’s golf courses. It includes many features, including GPS, course tours, interactive scorecards, and many more.
If you’re looking to try it out, you can download the app, as it’s available for Android and Apple users. Here are some of the features you can use:
- Book tee times and track your plays
- Follow leaderboards in real-time
- Share your scores with your friends
- Notification for events, changes, and closures
Vancouver has excellent golf courses for all levels, and the courses listed here are just a few that give you a taste of the city’s best.
These courses are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to escape the stresses and strains of the work week and enjoy a day on the links beneath the clear blue sky of Vancouver.
If you still need more suggestions on where to play golf in the city, read our article on the best golf courses in Vancouver.
