A guide to golfing in Prince Edward Island
To say that Prince Edward Island is a dream destination for golfers would be an understatement. This compact province stretches only 225 kilometres from end to end, but has just under 30 golf courses. Teeing off amid PEI's red cliffs and sweeping sandy beaches on the Atlantic is an experience like no other - especially when you cap off the day on the course by dining on some of the freshest seafood on the planet.
Here are the courses you don't want to miss on a golf trip to PEI.
The Links at Crowbush Cove
Arguably Prince Edward Island's top-ranked golf course, The Links at Crowbush Cove, located in the Village of Morell on St. Peter's Bay, melds undulating greens with sublime views of PEI's North Shore sand dunes. Canadian architect Tom McBroom designed the 18-hole 6,903-yard stunner that wraps around the luxurious Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort, making this destination an idyllic place to play and stay.
Dundarave Golf Course
The scent of pines, glimpses of the beautiful Brudenell River, and PEI's red sandstone are golfers' constant companions at 18-hole Dundarave Golf Course. The handiwork of award-winning architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry can be seen in their mix of traditional and contemporary course designs, where gently sloping greens amble alongside obstacles like marshes and bunkers. Improve your long game by taking a lesson with a pro and then put your skills to work in the spectacular setting.
Green Gables Golf Club
The area of Green Gables Shore in PEI's north is already alluring, with its rolling landscapes, sand dunes, and views of the historic Anne of Green Gables House. At the heart of these surroundings is the 1939 Green Gables Golf Club, a must-visit destination in Cavendish for novice and advanced golfers alike. Originally designed by famed Scottish architect Stanley Thompson, the 18-hole 6,874-yard course situated in Prince Edward Island National Park was updated by architect Thomas McBroom and provides a mix of long and short yardages with water hazards, elevation changes, and big greens.
Glasgow Hills Golf Club
Playing a round at Glasgow Hills Golf Club is a delightful distraction for golfers, with panoramas of PEI's bucolic countryside and the Clyde River spilling into the nearby Gulf of St. Lawrence. The beautiful backdrop is a fitting match for the 18-hole course's terrain geared to golfers of all levels. After an exhilarating day on the fairways, enjoy a PEI treat: complimentary locals mussels are served in Piper's Restaurant. Located in the village of New Glasgow (a nod to PEI's Scottish heritage), this accessible course is only a 20- minute' drive from both Charlottetown and Summerside.
Mill River Golf Course
Shimmering lakes and mature forests surround the rolling fairways of the Mill River Golf Course, hidden on the western side of PEI near the town of O'Leary. The 18-hole course is entirely ensconced within Mill River Provincial Park, giving golfers a chance to use all their clubs when tackling challenges like towering fir trees and the wind whipping off of the river. But you can get plenty of practice if you stay for a weekend at Mill River Resort, which was renovated in 2018 and features a full-service spa, indoor pool, and restaurant.
Belvedere Golf Club
More than 100 years of history form the foundation for Belvedere Golf Club that's located a five-minute drive from Charlottetown, PEI's pretty capital city. Established in 1902, it's one of Canada's oldest courses that still sits on its original site. Recently renovated by architect Graham Cooke, the 18-hole golf course ambles over 150 acres and features an on-site dining room and lounge that offer views of the Hillsborough River.
Ready to start planning your golfing getaway? Visit the Tourism PEI website.