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Hamilton Golf & CC
Ancaster, ON
A First-Class, First Time Experience
I’ve watched the RBC Canadian Open from behind the ropes at Hamilton Golf & Country Club, but until recently, I’d never stepped foot inside the clubhouse. That changed thanks to an old high school friend — Dr. Ron — who extended the invite of a lifetime. He’s a member at a reciprocal club and got us access to one of Canada’s most iconic and historic private courses. Ranked #4 in all of Canada! Let me tell you — this day delivered.
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The Arrival
I was lucky enough to be invited by my high school buddy Dr. Ron, who’s a member at a reciprocal club. The experience from the moment I pulled up was flawless. At the bag drop, Angelo took care of my clubs with the kind of attention you just don’t get outside a place like this.
After parking, I ran into Gio (yes — that Gio from the Caton Bittner video on the front 9), and we had a quick chat before we were greeted by Gary, the caddie manager. He was gracious, welcoming, and directed us to the locker room where we each had our own lockers — a small detail that makes a big impression.
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Course Designer: Harry Colt (1914); restored by Martin Ebert (2019)
Built: Originally opened 1914; restoration completed 2019
Holes: 27 (West, South, and East nines — Championship layout uses West & South)
Par: 70
Length: 7,084 yards (Championship tees)
Men’s Course Rating / Slope: 74.1 / 136 (Black Tees)
Gold: ~71.6 / 134
Blue: ~70.2 / 130
Practice Facilities​
The practice area was top-tier: complimentary range balls, alignment sticks, chipping areas, and multiple putting greens depending on the nine you're playing. It’s not just functional — it’s a place you’d actually enjoy spending time dialing it in. Even the layout of the warmup area shows the club's attention to detail.
The Round​​
We were paired with a forecaddy named Jonah, and this was my first time ever having one. He was fantastic — gave us tips off the tee, ran ahead to spot shots, helped with reads, and brought a level of confidence that I didn’t know I needed until I had it. Felt like we were on Tour for a day.
Now, the course itself? Pure. The Championship layout (West + South) is classic Harry Colt — tree-lined fairways, undulating greens, and subtle-but-serious elevation changes.
The tee boxes were perfectly level (a detail I care about more than most), and the greens were slick but fair. The long par 3s absolutely punished me, and the bunkering is strategic, but the conditions made recovery doable. I managed to avoid most traps, but the ones I found were mint — fluffy, consistent sand, raked edges, no drama.
There were refreshment stations every few holes stocked with drinks, tees, and ball markers — another small touch that leaves a big impression.
Highlights​
I actually started strong — even rolled in a birdie early on (not filmed, of course, but I’ve got a witness). Meanwhile, Ron was swinging smooth and long — especially with his 7-wood, which pretty much convinced me try one.
And that final stretch? Iconic. The view from 18 fairway looking back at the clubhouse — after watching pros make the same walk — really hits different when it’s your turn.
⛳ Experience Summary
Hamilton Golf and Country Club is more than a prestigious name or a tournament venue — it’s the full experience. From start to finish, the attention to detail, the quality of the course, and the warmth of the staff made this one of the most memorable rounds I’ve played to date. Unfortunately, post round we did not get to enjoy a post-meal at the clubhouse due to scheduling but definitely will allocate some time after the next round!
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Thank you to Hamilton G&CC for hosting, and to Dr. Ron for making it happen. This round will live rent-free in my head for a long, long time.
💰 My Costs & Add-Ons in 2025
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Guests are welcome by invitation from a member or via a reciprocal club arrangement. Upon arrival, you're issued a temporary member number — a classy touch that allows you to enjoy the day just like a full member. Any food, beverages, pro shop purchases, or services are charged back to your card under that number, so there’s no need to carry your wallet around the course. It’s a seamless and elevated experience from start to finish — one that truly makes you feel part of the club, even if just for the day and worth every penny.