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The Royal Ottawa Course

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The original Course architect was Tom Bendelow of Chicago, who at the time was a leader in the industry. The original design was subsequently amended by Willie Park Jr., winner of the British Open in 1887 and 1897.

The Royal Ottawa course is a natural, old fashioned layout, designed according to what has been called 'the Scottish principle', where emphasis is placed on the natural lay of the land, rather than artificially created hazards. These features are emphasized on holes number 9 and 15 which require precisely placed tee shots to be followed by Woods or Long Iron approach shots for all but the longest of hitters.

The topography is unique as it was built before the days of massive earth-moving equipment. It's hills and dales have always been a source of both joy and frustration. The various tee positions fairly challenge all caliber of golfer. At the end of a round one will have used every club in the bag.

The greens are fast and smaller by design requiring accuracy, clubface control and skill. As examples, the first three holes of the back nine challenge the golfer to hit precise shots to the green. Number 10 is as small and well protected a green as can be found, while landing the ball in the wrong area of 11 or 12 often results in a three putt due to the slope and speed of the surfaces.

The Royal Ottawa course caters to those who like to walk. Tees are located close to the previously played green so that there is little delay. Indeed the majority of rounds are completed in well under 4 hours, without feeling as if one "raced" around the course. As well, the club boasts a spectacular variety of trees on the property that offer the player an excellent backdrop of changing colors throughout the year.

After a satisfying round of golf, there is no better place in Ottawa/Gatineau to enjoy a post game refreshment than The Royal's exquisite patio or verandah. The golf course views are spectacular.

The Royal Ottawa members are committed to continuing the tradition of maintaining a superbly conditioned golf course and unquestionably one of the premier golf courses in North America. A state of the art watering system was installed in 2001 while all of the bunkers were completely renovated in 2004.

The LPGA was played at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club in 2000 with the cumulative combined scores of all players being above par attesting to the challenging nature of our course. The feedback from these professional golfers, was extremely positive.

For these reasons, as members, we never tire of playing The Royal Ottawa course. Our course has the feel of being in Scotland or Ireland. We enjoy playing other fine courses but always look forward to returning home.