Bayview Golf & Country Club

Bayview Golf & Country Club

Located in the heart of a quiet residential neighbourhood in north Toronto, Bayview Golf & Country Club is a hidden gem. While it feels old and established, it serves up an amazing number of surprises.

The course is in impeccable shape. From tee to green you can feel the sense of pride.  This mature layout offers wider fairways that are well-defined. As with most private courses, the rough in and around the large deciduous trees is well manicured making it easier to escape.

The sand is soft and consistent. The large greens are fast and run true with minimal undulations. A lot of the putting surfaces are raised and as my kind host, Toby, wisely advised, ‘most putts slope to the west’.

There are six sets of tees to choose from starting at 5470 yards and extending to 7070 from the back. I was smart to play from the white tees at just under 6300 yards since it certainly plays longer then it appears.

There is no easing into your round as, contrary to standard practices, architect Robbie Robinson designed the first two holes as par-5s. Bring out the big guns but be careful of the greenside bunkers. In contrast the picturesque 3rd hole is only 311 yards, but your approach shot needs to stay left to avoid the huge willow tree and pond plus the large, raised green is protected by two bunkers.

#7 is a 419-yard dogleg left par-4 that is ranked #1 on the course.  Beware, if you hit your drive left you will be blocked out by any gigantic willow tree. To make it tougher, your long approach is to a raised green with two bunkers left and right.

As we make the turn, I soon realize the front nine has a subtle contoured terrain whereas the back nine offers many more elevation changes.

The 10th sets to pace. This unique hole is only 325 yards but do not be fooled. You need to hit a hybrid downhill to clear the corner but not too far on this severe dogleg left. From there you are faced with an extreme uphill approach guarded by two bunkers.

11 is a tough 452-yard par-5 that plays all uphill protected by two large bunkers on your approach shot.

17th is only 150 yards but plays straight downhill with a river on the right and a bunker of the left.

The 18th is a great finishing hole. It is only 332 yards, but you must stay right of the pond – trying to carry it is very risky.  From there you have a straight uphill approach.  Anything short or left will funnel back towards you. Take at least three extra clubs.

The GPS equipped carts definitely speed up play, but I noticed that most of the members were using push carts.  Overall, the layout is easy to walk except when you have the climb the 18th, I guarantee it will leave you puffing yet wanting for more.

Bayview Golf & Country Club is just one of those golf courses where you wish you could be a member. Not only does it have a championship golf course, but the sprawling recently renovated clubhouse has enough room for any meeting or event.  They offer curling, tennis, a gigantic swimming pool and a state-of-the-art fitness facility that includes a golf simulator. 

Bayview is currently ranked the 59th best golf course in Ontario by the Top 100 Golf Courses of the World but I would personally rank it higher. Don’t miss the opportunity if you are ever invited.

Dave Finn is a 5-time award winning golf travel writer and photographer from Canada.  To follow his adventures visit: www.golftravelandleisure.com