The five best golf courses in Nova Scotia

The history of golf in Nova Scotia is a reflection of the province’s love for the sport and its deep-rooted connections to Scottish culture, mirroring the broader history of golf’s expansion in North America. This maritime province, with its rugged coastlines, lush landscapes, and historic communities, has been a fertile ground for the game of golf, which has flourished here since the late 19th century.

Golf’s introduction to Nova Scotia is often attributed to Scottish immigrants who brought their passion for the game to the New World. The sport found a welcoming home in the province’s varied landscapes, from the Annapolis Valley to the shores of Cape Breton. The early golf courses in Nova Scotia were simple, created out of the natural terrain with few of the manicured features seen today. Yet, these early links were instrumental in seeding a golfing tradition that would grow and evolve over the decades.

As the 20th century progressed, the development of golf in Nova Scotia mirrored the sport’s growing popularity worldwide. The province saw the establishment of formal golf clubs and courses, many of which were designed to take advantage of Nova Scotia’s stunning natural beauty and challenging topography. These courses became community hubs, places where people of all ages and backgrounds could gather to play, compete, and socialize.

Throughout the century, Nova Scotia became known for its contribution to golf architecture, with several courses gaining national and even international recognition for their design and natural beauty. The province’s golf courses are characterized by their integration with the landscape, offering players not just a sporting challenge but an immersive experience in Nova Scotia’s scenic environments.

In recent years, golf in Nova Scotia has continued to thrive, with the province hosting numerous prestigious tournaments and events that have drawn attention from around the golfing world. Nova Scotia’s commitment to the sport is evident in the continued investment in course development, maintenance, and promotion, ensuring that the province remains a top destination for golfers.

Today, golf in Nova Scotia stands as a testament to the province’s rich cultural heritage, its natural beauty, and its community spirit. From historic clubs that have been part of the province’s fabric for over a century to modern courses that push the boundaries of design and difficulty, Nova Scotia offers a diverse and enriching golfing landscape. The sport’s history here is not just about the games played or the courses built but about the people who play and the communities that golf has helped shape. In Nova Scotia, golf is more than a pastime; it’s a part of the province’s identity, a link to its past, and a bridge to its future.

Nova Scotia, with its stunning coastal landscapes, rolling hills, and deep historical roots, offers a diverse and captivating golfing experience. The province is home to some of Canada’s most scenic and challenging golf courses, each with its own unique character. Among them, five courses stand out for their exceptional design, breathtaking settings, and unforgettable golfing experiences.

At the forefront is the Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, Cape Breton. Designed by the acclaimed duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Cabot Cliffs has garnered international acclaim for its dramatic layout, which features stunning cliff-top holes overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The course is a true testament to links-style golf, with undulating fairways, expansive bunkers, and challenging greens, all set against the backdrop of one of Canada’s most picturesque landscapes.

Not far from its sister course, Cabot Links offers golfers another world-class links experience. As Canada’s first true links course, designed by Rod Whitman, Cabot Links is seamlessly integrated into the rugged seaside landscape, with holes that run along the beach and others that offer panoramic views of the ocean. The course emphasizes strategic play, demanding golfers to contend with the natural elements, including the ever-present ocean breeze.

Highlands Links, located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park and designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson, is a course steeped in history and natural beauty. Known for its rolling fairways that meander through forests and along riverbanks, the course features Thompson’s signature use of the natural landscape to challenge golfers. The course’s remote setting, combined with its thoughtful design, offers a serene and invigorating golfing experience that connects players with the heart of Nova Scotia’s wilderness.

The Links at Brunello, a modern addition to Nova Scotia’s golfing landscape, is located just outside Halifax and was designed by Thomas McBroom. The course offers a blend of challenge and playability, set within a beautifully landscaped environment that includes wetlands, forests, and rolling terrain. McBroom’s design makes strategic use of the natural topography, creating a diverse array of holes that cater to golfers of all skill levels while providing stunning views of the surrounding area.

Fox Harb’r Resort, designed by Graham Cooke, is a testament to luxury golf in Nova Scotia. The course is part of a comprehensive resort and offers a mix of parkland and links-style holes, with immaculate fairways and greens that demand precision. Set against the Northumberland Strait, the course offers breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful setting that exemplifies the beauty of Nova Scotia’s shores.

These five golf courses represent the best of golf in Nova Scotia, each offering a distinct experience that showcases the province’s natural beauty, from its dramatic coastlines to its lush interior landscapes. Whether you’re seeking the challenge of a world-class links course or the tranquility of a round amidst the natural beauty of the Highlands, Nova Scotia’s top golf courses provide unforgettable experiences that resonate with the spirit of the province.