Toronto’s Public Golf Game Gets a Modern Upgrade

TORONTO – As the 2025 golf season tees off, the City of Toronto is swinging big—introducing two new indoor golf simulators and expanding inclusive programs across its five municipal golf courses: Dentonia Park, Don Valley, Humber Valley, Scarlett Woods, and Tam O’Shanter. The enhancements are part of a growing effort to make golf more accessible, family-friendly, and year-round.

Tam O’Shanter now leads the city’s public golf innovation, with two state-of-the-art simulators allowing golfers to stay sharp even during winter. A newly completed full cart path at the course also improves accessibility and convenience for players of all mobility levels.

A Focus on Community Access and Inclusive Play

This season, Toronto is putting extra emphasis on building community through the game. The City has rolled out 30 free learn-to-golf clinics targeting juniors, women, and seniors, alongside:

• 40 free community events across the five courses

• 45 summer golf camps for youth aged 7–14

• Women’s-only leagues at all locations

• Recreational programming like movie nights, disc golf, and hiking in off-seasons

Golfers can also enjoy winter amenities like dog walking trails and holiday events, making these green spaces true year-round community hubs.

Golf on the Rise: A Model for Thunder Bay?

With over 248,000 rounds played in 2024, Toronto’s golf revival is gaining momentum, thanks to affordability, public access, and TTC transit connectivity. For cities like Thunder Bay, where local interest in golf is rising, Toronto’s model shows how municipal investment in golf can support active living while attracting diverse users—including youth, women, and newcomers.

Thunder Bay’s courses—Chapples and Strathcona—could benefit from similar year-round strategies, like indoor simulators or seasonal youth outreach. Public golf is increasingly seen as more than just a sport—it’s a platform for community well-being and inclusive recreation.

Book Your Tee Time

Tee times are available to book seven days in advance via the City of Toronto’s website, with accessible golf carts available by request at select courses, like Humber Valley. As daylight increases, tee times will stretch from dawn to dusk, allowing maximum playtime.

More info: www.toronto.ca/Golf