While Eagles Nest would be the toughest walk of the bunch and I wouldn't suggest it, the transformation of this former gravel pit area into a 7,476-yard, par-72 monster is as demanding as they come - in an atmosphere that makes one feel truly privileged to be there. There are some great views of the city's skyline including downtown and the CN Tower. You really need to bring your A-game to enjoy this one and if you're not quite there, then I would look elsewhere. Its little sister course Turnberry GC designed by Carrick, which opened in April with 16 par-3s and two par-4s, is a great option especially if you're short on time. Green fees at Eagles Nest are $185 including cart, plus taxes, while Turnberry comes in at $40 to $50 plus taxes.

If you're looking for great service and a course that is less intimidating, Copper Creek GC in Kleinburg gets the nod. While it plays host to a lot of corporate golf on weekdays, it's great for weekend play and guarantees a four and a half hour round of golf, or you get a discount on your next visit - a promotion that returns this summer. To go along with a monstrous 40,000-square-foot clubhouse, Copper Creek's true beauty lies in the Humber River Valley as it drops into a forest setting for holes No. 4-11. The course then rises back to some tablelands where Carrick's strategic use of ponds makes for a challenging close to the round. Green fees $120 to $170 including cart, plus taxes.

"Over the last decade Toronto has really come into its own as a golf destination. We have seen some wonderful new public courses designed by some of the best architects," says Copper Creek General Manager Chris Neale. "Since opening in 2002 Copper Creek has made a name for itself for excellence in customer service and superb course conditioning that has made us an industry leader."

While Toronto is probably best known in international golf circles for Jack Nicklaus' Glen Abbey GC in Oakville, both Carrick's courses at Angus Glen GC have also hosted the PGA Tour's Canadian Open. Fans of PGA Tour host courses would probably enjoy a tour around Glen Abbey more than the other two - after all Glen Abbey has hosted the Open on more than 25 occasions. It remains a player favourite, while it's doubtful the national championship will ever return to Angus Glen. Prime time green fees at Angus are $175 including cart, plus taxes, while Glen Abbey tops out at $235 including cart, plus taxes.

"The Greater Toronto Area has to be considered one of North America's great golf destinations," says Charles Lorimer, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, for ClubLink Corp., which owns and/or operates 32 golf clubs including Glen Abbey and the 36-hole Club at Bond Head, two outstanding properties which are open for daily-fee play.

Anyone looking for one-stop shopping with an addiction for golf should probably just rush out to Osprey Valley Resorts and play the three Carrick courses. This public facility is on the outer skirts of the GTA, but it's worth the extra drive. You could probably get around two or three of the courses in one day if you timed it well, but if you like relaxed golf in a country setting where time slows down and you can catch your breath in the fresh summer breeze this is the place to hang out. If you like "inland links" type courses - Heathlands is probably the best version of it in Canada. It's a shame it's not right on the ocean. The fairway heave and roll with uneven lies as though you are out to sea, while pot bunkers stand guard around greens and knee high fescue stymies even the strongest swing if you're lucky enough to find your ball. Green fees on all three courses range from $84 to $99 plus cart, plus taxes and the club even offers an affordable "play all day" rate.