Exceptional Golf
As a more experienced golfer, you may appreciate the challenge that The Royal’s eighteen-hole, championship-style course offers. This is an old-fashioned shot-maker’s course that demands more of a golfer with each round played. The Royal Nine offers a par-35 course, the perfect environment to improve your game and relax with friends.
Course Info
The Royal Ottawa Golf Club offers the finest courses in the area. Graced by the natural beauty of the Gatineau Hills, our 18-hole facility spans 6600 yards, par 71. As a Member, you will enjoy the Club’s in-town location, availability of tee times, and speed of play; every golfer’s dream.
Main Course
The Main Course is a natural, old-fashioned layout, designed according to what has been called ‘the Scottish principle’, where the emphasis is placed on the natural lay of the land, rather than artificially created hazards.
The topography is unique as it was built before the days of massive earth-moving equipment. The hills and dales have always been a source of both joy and frustration. The various tee positions fairly challenge all golfers and the greens are fast and small by design.
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. In recent years, Graham Cooke was a principal Course Architect. The current Course Architect is Neil Haworth, who spearheaded the design of our Range & Short Game Area.
The Main Course caters to those who like to walk. Our expected pace of play is four hours, which can easily be accomplished without feeling as if one has “raced” around the course.
The LPGA tournament 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.
The Royal also holds the record for hosting the most Canadian Amateur Championships – a milestone we are proud to hold.
Royal Nine
The Royal Nine is the ‘jewel’ of The Royal Ottawa Golf Club. At just over 2700 yards, and boasting three levels of tee decks, our 9-hole course is the perfect venue for the most seasoned golfers or new golfers of any age. A great way to introduce kids to the game and the perfect place for experienced golfers to hone their skills.
Many of our Members make an afternoon of it and enjoy the challenge of the Royal Nine followed by dinner in the Clubhouse. Our popular “Nine and Dine” special package offers our Members the opportunity to bring guests for a round on the Royal Nine with dinner in a relaxed yet challenging and fun environment.
The Range
The Royal’s Range is fully equipped with TrackMan Golf Technology and sports a 55,000 square-foot main tee deck equipped with both natural grass-hitting bays and Turfhound artificial hitting mats. This keeps our Range accessible with quality hitting surfaces for longer periods of time than a standard range.
Our TrackMan radar-enabled Range is double-sided, with a 3,500 square-foot teaching deck on the opposite side, allowing for private lessons with our Professionals or overflow space for busy days.
The Academy
Looking to improve your golf game? Our state-of-the-art facility offers a wide range of advanced technology to make your lessons, fittings, and seminars more efficient and effective. With tools like TrackMan, 3D Motion Capture, Pressure/Force Plates, and Swing Analysis Video, you’ll have access to unparalleled metrics to help you perfect your swing.
The Academy features two full-size fitting bays equipped with 12-foot tall retractable doors that transform the bays into completely private bays for teaching and practice. In poor weather or in the off-season, the doors close and you can continue to work on every aspect of your golf game.
Come visit us at The Academy and take your golf game to the next level.
Short Game Area
Opened in the summer of 2022, our Short Game Area features five distinct greens designed to help golfers of all levels perfect their short game skills.
Whether you’re looking to practice your putting, chipping, or bunker shots, our Short Game Area offers a variety of challenges to help you improve your game. Each green is thoughtfully designed to simulate different scenarios, from tricky bunker shots to delicate chips around the green.
Our Short Game Area is the perfect place to hone your skills in a tranquil environment, and it’s located right beside our TrackMan-enabled Range.
Watch the video of our grand opening in June of 2022:
Worldwide Reciprocal Privileges
Membership at The Royal Ottawa carries the distinct benefit of accessing playing privileges at more than 60 of the world’s most prestigious golf clubs in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australasia, and Africa.
An Active Junior Golf Program
The Junior Golf Program provides activities that serve the needs of three categories of Junior Golfer: newcomers, developing, and competitive golfers.
Club-sponsored activities that begin in early May continue through to the school exam schedule in mid-June — then resume during the first week of July.
Our practice facility and Royal Nine golf course provide excellent opportunities for Juniors who wish to learn, develop skills and enjoy the game with friends and family…practically any time of the week, all year.
Juniors can join as early as age six years (with some playing restrictions until age nine years)…all designed to encourage family play.
The Golf Professional team are key supporters of skill development through coaching, clinic and camp instruction and have developed well-structured golf school specifically tailored to our Juniors. The program includes two four-day camps during the first week of July and August that is geared to newer golfers. In addition, there is a six-week coaching program, twice per week from May to mid-June for developing players. We also have a series of four Saturday clinics during May and June for our newer golfers. All in all, the Club is a true supporter of Junior Golf.
The Professional Shop & Staff
The Professional Shop carries a variety of the industry’s finest apparel for our Members’ golfing and fashion needs. We also offer on-site fitting systems to ensure personalized equipment needs are met. Video teaching is available to provide the latest instruction, and our professional staff is always available to assist with golf or equipment-related questions.
Teaching & Lessons
Book private or group lessons with our PGA of Canada Professional staff to improve your golf game. Our experts offer a variety of instructional opportunities, including video analysis, on-course playing lessons, coaching programs, private and group lessons, and clinics. Our goal is to work with you to create a personalized program that promotes growth, improvement, and enjoyment in your golf game.
Paul Carrothers
Director of Golf
Originally from Montreal and a graduate of McMaster University, Paul is a 30-year veteran in the golf industry having learned the game from some of Canada’s finest Golf professionals in Quebec and Ontario. Paul has been recognized as a true ambassador of the game by being appointed to both national and regional level board positions, along with serving as Ontario PGA and Ottawa Valley PGA President. Paul was named 1992 Ontario Assistant Professional of the Year, 2004, 2007 and 2008, Ping Fitter of the Year and 2005 Head Professional of the Year. He is a certified Level II hockey coach, and a Ping, Callaway, and Titleist club fitter. Paul is happily married and a proud father of an Intermediate Member of The Royal Ottawa Golf Club.
Derek MacDonald
Academy Manager
Originally from Brockville, and a graduate of the University of Ottawa, Derek is a PGA of Canada Class A Professional with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career as Assistant Golf Professional at Smuggler’s Glen, spent eight years as Head Golf Professional at the Brockville Country Club, and later served as Head Teaching and Head Golf Professional at The Marshes Golf Club before joining The Royal Ottawa Golf Club.
Derek has coached players at all levels, from PGA Tour and Team Canada athletes to NCAA Division 1 players and beginners. He has also led the University of Ottawa and Carleton University golf teams and is currently the Head Golf Coach for the OVGA Junior Development Team.
An award-winning professional, Derek was named 2018 PGA Ottawa Zone Junior Leader of the Year, 2021 and 2022 PGA Ottawa Zone Teacher of the Year, and 2023 PGA Ottawa Zone Coach of the Year. Under his guidance, The Royal Ottawa Golf Club received the 2023 Golf Canada Competitive Junior Program of the Year award.
Marc Rouse
Associate Professional
Originally from small-town Port Rowan and a graduate of Niagara College in the Golf Club Management program, Marc grew up an athlete playing highly competitive sports but found a passion for golf and the golf industry at a young age. He is a former employee of The Royal Ottawa Golf Club completing his two-term co-op with us. From there, he spent four years in London, Ontario gaining knowledge and an understanding of the industry, dedicating himself to the Members, and advancement of the game. Marc looks forward to sharing and helping you enjoy your experience at The Royal each day.
Duncan Heywood
Associate Professional
Growing up in Ottawa, Duncan has been involved in competitive sports his entire life. His love of sports was applied to competitive hockey, football, and provincial-level lacrosse. Later in life, Duncan found a passion for golf and he has dedicated his life to the sport ever since.
Duncan attended the University of Ottawa and then completed the Golf Course Management program at Humber College, where he graduated with honours. During his time at Humber College, he completed an internship at The National Golf Club of Canada and Castle Stuart Golf Links in Scotland. Following these experiences, Duncan worked at the National Golf Club for a few years, and then relocated to Ottawa. He taught at the Kevin Haime Golf Center for a few years, and also achieved Class “A” designation with the PGA of Canada. He is a certified club fitter with Ping, Callaway, Titleist, Taylormade, Srixon, and Cobra.
Patrick Fisher
Associate Professional
Guest Information
Location
Address: 1405 Chemin d’Aylmer, Gatineau, Qc., J9H 7L2
Amid the tranquil beauty of the Tudor style building overlooking the manicured gardens and lush greens, it’s easy to forget that the Club is conveniently located only minutes from Centertown Ottawa-Gatineau. At just 10 km from the Parliament Buildings, The Royal offers exceptional accessibility for a quick nine before work or a leisurely eighteen on a warm summer evening.
Scorecards
Pace of Play
We pride ourselves on our ability to maintain a normal pace of play of two hours per nine holes and a total of four hours for 18 holes.
Technology
When on Club property, wireless communications devices must be set to silent or vibrate mode at all times. Smart devices are not to be used for voice communication in the Clubhouse, on the Verandah, greenside patio, putting green, or on practice areas. Cell phones may be discreetly used for texting or email communication, however. Designated voice communication spots are available in the Clubhouse. On-course use of devices should be limited and must not detract from other members’ enjoyment of the golf course.
Dress Code
The Royal’s Rules of Dress reflect the collective wishes of the membership and apply to all Club Members and their guests, at all times, when on Club property.
As a general rule, all attire must be neat and clean, appropriately sized and not display wear to the point that it is frayed, faded, torn or otherwise damaged.
Golf Course
Men
Golf attire should be neat, tailored and consistent with the standards of the Club and tradition of the game of golf. Golf hats, caps and visors must be worn with the peak facing forward and removed when inside the Clubhouse. Shirts must be tucked in at all times, have a collar and be a golf shirt design. Turtlenecks, mock necks, and blade collars are permitted. Golf shorts must be tailored and be a reasonable length above the knee. Knee length, quarter socks, and sockettes are all permitted. All logos must be golf appropriate.
The following are not permitted on the golf course or at the practice areas:
- Collarless shirts
- Blue jeans, Cargo-style shorts or pants, sweatpants or any spandex pants or shorts
- Tennis shorts
- Shorts that are below the knee
- Rolled-down or mid-calf socks
- Golf shoes with metal spikes, golf sandals or similar open-toe shoes.
- Hats, caps, visors with the peak facing to the side or back.
- Any clothing or equipment with logos that are not golf appropriate and discreet.
- Any clothing that is frayed, containing any holes, tears, rips or faded to the point of being tattered.
Ladies
Golf attire should be neat, tailored and consistent with the standards of the Club. Golf hats, caps and visors must be removed when inside the Clubhouse except when in transit to and from the locker rooms.
The following are not permitted on the golf course:
- Collarless shirts without sleeves, halter-style, racerback and midriff exposing shirts.
- Cargo-style, denim and spandex shorts or pants (although leggings may be worn under golf-appropriate skirts and dresses).
- Very short skirts, shorts, or dresses.
- Golf shoes with metal spikes and golf sandals.
- Hats, caps, visors with the peak facing to the side or back.
- Any clothing or equipment with logos that are not golf appropriate and discreet.
- Any clothing that is frayed, containing any holes, tears, rips or faded to the point of being tattered.
Clubhouse
After golf when you join your group in the Clubhouse or on the Verandah, all attire listed above as appropriate for the golf course is permitted. In addition, the following guidelines are applicable: socks are optional; women may wear dress sandals, but they are not permitted for men; and golf hats, caps and visors must be removed when inside the Clubhouse except when in transit to and from the locker rooms. Other fashions appropriate to the occasion are also acceptable.