King’s Forest Golf Club

By David “Tigger” Shulist from Two Guys Who Golf

Located in Hamilton, Ontario, the surprise known as King’s Forest Golf Club takes advantage of the beautiful terrain located next to the escarpment known to locals as “The Mountain”.

The view from the first tee hints at the treat that this golf course offers.

The expansive, perfectly conditioned fairway sloping downhill separates the tee from the green which is a long par 4, 427 yards away with a dogleg to the left. The second and third holes, both par 4’s are a bit shorter than the first but are great opening holes that give the average golfer a chance to warm up to the course.

Some water comes into play on the 493 yard par 5 fourth hole but it’s a fairly straight go as the hazard is close to the front of the teeboxes. The two par 3’s on the front nine are the 5th and the 7th holes which are divided by a nice 515 yard par 5 that doglegs to the left. Holes 8 and 9 are both par 4’s 374 yards and 409 yards respectively.

• Review: Renfrew Golf Course in Ontario • Past reviews: Two Guys Who Golf

Meandering through the back nine of Kings Forest is the Red Hill Creek. This water, as well as a number of fair size ponds comes into play through many of the back 9 holes.

The signature hole is #11. It is a 375 yard par 4 off an elevated tee looking down into a beautiful valley that borders the mountain’s escarpment. It might be hard to take your eyes off of the view, but concentration is a must. Both sides of the fairway are well-treed and one mistake will put you there. Your second shot is also a challenge as the creek runs directly in front of the green and is quite intimidating.

Another beautiful hole on the back nine is the Par 3 #14. This is a gorgeous 156 yard challenge that is nestled in the “Forest of the King”. Again, Red Hill Creek runs along the front of the green and taunts those who might underestimate its distance. Perhaps our greatest experience on this course (and one that might give you an idea of just how beautiful and natural the terrain is throughout King’s Forest) was the sight of a white-tailed deer crossing the fairway just as we were teeing off on the par 5, 480 yard 18th hole – definitely a Kodak moment sans camera!

All of the fairway and greens on this course were in beautiful condition and we were amazed to find that this course is owned and operated by the City of Hamilton. We commend its keepers.

King’s Forest must be one of the very best municipally owned courses in Canada and its rates are very reasonable ($45 weekdays $50 weekends). A must play in the Hamilton area – (905) 546-4781. The city also owns and operates the Chedoke Courses (Beddoe & Martin) which we hope to be able to review for you before the end of the season.

Remember to replace your divots and repair your ball marks and respect the course you’re playing!