500 or Less: Brampton Golf Club

In ‘500 or less,’ author Alex Hunter discusses a golf course in 500 words or less to provide a quick overview. Furthermore, the series introduces a “star rating,” which is based off an opinion on fun factor/repeatability, walkability, routing/design aspects, plus cost & conditioning. Check back in next month for the next instalment of the series!

• Brampton, Ontario
• Private
• Robbie Robinson (1962)

Founded in 1921, Brampton Golf Club started its life at the property occupied by the Peel Village Golf Course – a Stanley Thompson design, later moving to its current Robbie Robinson designed course in 1963. Since then, the likes of Doug Carrick, Ian Andrew, and recently Cam Tyers have all put their own touch on the course.

In 2022, much of the course was closed for significant renovations. Several fairways and approaches were modified, all bunkers were rebuilt, and run-offs were added to several green complexes. While I had not played Brampton prior to their recent renovations, the course is quite charming, with great conditioning, and some scenic views.

Holes & Features of Interest

The course begins with a dramatic opening tee shot – the first tee is tucked behind the clubhouse and offers a scenic view down into the valley below. Surprisingly, from here on, most of the course navigates a relatively flat parcel of land.

Brampton has a good set of Par 3’s – in particular the 16^th hole will catch most people’s attention. This long, scenic Par 3 is the only other hole that has any significant elevation change, and is flanked by two bunkers as well as a runoff area to the left side of the green.

The new set of bunkers are very good. The flowing lines, deep grass faces, and new coarse sand they used all add up to well-built features.

At the Par 5 17^th the golfer can chose to layup or try and cover the river – at a minimum of 265 carry there is plenty of risk and reward here. I love the bunker that is tucked into the hillside on the short-left side of the green. The deep grass face perfectly guards approach shots to the centre and back sections of the green from the left and middle parts of the fairway. Additionally, the two bunkers short right neatly protect the ideal angle into the green, and there is another bunker long. This hole demands good strategy and well executed shots from tee to green.

The closing hole was easily my favourite. It presents a tough challenge as the dogleg left requires a right to left shot shape off the tee, or the golfer may choose a daring shot over the valley’s edge and the cluster of bunkers guarding the inside of the hole. The green is protected on the right side by a bunker, those choosing to bail out on the approach will find themselves with a tough up and down. A great finishing hole.

Rating