Golf

The Eastern Townships

Golf Inverness. This is a lovely scenic course with far-reaching views to the distant mountains. It was designed by the great John Watson to take full advantage of the gently rolling natural landscape and has three sets of tees for different skill levels. Each green presents an interesting set of challenges, all have a well-placed bunker or two and three holes involve a water feature. Go for the blue tees if you want to test your skill at championship level. The elegant clubhouse dates back to 1915. 511 chemin Bondville, Knowlton, Québec, J0E 1V0. 450/242–1595; 800/468--1595; www.golf-inverness.com. C$35 weekdays, C$42 weekends.

Golf Owl's Head. This course, close to the Vermont border, has some spectacular views. Laid out with undulating fairways, bent-grass greens, and 64 sand bunkers, the course, designed by Graham Cooke, is surrounded by mountain scenery. The clubhouse, a stunning timber-and-fieldstone structure with five fireplaces and 45-foot-high ceilings, is a popular watering hole. 181 chemin Owl's Head, Mansonville, Québec, J0E 1X0. 450/292–3342; 800/363–3342; 450/292–3666 ; www.owlshead.com. C$44 weekdays, C$52 weekends.

Manoir des Sables golf course. Between Mount Orford and Lake Memphrémagog, this resort course comes with some of the best scenery in the Eastern Townships and has been voted a favorite course in Québec. The best views are from the second, third, and fourth holes. Several water hazards are dotted around the course, with streams cutting across more than half the fairways and ponds calling for accurate shots onto some greens. 90 av. des Jardins, Orford, Québec, J1X 6M6. 819/847–4299; 866/656–4747; www.hotelsvillegia.com. Weekdays C$36, weekends C$40.

Mont-Orford Golf Club. This venerable course in the heart of the national park winds through forested land, with the peak of Mont-Orford visible from many of its greens. There are some tricky holes—look out for the pond to the right of the fairway and an uphill putt on the 5th, the two streams cutting across the 8th, and the sharp dog-leg on the 13th. All in all, it's a satisfying challenge and an exceptionally scenic course to play. 3074 chemin du Parc, Magog, Québec, J1X 7N9. 819/843–5688; 866/673–6731; www.orford.com. C$39 weekdays, C$42 weekends.

Royal Bromont. Designed by Graham Cooke, one of the most reputable golf course architects, the Royal Bromont was built in 1992 and is located in the center of Bromont. All 18 holes provide wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and, from novice to expert, this golf course is considered to be one of the top places to play. In 1994 the Royal Bromont hosted the Canadian PGA Championships. 400 chemin Compton, Bromont, Québec, J2L 1E9. 450/534–4653; 888/281–0017; www.royalbromont.com. C$35–C$50.

The Laurentians

Mont-Tremblant. The same company that operates the ski resort also runs two of the most challenging and popular championship golf courses in Québec. Le Géant (the Giant) was designed by Thomas McBroom to take full advantage of the fantastic scenery. Le Diable (the Devil), with long narrow fairways and strategically placed red sand bunkers, was designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. Also at Le Diable, you can find the reputable Tremblant Golf Academy. Mont-Tremblant, Québec, J8E 1T1. 866/356–2233; 866/783–5634; www.tremblant.ca. C$119 weekdays, C$139 weekends.