Course Review: Golfland Golf Centre, by Jeffrey Reed (July 2005)

Copyright 2005 London Ontario Golf

It rarely closes, was built for seniors, and can be played quickly – three reasons why Golfland Golf Centre, adjacent to London International Airport, remains a popular haunt amongst beginners and the older set. But because Golfland is wide-open, and features dry, flat fairway surfaces unlike any other in London, the 3,260-yard par-9 track can provide a tough challenge for beginners on any given day.

Frank Lefebure built the course by hand with seniors in mind, carving a long, flat course with generous fairways out of Transport Canada land. He moved a lot of trees and dirt, and created a course for all to enjoy. The rough is cut short, and the few traps on the course are easily escaped. Golfland plays at par-35, and also features tee blocks at 3,015 yards and 2,845 yards.

I’ve played this track from the tips with my father from time to time, working on my iron game as well as practicing stingers into the wind – and it does get windy on this rural-based course next to the airport.

There are a couple of challenges waiting for even the most seasoned golfer. Hole No. 2 is a 270-yard par 4 bordered closely by a fence on the right and out-of-bounds on the left. An accurate tee shot is of the utmost importance here. If you’re hitting with the wind, watch your tee shot on No. 4, a 410-yard par-4, downhill towards a creek fronting the green, and out-of-bounds behind the green. A solid drive will end up wet – you may want to hit an iron off the tee. The longest hole, No. 6, is a 640-yard par-5, slightly uphill from the tee. Again, the wind can be a factor in getting home in two.

If you’re looking for variety in your game, and want to play quick round, Golfland Golf Centre is ready to challenge you. The fairways leave a lot to be desired, but that’s how it was designed. A mid-handicapper might have a chance at beating par, unless it’s windy. The club has plenty of tee blocks at the practice range, too – a popular spot for golfers waiting for flights, or escaping work at London’s Highway 100 industrial area. The clubhouse restaurant is also a popular spot with the local crowd.

Golfland Golf Centre
London, Ont.
519-455-9402
Green Fees:
Weekdays: $14.50, 9 holes; $22.50, 18 holes. Weekends: $17, 9 holes; $25, 18 holes.