So you’ve botched another round and hacked your way to a not-so-respectable 25-over. Your sole birdie putt on the 12th lipped out and that duffer Steve won’t shut up about his miracle ace on the 5th — where’s the justice?! But before your clubs end up in a watery grave, order some grub and blow off steam where laments of that disastrous back nine fall on sympathetic ears: the 19th hole. The clubhouses at these local courses have plenty of appetite-crushing options to help nurse those wounds, and once you sink a frosty pint you’ll be ready for another 18 next weekend. Besides, Steve’s buying.

Copper Creek
Copper Creek is easily one of the best high-end courses around. On top of numerous elevation changes, strategically placed water and all-around demanding holes, this Doug Carrick-designed course has one of the best 10-hole stretches in the country (the 2nd to the 11th.) After an afternoon on the links, take in the view at the Humber River Valley and dig into the elevated pub fare at The Bistro. Sandwiches like the Kobe corned beef with Swiss cheese on marble rye or the dry-aged striploin steak are sure to hit the spot, or try this simple yet delicious toasted Prosciutto Panini with tomato, fior di latte and arugula on flat ciabatta bread that will take it the extra few yards. Pair your choice with a cold Stella Artois and that triple bogey on 16 will be a distant memory.
www.coppercreek.ca

Course: 18 holes
Total Yardage: 7,074
Peak Rate: $180
Food: Hits the sweet spot

Eagles Nest Golf Club
When it comes to premier golf clubs, you’d be hard-pressed to find one as impressive as Eagles Nest. (It’s got a heliport, for crying out loud.) The layout is considered one of Doug Carrick’s most creative and also one of the best in Canada. So of course the food is top-notch. The relaxed sophistication of Jim and Garry’s Pub is ideal for post-round cocktails and eats with friends or clients, and catching the World Cup. You’ll find classics like chicken clubs and burgers, but it’s the unconventional dishes, like the monstrous “Killer Calzone” and pulled pork Poutine, that will surprise. The light-and-flaky Fish Tacos, made with beer-battered haddock, tartar sauce and guacamole, are also rarities on most course menus — and they’re well worth the helicopter ride.
www.eaglesnestgolf.com

Course:18 holes
Total Yardage: 7,476
Peak Rate: $195
Food: As exceptional as an albatross

Nobleton Lakes Golf Club
One of the beautiful things about 27-hole courses like Nobleton Lakes is that the experience differs depending on which nine holes you start and finish with. Nobleton Lakes’ three par 36s — The Woods, The Lakes and The View — deliver a picturesque mix of treelined fairways and stunning water features that test abilities but allow for shot options. When you’re reminiscing about the stunning backdrop at the club lounge, wrap your hands around the chipotle creole BLT. Not your typical mix of bacon, lettuce and tomato, this sandwich nails the approach with baby arugula and honey maple double-smoked bacon on a grill-toasted pretzel bun. www.nobletonlakesgolf.com

Course: 27 holes
Total Yardage: The Wooods: 3,416 The Lakes: 3,425 The View: 3,513
Peak Rate: $90
Food: A Championship club

Royal Woodbine Golf Club
Running along Mimico Creek, and a quick drive from Pearson International Airport, Royal Woodbine tees up the challenge with plenty of water hazards and a layout that demands every club in the bag — great for those competitive groups of birdie hunters. But the only thing you’ll be competing for at the clubhouse is the last chicken wing. Royal Woodbine’s 4’some Platter features generous portions of cheese quesadillas, sliders, chicken wings, housemade ripple potato chips with dips, salsa and veggie sticks. It’s perfect for a group … or maybe as a starter for those hulking Larry Longballers.
www.royalwoodbine.com

Course: 18 Holes
Total Yardage: 6,447
Peak Rate: $99
Food: “Let the big dog eat”

Glen Eagle Golf Club
Just a short jaunt up the road in Caledon, Glen Eagle offers great golf at phenomenal value. A round with a cart will only set you back $85 during peak times, making this 27-hole facility well worth the money. And so is the food. You might not expect a smoked salmon and caper wrap or this panko-crusted goat cheese salad served with candied nuts and tossed in a house-made balsamic dressing at such a reasonably priced championship course, but Glen Eagle delivers. Pair it with a refreshing white wine “Eagle Spritzer” and you won’t even care that the boys are chirping you for ordering one.
www.gleneagle.ca

Course:27 holes
Total Yardage: Red: 3,358. Yellow: 3,111. Blue: 3,223
Peak Rate: $85
Food: Gimme more