Thames Valley Golf Course Review: Is London's Oldest Public Course Worth Playing?

If you’re looking for a golf course in London, Ontario, that mixes real history with a genuinely testing layout, Thames Valley Golf Course deserves a spot on your list. Opened in 1924 and sitting right along the Thames River, it’s one of the oldest public courses in southwestern Ontario, and it plays that way in the best sense: mature trees, natural elevation changes, and greens that punish a lazy read.

The Course Itself

Thames Valley runs two distinct layouts. The Classic 18 is the main event: a par-72 parkland course stretching around 6,175 yards from the back tees, with a course rating of 69.2 and a slope of 122. Don’t let the modest yardage fool you. Narrow, tree-lined fairways and undulating greens make it play harder than the numbers suggest, and being in the short grass off the tee doesn’t guarantee a clean angle into the pin. The last three holes run alongside the river itself, which adds both scenery and a bit of pressure.

There’s also a Hickory 9, a shorter nine-hole option that’s a smart pick for beginners, juniors, or anyone short on time. It’s a good warm-up loop too, if you want to work out the kinks before tackling the Classic.

Course Conditions and Pace of Play

Reviews are consistent on this point: the layout is excellent, but as a busy municipal course, conditioning can vary. Expect well-kept fairways and greens most of the season, though bunker maintenance and rough definition sometimes take a back seat during peak months. That’s the tradeoff with any high-volume public course, and at these prices, most golfers seem to think it’s a fair one.

Pace of play is the more common gripe. Weekends can mean four-hour-plus rounds, and tee times book up fast, so reserve ahead if you’re playing Friday through Sunday. Weekday mornings and twilight slots are your best bet for a quicker, quieter round.

Value and Green Fees

This is where Thames Valley really earns its reputation. As a City of London municipal course, green fees typically land in the $40 to $56 range depending on the day and how many holes you play, with power carts extra. Frequent golfers can also buy a season pass that unlocks reduced rates all year at both London-run courses. For a riverside layout with this much history and character, that’s a strong price point compared to the region’s semi-private and private clubs.

Amenities

The clubhouse has a pro shop stocked with clubs, apparel, and rental gear, plus a bar and restaurant with patio seating. There’s also a halfway house after the 6th and 9th holes, handy for a quick drink or snack mid-round. Parking is free, and the course is only about 10 minutes from downtown London, making it an easy add to a golf trip or a weekday-after-work round.

Who Should Play Thames Valley

Value-focused golfers who want a legitimate parkland test without private-club pricing
Families and beginners, thanks to the Hickory 9 and the course’s easy access
History-minded players who appreciate a track that’s been open for a century
Golfers with flexibility on tee times, since weekend slots go fast and pace can be slow

If you need a fast, uncrowded round, this probably isn’t it on a Saturday afternoon. But for a well-priced, scenic, and genuinely challenging round close to the city, Thames Valley is one of London’s better public golf options.