Rockway Golf Course (Kitchener) : golf Course Review
Rockway Golf Course, nestled in the heart of Kitchener, Ontario, stands as a testament to Canada's rich golfing heritage. Established in 1935, this 18-hole, par-70 course was designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson. Built during the Great Depression as a civic project, Thompson’s vision brought to life a layout that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings, offering golfers a challenging yet enjoyable experience amidst mature tree-lined fairways and gently rolling terrain. It’s a beautiful walk, especially for those who appreciate classic parkland design.
Beyond its architectural significance, Rockway holds a special place in Canadian golf lore. It served as the training ground for some of Canada’s most legendary golfers, including Moe Norman, Gary Cowan, and Gerry Kesselring. Under the mentorship of long-time pro Lloyd Tucker, these players developed their game on Rockway’s fairways, helping to shape Canada’s competitive golf identity.
Today, Rockway remains a beloved public facility, proudly owned and operated by the City of Kitchener. For players like me, it’s an affordable, accessible, and highly enjoyable way to play the game. At 5,520 yards from the back tees, it delivers a fair but thoughtful challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The fairways are usually in excellent condition, and the greens are well maintained—true and responsive without being punishing. It’s a course that rewards solid approach shots and consistent putting. A typical round takes about four hours to complete, making it ideal for a quick weekday escape or a relaxed weekend loop.
Recent course enhancements—such as the chipping and putting complex added in 1998 and new tee decks on holes 11 and 12—reflect ongoing efforts to improve playability while preserving the course’s classic character. The clubhouse adds to the experience, featuring a pro shop, snack bar, restaurant, a mini museum celebrating its storied past, and event spaces available for rental.
This is one of my favourite courses to play, and I consider it my “home course.” A fully biased review? Absolutely—but Rockway earns it. Is it the fanciest course you’ll play? Probably not. But it’s a thoughtful layout with rolling fairways, tricky approach angles, and a handful of tough par 4s that demand your focus. The front nine offers a great mix of par 4s and par 3s, while all three par 5s make their appearance on the back nine, keeping the round dynamic from start to finish.
