Although it only saw its first round in 1999, North Granite Ridge looks and plays as if it’s been around for years. An expansion from nine to 18 holes in 2002 means it now offers all the challenge and rugged beauty of its higher-profile Muskoka neighbours, at about half the price. With the exception of one hole, every par four and five comes in under 460 yards, but only low handicappers belong on the back tees, where dense stands of evergreens squeeze the rolling fairways. On the 17th, a 622-yard, par five dogleg left, you’ll need to drive the ball 220 yards just to clear the water and exposed bedrock. Up ahead, a pond cuts the fairway 150 yards out from the green—don’t even consider birdie. Also, think twice before walking it; the climb to the clifftop 16th tee is exhausting.