30d91562-f63a-53cd-868c-c4b2479c2695

David168485

Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Lives
Vermilion, Alberta, Canada
Handicap
10-14
Age
55-64
Gender
Male
Skill
Intermediate
Plays
A few times a week

About

My golfing highlights include:

Sept. 6, 2011: Albatross, Loon Lake GC, Hole 8, Par 5, 450 yards, (Driver, 7 wood).

June 11, 2017: Hole in One, St. Paul GC, Hole 8, Par 3, 166 yards, (7 iron).

Review Statistics

Average Rating

3.9
3.9
Total 259 Reviews
4 Featured Reviews

Rating Breakdown

259 Reviews
5 Stars
50
4 Stars
135
3 Stars
66
2 Stars
7
1 Stars
1
Recommended Courses
253
Not Recommended Courses
6
Helpful Votes Count
975
Not Helpful Votes Count
25
First Review
01/24/2013
Last Review
11/21/2023

Reviews Map

Reviews

3.9

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Northern Meadows Golf Club

Played On 09/28/2022
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Northern Meadows Golf Club

I'd play Northern Meadows more than once or twice a year if it wasn't for the 3-hour drive from home. It is a favorite destination.

Northern Meadows is a plush oasis found in the rolling wheat fields of northwestern Saskatchewan. The par-72 design is punctuated with over 40 bunkers and around 11 water hazards. Yardage ranges from 4,668 to 6723 yards and is readily playable by both novices and experts. No matter what level golfer you are, the course is neither remarkably difficult nor inordinately easy. The generous fairways are impeccably maintained as are the challenging and well contoured greens. The course has many "signature" holes, but the par 5, 17th hole holds the most acclaim.

After your round of golf, enjoy refreshments in the restaurant or out on the deck which overlooks holes 7, 8 and 9. The course also has an on-site RV park and 8 smartly appointed cabins for rent.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Edgerton Community Golf Course

Played On 09/27/2022
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Edgerton Community Golf Course

I had played18 holes at the Irma Golf Club this morning and then decided there was still plenty of time to get in another round of 18 holes in Edgerton. I wasn't even aware that there was a golf course in the village of Edgerton. Like Irma, the course in Edgerton isn't a "Golf Canada Member Facility" so scores can't be posted for handicap purposes.

There are only two sets of tees (red & white) on each hole and the par 72 course plays to a maximum distance of 5,896 yards. Many of the holes appear to be carved out of the native pine and poplar trees, with thick underbrush and the surrounding landscape eager to snatch errant shots. The tree lined fairways are wide but accuracy off the tees is still paramount to scoring well. The Par 4, 5th hole is a short but memorable 257 yards and is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The course wasn't busy, so I went back and played it a few more times.

The groomed putting surfaces are all of a similar size and putting was consistent throughout the round. I recall seeing only one hazard on the course, a small bunker near the green on Hole 2.

The course in Edgerton provides a fun and fair test to players of all skill levels, at an affordable price. The journey there may feel a bit off the beaten path, but it is a trip well worth the time and effort.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate

Edgerton Community Golf Course

Played On 09/27/2022
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Edgerton Community Golf Course

I had played18 holes at the Irma Golf Club this morning and then decided there was still time to play another 18 in Edgerton. I wasn't even aware that there was a golf course in the village of Edgerton. Like Irma, the course in Edgerton isn't a "Golf Canada Member Facility" so scores can't be posted for handicap purposes.

There are only two sets of tees (red & white) on each hole and the par 72 course plays to a maximum distance of 5,896 yards. Many of the holes appear to be carved out of the native pine and poplar trees, with thick underbrush and the surrounding landscape eager to snatch errant shots. The tree lined fairways are wide but accuracy off the tees is still paramount to scoring well. I recall seeing only one hazard on the course, a small bunker near the green on Hole 2.

The groomed putting surfaces are all of a similar size and putting was consistent throughout the round.

The course in Edgerton provides a fun and fair test to players of all skill levels, at an affordable price. The journey there may feel a bit off the beaten path, but it is a trip well worth the time and effort.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Irma Golf Club

Played On 09/27/2022
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Irma Golf Club

The Village of Irma has what some would describe as a quaint little 9-hole golf course. The course isn't a "Golf Canada Member Facility" so unfortunately scores cannot be posted for handicap purposes.

This 5804-yard course features rolling terrain, minor elevation changes, large tee boxes, good sized greens. Accuracy is required off the tee on certain holes while providing generous landing areas on others. Nine bunkers and six water hazards are scattered throughout the course. Surprisingly I avoided the bunkers, but the placement of the water hazard found between holes 6 and 7 caught me three times.

Fall maintenance was ongoing this day. Grounds staff just finished punching and dressing the greens but that didn't stop me from making two birdies today. The greens were a little bumpy, but they rolled fairly well and at a nice speed.

Amenities include a driving range across the road from the clubhouse and a practice putting green adjacent to the clubhouse. The staff are friendly, and the clubhouse is cozy. The clubhouse menu offers a nice variety of dining options.

The name of the game is having fun and I had fun playing this course.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate

Edson Golf and Country Club

Played On 08/20/2022
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Edson Golf Club

This parkland style course is set amongst the rolling and wooded landscape on the east end of the town. The new clubhouse is home to both a well-stocked pro shop as well as the "Bench Bar & Grill", which is aptly named after Bench Creek which winds its way through the property.

With four sets of tees on every hole, golfers of all skill levels will be accommodated. Accuracy off the tee is warranted on certain holes but generous landing areas are provided on others. The greens are of a good size and not heavily contoured but two putting is not a guarantee. My four 3 putts are testimony to some of the sneaky little breaks you are bound to discover.

Golf here can be a test of patience and having some prior course knowledge can help you navigate your way around as the natural hazards, the trees, the bunkers and water can be found everywhere.

The local golfers (Jason, Ian, Harold) the pro shop had me join were good company, the staff were friendly and course conditioning was very good. Two thumbs up.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate

Hinton Golf Club

Played On 08/19/2022
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Hinton Golf Club

I've driven past the Hinton Golf Club on multiple occasions on my way to the neighboring province of BC but have never made the time to stop and play. Well, today I made the early morning drive from Whitecourt to Hinton to satisfy my curiosity. As a single walk on there was no problem scoring a tee time.

After a brief visit to the range and the practice putting green I made my way to the first tee. A quick study of the scorecard determined that I play the Black/Blue Combo tees as that best suited my handicap.

The first hole has a welcoming view from its slightly elevated tee box. A 516 yard Par 5, dogleg left with an inviting water hazard up the left. I chose the preferred line which was right center. The course winds its way through mature pine and poplar trees. There are a few elevation changes. The fairways are wide enough to forgive a miss hit or two. The course has two blind tee shots, hole 10 and 18. Things to avoid are the seven water hazards and the17 bunkers scattered around the course.

The greens are large and putting was pretty consistent throughout.

Birdies are there for the taking as the course has four Par 5's and five Par 3's. The course plays to Par 71. Two holes stood out for me, holes 11 and 15. Hole 15 is a diabolical 190 yard, Par 3 where I had a "Tin Cup" moment and eventually had to pencil in an 8 on the card...but it was a fun 8.

The pro shop is well stocked and the golf club has just recently acquired a fleet 60-65 new golf carts...that's nice to see. The restaurant has a variety of offerings to satisfy both your thirst and appetite.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Whitecourt Golf and Country Club

Played On 08/18/2022
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Whitecourt Golf & Country Club

I just finished playing the Westlock GC this morning and then made the 2 hour drive west to Whitecourt with the intent to play their course the following day. By chance I stopped by the clubhouse to book a tee time but was told by the staff that the course would be closed for the day for a private tournament. As it's the only course in town I decided to go ahead and play another 18 holes today.

The course sits adjacent to the historic Athabasca River whose headwaters originate in Jasper National Park.

The pro shop staff were friendly and courteous and a fellow by name of Laramie behind the counter was gracious enough to knock $10 dollars of my late afternoon green fee. He had me out on the first tee in short order. Atta boy Laramie.

Designed in 1991 by Les Furber, the course yardage ranges from 5,382 to 6,889 yards making it appealing to all skill levels. The tee boxes are big and provide a flat platform from which to pick and choose your lines. Course conditioning and consistent playing surfaces made for a great golf experience. Mature trees frame most fairways and provide a nice backdrop for every green. The greens are large, well contoured and played consistently. There are plenty of strategically placed bunkers that will attract any errant swings. There are only two water hazards on the course but neither one should be a concern.

The expansive clubhouse houses both the pro shop and restaurant. The natural beauty of the Whitecourt Golf and Country Club and ultimate challenge of the game made for a fantastic golf experience.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Westlock Golf Club

Played On 08/18/2022
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Westlock Golf Course

The course is located just a few kilometers west of the town of Westlock. The clubhouse and restaurant underwent extensive renovations in 2021. The check in with the pro shop staff was a friendly encounter. I don't think there are many courses in the province that can compete with the practice facilities that are available onsite. This includes an expansive driving range, a practice bunker along with a chipping, pitching and putting area.
Hole 1, a slight dogleg left is a great starting hole. A strong drive up the left side left me a wedge into a large green that is surrounded by a copse of trees and fronted by the Wabash creek that winds its way through the course. How I missed that birdie putt still baffles me.
The front nine is for the most part fairly wide open with generous fairways but the course starts to tighten up on hole 9. The back nine can reward accurate tee shots and approach shots into the greens. There are a number of elevation changes to make things interesting. The greens are expansive and rolled consistently. Holes 1, 4, 9 and 18 stand out.
There is exceptional value for your golf dollar at the Westlock Golf Course. They have a fleet of fairly new golf carts available but the course would be an easy walk. The restaurant is spacious and offers a varied menu. There is a 27 site RV park on the course. This is a course you would want to play again and again.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate

Bonnyville Golf and Country Club

Played On 07/23/2022
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Bonnyville Golf & Country Club

The course in Bonnyville has long been a favorite. This is just a good solid track.

It's consistently maintained and generously portioned tree lined fairways require consistency off the large flat tees. Approaches to the expansive, contoured putting surfaces can often be met with the challenge of two-putting. In between there are natural elevation changes, grassy knolls, strategic bunkering and 11 water hazards.

This par 72 course plays to a maximum distance of 6541 yards from the tips with a rating and slope of 72.8 and 136. If you can execute good shots, birdie opportunities abound as this course has five Par 3's and five Par 5's.

With its location, conditioning, service and affordability, Bonnyville Golf and Country Club is a wonderful place for any caliber player to pursue their passion.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC

The Alberta Golf Association held the northern Alberta Seniors Qualifying round at the Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC. The course was a good choice...but somebody forgot to tell the weather gods to cooperate. Just 30 minutes prior to the start of the round the overcast skies darkened and the rain came down...and never let up.

This is a parkland style layout with a mix of tree lined fairways and wide-open areas that offered little protection from todays elements. There aren't any real elevation changes on the course which makes for an easy walk for those so inclined.

On this day the rough was thick and wet and guaranteed you an extra stroke on the card if you missed the fairway. From the seventh hole onwards finding relief from the standing water on the remaining fairways was an adventure in itself.

The greens were exceptionally good at holding most approach shots. Fortunately, the greens keeping staff had the foresight to cut the majority of pin positions on high spots on the greens. Greens were of varied sizes and contours. Putts rolled consistently.

I was fortunate enough to be in the second group out at 08:10. The groups out later were hit with the wettest of conditions. Needless to say, even with my good rain gear on I was pretty wet at the end of my round.

Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC would have received a higher rating but the wet weather made the course conditions extremely challenging. Hats off to the staff for looking after us.

Conditions Fair
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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Commented on 07/28/2022

Hi, David168485! Thank you so much for leaving us with your feedback. We value our customer experience, so your review is important to us. We will make note and we hope to see you back at Edmonton Garrison Memorial Golf & Curling Club!

Coloniale Golf and Country Club

Played On 05/14/2022
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Coloniale Golf Club

It's been around 6-7 years since I last played at Coloniale Golf Club. My playing partner and I returned to the course this past spring to play our second match in this years "World Amateur Match Race" competition.

Check in early as the driving range and practice areas are available to get you into the right frame of mind.

The tee boxes are listed as Decks 1 through 5 so course length can range from 5202 to 7014 yards from the tips. Deck 2 stretched 6560 yards so every measure of skill we had as a team was going to be required at that distance. The fairways are of generous dimensions although early season conditions meant there were a few areas that were a little thin but still very playable. There are a number of dog legs left and right and hole 16 offers a split fairway for golfers to ponder.

I was able to find a couple of the over 90 fairway and greenside bunkers that are strategically placed throughout the grounds. Water hazards of which there are 9 should be avoided. There are some minor elevation changes. The greens complexes are of a good size with plenty of contours and ridges to navigate. The greens were holding well struck approach shots and putts rolled out at a very nice pace.

Overall, the Coloniale Golf Club is a good test of golf. Players will be asked to play a variety of shots during the course of their round. We won our match 5 & 3.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

White Bear Lake Golf Course

Played On 08/26/2021
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

White Bear Lake Golf Course

White Bear Lake Golf Course is situated in the SE corner of Saskatchewan, just on the outskirts of Moose Mountain Provincial Park.

The course plays 5403 yards from the forward tees and as long as 6723 yards from the back tees. Check in with the pro shop was quick and friendly.

An early start to my morning had me splitting the first fairway by 08:05. It wasn't cold but the overcast skies kept things on the cooler side throughout the round.

Wide fairways and generous greens wind their way through native aspen, poplar and spruce trees. Routing is nice, there are some small elevation changes and the fairways turn both left and right to mix things up. The greens were receptive and all seemed to play consistently for speed and pace. If you take your time on the greens and find the subtle breaks, you can be rewarded with a birdie or two.

The white silica bunkering contrasts nicely with the surroundings and are very predictable to play out of. There are a couple of water hazards on the course but they don't really come into play.

The course winds it way through an aspen parkland biome so it wasn't a complete surprise to cross paths with a couple of deer on holes 5 and again on 14. The golf carts are Yamaha but they are showing their age and felt tired.

There's pretty good value here as White Bear GC is a fair test of golf within a nice quiet setting. I'm not sure why but the club is not affiliated with the RCGA so unfortunately golfers are not going to be able to post their scores for handicap purposes.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate

Sage View Golf Course

Played On 08/25/2021
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Sage View Golf Course

Along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker and within the confines of Palliser Regional Park, there's a little gem of a course called Sage View. This 9-hole (2996 yards) course presents generous fairways, accessible greens and sweeping views of neighboring Lake Diefenbaker. There is a bit of a high desert or links like feel to the course as the fairways are separated by thick sage brush, reminiscent of the heavy gorse you find on Scottish and Irish links courses.

The tee boxes are a bit on the small side and showed a bit of wear and tear on a couple of holes. The fairways rolled out nicely and the rough wasn't too difficult to play from. The greens are relatively small targets and putts rolled and played consistently. The feature that is unique to this track is the sage brush that fills the void between the fairways. Wayward shots into the sage brush will disappear like aircraft in the Bermuda Triangle. There is but one bunker and one water hazard to be found on the course, and I happened to find both hazards.

The two-par 3's on the course have always stood out. They may be short in length but both measure extremely long on the fun factor.

It had been years since I last played here so I played the front 9 conservatively and ended up taking 3 penalties to pencil in a score of 46. The back 9 was a completely different game as I avoided penalties and scrambled to get up and down five times to card a 37. Wielding a hot wedge and putter saved my bacon.

Maintenance needs to address the washed-out cart path that leads up and past the green on holes 6 and continues on up to the 7th tee box. It's been neglected for some time. Unfortunately, food service is only available on the weekends.

The surrounding scenery is pleasing to the eye. The course is nicely routed through rolling terrain and lakeside coulees. The numerous elevation changes are also strong features of this course. Simply put, if you're looking for a good venue for golf, this delightful layout in Riverhurst, SK is a worthy destination.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Dakota Dunes Golf Links

Played On 08/24/2021
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

Dakota Dunes Golf Links

Dakota Dunes can be a handful on a good day but with today's overcast skies, occasional light showers and cool blustery weather made this round that much tougher.

The driving range and practice area are of a good size and an ideal place to work on any weaknesses in your game.

The strong winds put a premium on finding the fairways from the tees and made for second guessing more than a few approach shots into the greens. Sight lines from the large, flat tee boxes is good and the wide fairways rolled out nicely. The 3-inch rough and tall fescue beyond wasn't forgiving today.

The greens and greens complexes are exceptional. They are guarded by well-placed green side bunkers, steep mounding and false fronts that will deflect shots away. The greens are enormous and have plenty of undulations that required some skill to navigate. Speed and pace of the greens was consistent throughout. The cart paths on a few holes could have used some attention, particularly on hole 1 as deep, deep ruts made for a bone jarring ride. Even the suspension on the Yamaha carts couldn't smooth it out. I managed seven FIR and five GIR and kept the damage to three penalty strokes, I was happy with breaking 90 today.

The clubhouse is a new addition since my last visit here. I arrived early for my tee time so I had the kitchen put together an excellent tossed salad for me prior to my round. The only complaint about the restaurant is that the upstairs men's washroom is extremely small, almost claustrophobic. I was thinking Clark Kent couldn't change his mind in here let alone turn into Superman had he been needed anywhere.

The Canadian Tour played here for years with good reason...Dakota Dunes Golf Links is a challenging test of golf.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging

Mannville Riverview Golf Course

Played On 08/21/2021
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Mannville Riverview Golf Club

Mannville Riverview has been my home course since 2008 and this year the grounds keeping staff have got the fairways & greens in immaculate playing condition.

At 5670 yards, the courses biggest defences are the wind and the rough and anything less than sound ball striking and smart course management will bring angst and aggravation. It's not easy going 18 holes without taking at least one penalty stroke.

The river valleys diverse landscape is a perfect canvas for a memorable layout. Every hole can provide a Kodak moment if you take the time to look.

Fantastic golf, friendly staff, a well-stocked pro shop, restaurant and expansive outdoor deck offer visitors a reason to come back. There certainly is good value in having a membership at your local course and at Mannville the value doesn't get any better.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Coal Creek Golf Resort

Played On 08/10/2021
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

Coal Creek GC

I had two choices to make today, 1: go fly a kite or 2: go golfing. I don't own a kite so I went golfing.

There must have been a major front of some sort moving through central Alberta as the wind was blowing steady at 25-30 mph the entire round. The last time I played in winds like this was during a round at the Old Course at Ballybunion.

One of my favorite courses was in remarkable shape once again. Two thumbs up to the grounds keeping staff. The tee boxes well maintained, the fairways tightly mown and running out nicely, the rough a manageable 1 1/2". The greens played as expected and were rolling true and at a nice pace.

The wind made approaches into many of the greens something of a guessing game. For example, on Hole 2, a relatively straight 365-yard Par 4, but dead into the wind. I hit my driver right on the screws and I still had 158 yards to the pin. I flushed my approach onto the green with a 7 wood, the club I usually pull out of the bag when I have a 190-yard shot to make.

Hole 12, a short, narrow and uphill Par 4 was playing downwind, my 7 wood flew 265 yards leaving me a 54* wedge into the green. On some holes the wind was helping out big time so it all comes out in the wash as they say.

The strong winds made the course play just a bit more challenging today. The sun was out, the bluest of skies were peppered with clouds and the company was entertaining. Who could ask for anything more?

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Mickelson National Golf Club

Played On 08/09/2021
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Mickelson National GC

This spring the Alberta Golf Tour announced that they would hold one of their tournaments at Mickelson National so it was one of the first ones I signed up to play.

My last visit here was in Aug/2019 when management offered the general public a sneak peek of 10 holes that were ready for play.

It's great to see the progress that has been made as all 18 holes are now open. The ranch style single-storey clubhouse is in varying stages of completion. Staff were friendly and attentive. The driving range and short game practice area is also coming along nicely.

I found the main parking lot to be extremely small (about 35 vehicles were jammed into a 25 vehicle lot), but there was an overflow lot that was capable of handling the extra traffic that today's tournament brought to the course.

The ancient EZ-GO golf carts of two years ago have been replaced with a fleet of the worst ergonomically designed golf carts on the market...Club Cars. Had the club bought Yamaha carts, I might have been inclined to give them an extra star.

Mickelson National offers a course that should appeal to golfers appreciative of both classic and modern design. The six sets of tees on each hole means golfers of every ability is served. It has wide, rolling fairways that let you hit bombs. The blow out style bunkering is reminiscent of Chambers Bay. I'm not sure why some of the bunkers were filled with white sand and others had brown sand. The numerous elevation changes and vistas compliment the surrounding scenery. Each hole seemingly has a character of its own.

The green complexes are heavily contoured and well thought out. Today's green speeds were faster than greased lightning. Don't ask me how many putts I had, but if I my last name was DeChambeau, I probably would have had a meltdown and thrown a fit.

The course is coming along nicely and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to any golfer. It's just a whole lot of fun to play.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Sundre Golf Club

Played On 08/08/2021
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Sundre Golf Club

It's amazing how a town with a population of 3,000 can be home to a course of this caliber. Just beyond the large paved parking lot and gated entrance golfers will find a large clubhouse with a full-service restaurant and well-stocked pro shop.
A friendly and expedient check in with the pro shop and I was quickly behind the wheel of one of their Yamaha golf carts and off to the driving range to exercise every stick in the bag except driver.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the course. The cart paths are paved, fairways are nicely framed with mature spruce trees, the rough is forgiving and if by chance your ball finds its way into the trees overhanging tree limbs are non-existent allowing you a clean swing to get back into play. The greens complexes are fair sized and rolled consistently. Judicious use of water hazards and bunkering add to a course already loaded with natural beauty.

With great golf, food and service, a day at Sundre Golf Club adds up to an affordable opportunity for the traveling golfer as well as the locals.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Cougar Creek Golf Club

Played On 07/18/2021
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Wet weather
Used cart

Cougar Creek Golf Resort

This Bill Robinson design opened 40 minutes west of Edmonton back in 1996. A lot of years have passed since I last played here.

Alberta just endured a heat wave followed by days of smoke from forest fires burning in the neighboring provinces of BC and SK. The smoky, overcast grey skies and light drizzle we played under wasn't a game breaker.

Amenities include an aquatic driving range, separate chipping and putting greens and a short game practice area. The pro shop and restaurant staff were friendly and helpful.

With smart bunker placement, varied elevation changes and the challenge of numerous water hazards meandering through the property, a casual round on this 18 hole parkland style course can be a test for even the seasoned player.

As many of the tree lined fairways can attest, accuracy off the tee is crucial. The rough being wet today was penalizing. Putting surfaces offered a fair test without being tricky. The course plays a respectable 6,800 yards from the tips, but many holes focus on control over length.

I would have liked to have brought my "A" game today but some days you have it and other days you don't. Unlike Bryson it wasn't my equipment, it was the golfer.

Cougar Creek should satisfy the avid golfer's expectations of a good product for a good price.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
2.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Cattail Crossing Golf & Winter Club

This course is no longer known as Hunters Green GC. It turns out new owners took over in early 2021, hence their new name: Cattail Crossing Golf & Winter Club.

Cattail Crossing Golf & Winter Club was the host for the Alberta Golf Association's 2021 Senior Men's North Qualifying Round on July 7/21.

The practice facilities were somewhat lacking. The practice green was relatively small and felt crowded with just 3 golfers on it. The driving range uneven and had patchy grass coverage. The overall conditioning of the course, ie: the tee boxes were on the scruffy side and the fairways wouldn't be described as lush. The rough was very thin fescue and was fairly easy to play from. The one bunker I found played predictably. The cart paths were shy of gravel.

The greens didn't appear to have been cut prior to the round. They are a mix of poa and bent grass and were bumpy and rolled inconsistently leaving players to second guess some of their putts. The hole pins looked like they had been in the same spot for a few days as none of the edges were sharp.

There is evidence of renovations being made to the course.

I think it would be fair to say the course wasn't up to a standard you'd expect for a qualifying round. I'm not sure what criteria the Alberta Golf Association used to choose this venue for their competition but one word would describe that decision..."disappointing."

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Fairly Easy
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