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

David168485

Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Lives
Vermilion, Alberta, Canada
Handicap
10-14
Age
65+
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
974
Not Helpful Votes Count
24
First Review
01/24/2013
Last Review
11/21/2023

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Reviews

3.9

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Golden Golf Club

Played On 09/22/2023
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Golden Golf Club

The town of Golden is located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers and just a few minutes north of town you will find the Golden Golf Course. Views of the surrounding Purcell and Rocky Mountains can be had from everywhere on the course. This is a parkland style 18-hole course that plays to a par 72 and with three tees (Gold, White, Red) available on each hole the yardages vary from 5,488 yards from the Reds, 6,326 yards from the Whites and maxes out at 6,825 yards from the Gold tees.

This mid morning round was accompanied by blue skies, plenty of sunshine and above average fall temperatures. Not having golfed here for probably twenty some years, the starter had me tee it up with three members who provided entertaining company and some welcome local knowledge of the course.

In 1996, with the help of Les Furber, the course was expanded to its current 18-hole layout from the original 9-hole course designed by Bill Newis in 1986. Wide fairways were masterfully cut through a well developed forest that runs alongside the Columbia River. The course opens with a gentle dogleg left, par 4 that reaches out 360 yards to a relatively generous, flat green that is sandwiched nicely between two bunkers. Hole 2 is a delight as it allows you to grip it and rip it from a slightly elevated platform to a wide ribbon of green fairway. The holes seamlessly follow each other and will have you consistently planning and plotting your way around the course. It's always nice when a golf course lets you make use of all the clubs in the bag. The placement of the 45 bunkers on the course are more than aesthetic as they have been strategically placed to catch any number of missed shots. Hole 11, a terrific 378 yard, par 4, has long been considered their signature hole with Holt Creek running along the right side of the hole and then crosses the front of a very testing, undulated green. As the three members I was golfing with me commented that par is a good score any day of the week on this hole, so my birdie here was an added bonus. Hole 11 has features reminiscent of Hole 10 at The Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry.

The greens and greens complexes are wonderfully thought out. They are of varying sizes and shapes and all have slopes and swales that will test your putting skills. They are receptive to good approach shots, rolled smoothly and speeds were consistent throughout the entire course. Finding eight fairways and ten greens in regulation had me finish at two under my handicap for the round. Scoring well is possible as the course will certainly reward good course management and good ball striking.

A full service restaurant and a well appointed pro shop are staffed by friendly faces. The course is a fitting test of golf with its natural and man made hazards, exceptional course conditioning and fairways that turn in every direction. The course takes full advantage of the glorious countryside to provide a world-class challenge for all level of golfers. Its many attributes can invariably bring out the very best in your game.

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

Greywolf Golf Course

Played On 09/21/2023
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Greywolf Golf Course

Surrounded by panoramic views of the Purcell mountains, the Greywolf Golf Course has been entertaining golfers since 1999. I had to rummage through old photo albums to see when I last played here. Wow, can't believe I was last here in 2000, one year after it opened. Course architect Doug Carrick took advantage of the setting and the natural changes in elevation to create this 18-hole mountain course which offers challenges for players of all levels. Tee times this morning were pushed back by a 30 minute frost delay. That was fine as it meant a few more minutes to make use of the driving range and the practice putting green. By 10:45 it was warming up nicely, the sun was out and to quote a line from a Bob Dylan tune, "I'm looking up into the sapphire tinted skies". Perfect weather.

A par 72 course, Greywolf offers great variety with distracting views, elevated tees and alpine landscapes that include water hazards, streams and bunkers. Tee boxes are large, flat and well looked after. The fairways are extremely generous, wide green ribbons that carve their way through mature trees, valleys and rolling terrain. Cart paths are paved and in good order and show no sign of neglect. The bunkers number around 67, were well groomed and are seemingly placed in all the right spots. The greens are very well proportioned, played firm and putts were rolling at predictable speeds and pace throughout all 18 holes. The rough was a manageable 2-3 inches. Pace of play for the day moved well with an occasional short delay.

The course is renowned for its signature 6th hole called Cliffhanger, a picturesque Par 3 that sits 200 yards across a chasm to a postage stamp green planted on the end of a spit of land. There are seventeen other holes that stand up on their own. Holes 1, 4, 11, 12, 15 and 17 are memorable.

Greywolf Golf Course delivers in all areas, well stocked pro shop, friendly staff, fantastic scenery, a challenging but fair test of golf with above average course conditioning. In 2023 it ranked 8th in SCOREGolf Canada's top 59 Public Courses, down 2 spots from 6th place in 2021.

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

Copper Point Golf Club

Played On 09/20/2023
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Copper Point Golf Resort, The Point Course

A few kilometers north of Windermere, BC is the Copper Point Golf Resort, home to both "The Point and The Ridge" courses. The temperature was perfect, the skies overhead were a deep blue and punctuated with billowing, puffy cumulus clouds. You couldn't have asked for a better September day.

Two low key course designers from the Calgary area, Gary Browning & Wade Horrocks, put their design talents to work and did a magnificent job of tweaking what nature provided and turned the landscape into a thoroughly enjoyable 18 hole Championship layout. Since 2018, Canada's SCOREGolf Magazine has ranked "The Point" inside the top 100 courses in Canada.

A modern and spacious clubhouse is home to The View Restaurant as well as a fully appointed pro shop. Practice facilities include a full driving range with a practice chipping and putting green. Remember to take all those good practice shots with you to the course.

Enormous, flat and perfectly trimmed tee boxes set players up with inexcusable platforms from which to launch drives. The Point opens with a superb 399 yard, par 4 and is followed effortlessly by one good hole after another. The fairways are generous and won't make you feel constricted off the tees. They are wonderfully conditioned and weave their way through an abundance of slopes, mature trees and manageable rough. Highlighting the plush fairways are well over 50 groomed bunkers that are fittingly placed in all the right spots. There is but one water hazard and it's found on hole 18. The holes constantly change direction and with numerous elevation changes, the course delivers some awe inspiring views of the Columbia Valley and surrounding Kootenay mountains.
The greens and greens complexes are large and inviting and were receptive to all manner of approach shots. The greens possess many slopes and swales that will require some skill to navigate. Putts rolled at a comfortable pace exactly where they were aimed.
The course has five tees on every hole and yardages vary from 4,755 yards from the forward tees and reach out to 6,891 yards from the tips. The Point Course plays to a par 71, 37 out and 34 back to the clubhouse. Scoring well is within the reach of every player as the course delivers a firm but fair examination of your game from tee to green.

I did take all those good swings from the range onto the course (9 FIR & 11 GIR) and played the front nine 4 over and closed the back nine birdie, birdie to finish even and was able to pencil in a 75. Fabulous round on a very good course.

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

Radium Resort

Played On 09/19/2023
2.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Cold weather
Used cart

Radium Resort (Radium Course)

The scorecard of the Radium course indicates it plays to a par 72 and has four tees on each hole. Yardages for the course range from 5,389 yards from the forward tees and 6,269 yards from the tips. On this overcast and cool September day, there didn't appear to be a starter or any other golfers around so we just took it upon ourselves and teed off 12 minutes ahead of our scheduled 11:05 AM tee time.

The tee box and opening fairway on hole 1 looked dry and the grass displayed varying shades of green and brown grasses. A good indication that there was a serious lack of irrigation. Looking around the course from the elevated tee box on hole 2, browned fairways as far as the eye could see confirmed the observation made on hole 1. All the tee boxes on the course were scruffy and to some extent appeared to be neglected. With the dry conditions, fairways played hard and firm and resulted in three unwarranted penalties when three good drives ran through the doglegs and ended up OB.

The greens are smaller targets and played as firm as the fairways. Approach shots didn't stop as anticipated and resulted in only four GIR. The pins were not freshly cut and looked like they were the same pins that they would of played 5-6 days ago. The green speeds were inconsistent. The layout felt awkward and there was a little confusion finding the next tee on two occasions. On top of the dismal course conditions, we unknowingly caught up with 5-6 groups of ladies who just happened to be out playing their season wind-up round which in turn made our round of golf play longer than four hours. During our prolonged five hour, twenty minute round, we had a chance to chat with other golfers that regularly played this course and they readily commented that present course conditions were disappointing.

There are plenty of other courses within a 35 minute drive in the Columbia Valley that will provide you far better value and playing conditions for your golfing dollar than the Radium Course.

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

Shadow Mountain Golf

Played On 09/18/2023
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Shadow Mountain Golf

I was up at the crack of dawn to make the 5 hour drive from Medicine Hat to the Shadow Mountain Golf Club just north of Cranbrook. There are plenty of premium golf courses in the Cranbrook area and Shadow Mountain is one of them. I had arrived about two hours before my scheduled tee time so there was plenty of time to stop by the restaurant and put away a monster cheeseburger with extra bacon that even Homer Simpson would have drooled over.

This eighteen hole track offers the usual amenities that you would expect to find on site at a championship venue (driving range, short game practice area and practice chipping and putting greens) and is an ideal place to loosen up and work on any areas of your game.

There is a wide variety of tee options available for allowing players of every level to enjoy the course. The opening hole is an enjoyable par 5, dogleg left and is a fabulous introduction to the adventure ahead. The generously wide and well conditioned fairways are seamlessly cut through the native fir, cedar and spruce trees. Complimenting the indulgent views of the rolling landscape are the innumerable and strategically placed fairway and greenside bunkers. There are but five water hazards on the course but only three of them will come into play.

The greens complexes are very large targets and played as well as they looked. You would do well to take a little extra time deciphering the many contours and undulations of every green to avoid those dreaded 3 putts. The greens played amazing, as well struck approach shots would stick. Green speeds and pace were consistent and putts were rolling exactly where you aimed. There are numerous elevation changes on the course, particularly on holes 15 and 17 which I assume would be considered their two signature holes. The drop down to the fairways from the elevated tees is at least 100-130 feet and certainly adds an extra element of fun to an already enjoyable round. The par 4, 11th hole plays 415 yds from the blue tees and was my favorite hole on the course. It calls for a strong drive left center of the rumpled fairway which then turns right to a raised green protected up the left side by 3 bunkers.

Located 20 minutes north of downtown Cranbrook, Shadow Mountain will cater to golfers looking for a scenic, well conditioned course with a varied mix of elevation changes, smart bunker placement and challenging greens. I didn't bring my "A" game today but that didn't keep me from having fun. Guaranteed, the next time I'm in the southeast corner of BC, Shadow Mountain can expect a return visit from this golfer.

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

Connaught Golf Club

Played On 09/17/2023
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Connaught Golf Club

Bryan Adams was performing in the "Hat" as part of his "So Happy it Hurts Tour." I decided at the last minute to squeeze in a round prior to attending his concert and the Connaught Golf Club was the only course able to accommodate me.

Playing to a par 73 and located in the heart of Medicine Hat, this southern Alberta course has been open for business since 1922. This is a traditional parkland style layout and features natural terrain and four sets of tees, with distances of that range from 5,446 yards to 6,943, which makes it perfect for pretty well every visitor. The fairways offer a good mix of straight away as well as some that turn left and right. The fairways were running hard and fast and there were a couple of times I found myself running through the doglegs and into the rough. Mature trees of every variety frame the fairways. The greens are comfortably large targets with the usual contours and undulations. The greens were holding well struck approach shots and putts rolled consistently. Hazards are used judiciously, there are only 25 bunkers, 21 can be found green side and the other 4 bunkers are found on the right side of the fairway on hole 18. Water hazards number five in total and may come into play on four holes.

I golfed with three locals, one of whom is an employee of the course (Mark, Curtis, Mitch). It's encouraging to hear that the course is a busy place and sees plenty of traffic on any given day of the week. I made the turn at 3 over and even with 2 penalties on the back nine, I was managed to come in at 2 under my handicap. Great weather and entertaining company made for a fun and enjoyable round. At Connaught Golf Club, an affordable golf opportunity awaits the travelling golfer, and the local player alike, right in the heart of Medicine Hat. The Bryan Adams performance was excellent.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

North Battleford Golf and Country Club

The North Battleford Golf & Country Club is a parkland style course that sits nicely alongside the North Saskatchewan River. This is a great 18-hole, Par 72 course that has matured nicely since opening for play in 1969.

Course yardage ranges from 4,878 to 6580 yards, making this course attractive to all skill levels. The wide fairways are flanked by a variety of mature Poplar, Aspen, Birch or Pine trees. Fairways are mown to a nice height and the rough is forgiving. Fairways turn gently both right and left and it seems that they have placed their bunkers in all the right places to challenge both your drives and approach shots into the greens. The course will favor the golfer that has the ability to work the ball both ways as well as dead straight. Water hazards of which there are only three, don't really come into play.

Greens are of a generous size and are more than receptive to holding a well struck approach shot. Your putting skills will be tested as the contours and undulations vary from subtle to significant. All the greens rolled consistently at a nice pace. There are some minor elevation changes but this is a course that one can walk with ease.

The pro shop is well stocked and the restaurant offers a full menu and is an ideal place to relax after your round.

Overall course conditioning, service, affordability and the consistent playing surfaces provide for a memorable round of golf. The natural beauty of the river valley and ultimate challenge of the game come together nicely to create a great golfing experience.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Innisfail Golf Club, Spruce Course

If a community is lucky to have 18 holes of golf, then one could say that the central Alberta town of Innisfail is blessed to have three diverse 9-hole courses (Aspen, Hazelwood and Spruce). It's been years since I last played at Innisfail but the courses reputation as a stern test of golf remains as solid as ever. I arrived an hour early for my tee time and the pro shop was already standing room only at 08:10. Staff worked through the crowd quickly and I was out the door to take advantage of the practice facilities on site. Today the pro shop had me joining up with three other out of town visitors to the course (Lyle, Chaz and Clint). Todays round was played from the Blue tees (6,256 yds) on the Hazelwood and Spruce courses.

Large, well groomed tee boxes provide good views of the sculpted fairways that seamlessly wind their way through stands of mature aspen, poplar and pine trees. Accuracy off the tee is critical if you're looking to have unobstructed approaches to each green. Course features include a good mix of elevation changes, tight, tree lined fairways, smart bunker placement, and the additional challenge of numerous water hazards scattered through the property. Without being tricked up, the expansive, contoured putting surfaces rolled consistently. The conditioning of the cart paths, fairways and greens complexes tell you that the course superintendent has the staff paying close attention to the smallest of details.
Innisfail Golf Club has long been admired for its impeccably maintained fairways and greens and is a wonderful place for any caliber of player to pursue their passion.

A stalwart in the community since opening in 1924 and updated by Bill Robinson in 1984, Innisfail Golf Club will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Innisfail Golf Club, Hazelwood Course

If a community is lucky to have 18 holes of golf, then one could say that the central Alberta town of Innisfail is blessed to have three diverse 9-hole courses (Aspen, Hazelwood and Spruce). It's been years since I last played at Innisfail but the courses reputation as a stern test of golf remains as solid as ever. I arrived an hour early for my tee time and the pro shop was already standing room only at 08:10. Staff worked through the crowd quickly and I was out the door to take advantage of the practice facilities on site. Today the pro shop had me joining up with three other out of town visitors to the course (Lyle, Chaz and Clint). Todays round was played from the Blue tees (6,256 yds) on the Hazelwood and Spruce courses.

Large, well groomed tee boxes provide good views of the sculpted fairways that seamlessly wind their way through stands of mature aspen, poplar and pine trees. Accuracy off the tee is critical if you're looking to have unobstructed approaches to each green. Course features include a good mix of elevation changes, tight, tree lined fairways, smart bunker placement, and the additional challenge of numerous water hazards scattered through the property. Without being tricked up, the expansive, contoured putting surfaces rolled consistently. The conditioning of the cart paths, fairways and greens complexes tell you that the course superintendent has the staff paying close attention to the smallest of details.
Innisfail Golf Club has long been admired for its impeccably maintained fairways and greens and is a wonderful place for any caliber of player to pursue their passion.

A stalwart in the community since opening in 1924 and updated by Bill Robinson in 1984, Innisfail Golf Club will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024.

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

Carstairs Community Golf Club

Played On 08/31/2023
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Walked

Carstairs Community Golf Club

The clubhouse is of considerable size and is home to the pro shop, administrative offices and the Ironwood Restaurant. Check in with the pro shop was straight forward.

This traditional parkland style course has been in operation since 1960. There are four tee boxes to play from on each hole but the scorecard provides golfers the option to play a mix of tee box combinations. Yardages can vary from as short as 4,240 yards from the forward tees and up to 6,510 yards from the tips. Tee boxes were relatively flat and are of a good size. The fairways are lined with a variety of mature trees, cedar, ash, pine and poplar. The fairways are generous in width and were playing very firm. Most par 4's require accuracy off the tee, and offer a good mix of mid to long irons on approach shots. Conditioning of the tee boxes and fairways was leaning towards the scruffy side. It has the usual hazards in place which include four good size water hazards and around 49 bunkers which are strategically placed throughout the course. Most greens were complimented nicely with groomed bunkers guarding the approaches and the greens did have a nice mix of shapes and sizes. For whatever reason the greens seemed to be inconsistent in regards to both speed and pace.

The course has no real elevation changes to speak of and would be an enjoyable to walk. Green fees are reasonable.

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

Sirocco Golf Club

Played On 08/30/2023
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Sirocco Golf Club

Comfortably located within the Pine Creek Valley, and just 15 miles south of downtown Calgary, Sirocco Golf Club offers some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The drive onto the property gives you a few anticipatory peeks of the course. After pulling into the parking lot, you'll find an enormous and proper clubhouse perched on the edge of a prominent hill that overlooks much of the golf course...somewhat reminiscent of The Winchester Golf Club in Meadow Vista, California.

Check in was cordial and efficient. Access to the driving range and practice area where one could spend an inordinate amount of time working on their game was included in the green fee. The club has a fleet of newer Yamaha golf carts fitted out with windshield, cooler and golf bag cover which did come in handy as the forecast for scattered showers came down while playing hole 13 and departed by hole 15.

There are four large, flat tee boxes on each hole letting golfers play anywhere from 5,269 yards from the red tees, 6,046 from the whites, 6,722 yards from the blues and stretching out as far as 7,167 yards from the tips. The course is seemingly carved through the native aspens, birch, poplar and pines that inhabit the area. There is a varied mix of elevation changes, strategic bunker placement and the challenge of several creeks that wind their way through the property and can easily turn a casual round into a formidable test for even the seasoned golfer. Sirocco plays to a par 72 and a premium is placed on driving accuracy and finding the right combination of distance and control is a pre-requisite for success. The greens and greens complexes are generous in size and require a fair test of skill to score well. There is no shortage of aesthetic appeal to a layout already loaded with natural beauty. The conditioning of the course tells me that it is consistently maintained to a high standard.

I golfed with three long time members of the club, Daryl, Neil and Marty. They were good company and helped make the round enjoyable. In addition to the great golf, the restaurant service and comprehensive menu added to the day's enjoyment. If you're visiting or passing through, stop by and tee it up.

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

The Canal at Delacour Golf Club

Played On 08/28/2023
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

The Canal at Delacour Golf Course

The Alberta Golf Association (AGA) had scheduled their inaugural two-day Super Seniors Golf Tournament for The Track GC in Langdon, but due to poor course conditions at The Track, The Canal at Delacour stepped up and offered their venue. Great choice.

Since opening for play in 2005, the course has steadily earned complimentary reviews. Designed by Harold Pasechnik and fashioned in the style of links golf, the course provides a varied and enjoyable challenge, which golfers of all abilities will find rewarding. There is a driving range and practice green on site. There are five tee box markers on each hole which caters for every level of golfer. The rolling landscape tumbles along nicely and the holes follow each other seamlessly. Wide, fescue lined fairways are interrupted by strategically positioned, deep and at times, cavernous bunkers. Water hazards and irrigation ponds are present and could be detrimental should you be one of those golfers that is directionally challenged. There are but a few patches of trees and shrubs on the course, which for the most part won't provide much in the way of protection from the elements. If the wind picks up, you will need to adjust your game accordingly. Elevation changes on the course are not significant which bodes well for those golfers who choose to walk.

The greens are massive in size and the vast majority of them possess some seriously treacherous undulations and tiers which will not only test your nerve but your chipping and putting skills are going to be pushed to their limit. Placement of the many greenside bunkers are there to devour any wayward approach shots. The greens have been renowned for their speed and true to their reputation, they were rolling fast and true. Needless to say, some of the tournament participants had comments that could be described as colourful.

After two days of play, I think the AGA's organizers were pleased with how well the golf course presented for the tournament and the feedback they received by the participants was positive. Hats off to The Canal at Delacour.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

The Legends Golf & Country Club, Old Hickory Nine

The Legends Golf & Country Club (Old Hickory Nine)
In Edmonton, I happened to be done my mid-morning dental appointment earlier than planned so at the last minute I called around looking to play 18. Finding a venue was as painless as my dental visit as the second call I made was to The Legends G&CC. They could accommodate a last-minute walk on. I hadn't played here since 2009 but I do remember the golfing was good.

The Legends G&CC, which opened in 1994, is located just a few miles north of Sherwood Park. There are three separate nines (Champions, Old Hickory and Traditions) that make up this 27-hole layout. Check in with the well-stocked pro shop was quick and efficient. The pro shop had me playing the Champions & Old Hickory Nines today. Our group got around the Champions Nine in just under two hours and I was looking forward to taking my good play to the back nine.

The Old Hickory Nine plays 2,751 yards from the Red tees, 3,121 yards from the White tees and 3,387 yards from the Blue tees. The tee boxes are large and provide golfers a level platform from which to hit from. Fairways are fairly wide targets and the rough didn't seem to be too penal. Water hazards can come into play on two of the holes. There are around only 18 bunkers of variable size and shape that are scattered throughout the nine holes. Cart paths were good, fairways were plush and mown to a nice playing height. Greens and greens complexes are of considerable size and all appeared to be well maintained. The greens were holding well struck shots and rolled consistently and at a nice pace. There are numerous undulations and swales to navigate on the greens, so if you're looking for birdies, you'll need to pay attention. Holes 3 and Hole 5 afford scenic views of the course from their elevated tees. Pace of play was steady and our group completed our back nine in just over two hours.

I was pretty pleased with my round at The Legends. My 7 FIR, 11 GIR and 35 putts added up to a good score of 78. The Legends is good value, $60 for 18 holes with a cart. It's amazing how much better an after-round beer tastes when one is playing well.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

The Legends Golf & Country Club, Champions Nine

In Edmonton, I happened to be done my mid-morning dental appointment earlier than planned so at the last minute I called around looking to play 18. Finding a venue was as painless as my dental visit as the second call I made was to The Legends G&CC. They could accommodate a last-minute walk on. I hadn't played here since 2009 but I do remember the golfing was good.

The Legends G&CC, which opened in 1994, is located just a few miles north of Sherwood Park. There are three separate nines (Champions, Old Hickory and Traditions) that make up this 27-hole layout. Check in with the well-stocked pro shop was quick and efficient. The pro shop had me playing the Champions & Old Hickory Nines today. I had around 40 minutes until tee time, so I just made my way over to the practice green that resides adjacent to the Champions Nine.

The Champions Nine plays 2,604 yards from the Red tees, 3,050 yards from the White tees and 3,337 yards from the Blue tees. The tee boxes are large and provide golfers a level platform from which to hit from. Fairways are fairly wide targets and the rough didn't seem to be too penal. Water hazards can come into play on four of the holes. There are around 35 bunkers of variable size and shape that are scattered throughout the nine holes. Cart paths were good, fairways were plush and mown to a nice playing height. Greens and greens complexes are of considerable size and all appeared to be well maintained. The greens were holding well struck shots and rolled consistently and at a nice pace. There are numerous undulations and swales to navigate on the greens, so if you're looking for birdies, you'll need to pay attention. There are no significant elevation changes on the Champions course. Pace of play was steady and our group completed our front nine in just under two hours.

Locals and the travelling golfer alike will find an affordable and fun challenge at The Legends.

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

Camrose Golf Course

Played On 08/23/2023
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Wet weather
Used cart

Camrose Golf Club

Established in 1922, the Camrose golf course is an 18 hole, Par 71 municipal venue owned and operated by the city.

Overnight rains softened up the course and made for a cooler than average daytime high for the end of August. Overcast and threatening skies didn't stop myself or the three university students, (Tristan, Jeremy, Quinn) that joined me for an afternoon round of golf.

Distances vary from 5,057 yards from the forward tees to 6,149 yards from the tips. Four tee boxes on each hole will provide enough of a challenge for all levels of players. There are many risk, reward holes for big hitters but decisions will be tempered by the mature trees and the 3-4 inch deep rough that line the fairways. Water hazards and bunkers of which there are plenty will attract poorly played shots.

The greens are of a good size and have subtle swales and undulations that will require your attention to score well. The greens were rolling nicely and putts were staying on the lines that were chosen. My birdies on holes 8, 11 and 12 are proof that even average golfers can be rewarded.

There's a fully stocked pro shop and small practice area on site. In addition to good golf, the restaurant seemed popular for golfers and non golfers alike. A day at the Camrose Golf Course adds up to a can't miss experience for locals and travelers alike.

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

Hughenden Golf Club

Played On 08/04/2023
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Hughenden Golf Club

Although not the oldest golf course in Alberta, it's interesting to note that golf was first played in Hughenden in 1915, one year before women were allowed to vote in the province and just ten years after the federal government passed the Dominion Act, enabling both Alberta & Saskatchewan to become provinces of Canada in 1905.

Checking in with the pro-shop was cordial and efficient. They have a small fleet of my favorite golf carts (Yamaha), as well as a good collection of pull carts to choose from. This is a fairly flat course to walk with only one small, gentle rise to climb, that being the fairway on Hole 6. With three sets of tee markers on each hole, yardages for 18 holes varies from 5,084 yards from the forward tees to 5,908 yards from the tips. This Par 35 course offers three par 3 holes, two par 5's and a quartet of par 4's.

The tee boxes are compact and provide a flat platform from which to drive off of. The undulating fairways are in good mid-season condition and are all of 30 to 35 yards wide. The small slopes and gentle troughs found throughout the fairways and make for some interesting lies (side hill, uphill, downhill) from which to play your second shots. The rough is spartan and anytime I played out of it, it was very forgiving. The greens are small targets and were receptive to well struck approach shots. They all rolled consistently but I found myself taking a little more time reading them as there were some subtle breaks and slopes that magically appeared out of nowhere. There are very few hazards on the course, I recall seeing only two water hazards that shouldn't come into play and two greenside bunkers. Holes 6 and 9 are good fun.
The golf course is easily accessible, provides great value for your golfing dollar and the staff are friendly. The golf course is not an RCGA member so scores cannot be posted for handicap purposes.

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

Goose Hummock Golf Resort

Played On 06/14/2023
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Goose Hummock Golf Resort

The Alberta Golf Association (AGA) held one of this year's three qualifying rounds for the Alberta Seniors Tournament at a course that's known locally as "The Goose." The Goose has been entertaining golfers for more than 30 years and is known to be a ball strikers' course as water comes into play on at least fifteen of the eighteen holes. The course plays 5,342 yards from the forward tees and as long as 6,523 yards from the tips, giving players of all abilities a good test. Today, the AGA determined all the competitors would play from the tips. I have had mixed success playing here in the past but have always enjoyed the challenge it provides.

Check in was efficient and cordial and I was redirected outside to take my pick from the mixed fleet of Club Car and Yamaha carts available on site. It was a no brainer, Yamaha...all the way. I can never get enough practice so I spent a full hour making use of the practice area and driving range. The weather was a comfortable 14*C with overcast skies. The starter ensured the groups were going off regularly and on time in 9-minute intervals.

The fairways offer generous landing areas but the course demands accuracy off the tee. Strategic bunkers, grassy knolls and water hazards within the fairways have been known to affect well positioned tee shots. Approaches to the large, contoured greens may be met with the challenge of two putting. There are a number of memorable holes at "The Goose". Hole 7 is among my favorites, a 547-yard, a true Par 5 that requires a lay-up short of the water and then an accurate wedge or 9 iron carry over water to the elevated green which is further protected by 4 pot bunkers. Hole 13 is a narrow, 324-yard, Par 4. The view appears claustrophobic from the tee box and entails a short carry over water and then landing your ball into a narrow appearing fairway. The elevated green has 4 pot bunkers that will attract any mishit approach shots. The Par 3, 17th is an island green playing out to 160 yds from the tips.

Goose Hummock is a Bill Robinson design that opened in 1989. I think he did a great job of utilizing the landscape that is Goose Hummock. Aspen, poplar and spruce trees line the generously portioned fairways. All the par 3's pack a punch and demand a different approach to club selection due to hazard placement and distance variation. Your patience will be tested as you navigate the multitude of water hazards and fairway bunkers from tee to green. The greens and greens complexes are all well thought out and play as good as any around the Edmonton area.

A round at "The Goose" can be challenging. It is a course that requires your full attention. Pay attention to the details and chances are pretty good you'll score well.

It has so much to offer at a reasonable price, planning a round here should be on your short list.

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

Northern Bear Golf Club

Played On 05/18/2023
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Northern Bear Golf Club

My brother and I are again participating in this year's World Amateur Match Race. The team we were scheduled to play, picked Northern Bear to host our match. Past reviews of Northern Bear have been mixed so expectations this early in the Alberta golf season were reserved.

The very large clubhouse enjoys a well-stocked pro shop and a spacious restaurant. Check in for the days round was made effortless by the pair of friendly staff members manning the counter. Inclusive of the green fees is access to the onsite practice facilities which includes a large, flat teeing areas, practice bunkers and an exceptionally large practice putting green. I would recommend golfers show up early for your round and get in some practice prior to your game.

The starter was friendly and was doing a great job of getting the groups out efficiently and on time. Standing on the large, flat tee boxes, golfers are given great views of the particular hole they are playing. The fairways are more than generous and are nicely routed through large stands of mature poplar and aspen trees. The early season rough played predictably and you weren't severely punished for missing the fairway. In true Nicklaus fashion, Northern Bear has been peppered with no fewer than 58 of his signature bunkers. Water is present but should only come into play on six holes.

The greens complexes provide large targets for all participants. They were in good shape for today's round and were receptive to well struck approach shots. They were rolling consistently and it took no time at all to adjust to the pace. The green on Hole 10 was undergoing some repair work, but it didn't affect play.

Overall conditioning of the course was better than expected for mid-May and made for a very close match. All things considered the course is in very good early season condition. A little water, a little warmer weather and the course should come around nicely. The lead went back and forth a few times and the match went the distance before being decided on Hole 18.

Northern Bear Golf Club gets two thumbs up from this golfer.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Two Hills Golf & Country Club

Endlessly inviting easily describes the oasis that is the Two Hills Lions G&CC. It is a delightful Par 36, 9-hole track that stretches out to 3149 yards and is a links style design put together by Sid Puddicombe.

The diverse and rolling landscape is punctuated with no fewer than 27 bunkers and 4 sparkling water hazards. This a thinker's course. Every hole has enormous tee boxes that provide unparalleled views of lush, wide fairways. The large greens complexes are all unique and ensure that no two approach shots will ever be the same. Players can expect to find that these large, undulating greens play fast and roll true. The course feels completely natural and is routed through the rolling terrain. Ever-present winds and the afore mentioned varying elements combine to create a new experience every time you play. It's a course that's short enough to give you hope but it will test every facet of your game.

The clubhouse underwent a remodel several years ago and remains quaint and cozy and there's always someone there that will provide you with a friendly greeting.

Two Hills Lions G&CC has long been admired for its impeccably maintained fairways, a nice mix of elevation changes and its challenging greens. Two Hills G&CC will satisfy your expectations of a great product at a great price.

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

Whitetail Crossing Golf Club

Played On 10/04/2022
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Whitetail Crossing Golf Club

Whitetail Crossing is part of the Country Club Tour Group, a diverse collection of 6 well established courses in and around the Edmonton area.

Over the years, Whitetail Crossing has been a course that my brother and I would frequent at least twice a year to compete in both their spring and fall "Ironman Tournaments." This year we used it as our home course to compete in the World Amateur Match Race tournament winning six of our eight match play games and making our way to the semi-finals.

Whitetail Crossing, a 7082-yard course designed by Puddicombe Golf in 2007, presents generous sculpted fairways, accessible greens complexes and wide-open views of the surrounding farmland. Whitetail has quietly become a popular destination of choice for players looking for an affordable, consistently well-maintained test of golf. It is known for its varied layout, generous putting surfaces, multiple water features, exceptional bunkering and its challenging, but fair, layout. Many of the links like design features offered by the course easily rank it amongst the more challenging in central Alberta.

The par 3's are great fun as all require a different approach to club selection due to distance variations, green design, and hazard placement. Birdie opportunities on the par 4's and par 5's are there for the taking if you can navigate your way around the well-placed bunkers and water hazards. For many players, the 418-yard, par 4, 18th can be a daunting finish. Well-bunkered and playing uphill to a challenging green complex, the hole can be a difficult test. Finishing with a par on this hole is definitely an accomplishment!

A large driving range and practice putting green are available. The friendly staff and well-maintained fairways along with some of the best greens in central Alberta earn Whitetail Crossing high marks.

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