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Golf Gems Around Southern Alberta
Cruising along the banks of the mighty Old Man River, the par 5 13 th at the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort in Lethbridge is always a key hole in the round. With a warm Chinook wind at my back, the straightaway hole screams “birdie opportunity.” With a decent drive, the green should easily be in reach. I reel back, recklessly, as usual, and let it rip. My ball flutters in the wind, veers right, and comes to rest in a thick grove of cottonwoods lining the fairway. I’ll need some luck, or perhaps a team of sniffer dogs, to find it. As it turns out, I’ve got neither.
Fortunately, finding an awesome course in Southern Alberta is an easier proposition. I’ve played golf all over the world. Without a doubt, the golf scene in Wild Rose Country - specifically, in the southern regions - is one of my favourites.
Why? The variety, the beautiful, wind and water-scoured terrain - which includes coulees, ravines, rivers, mountains, prairies, parkland, and badlands - provides a canvas unmatched in the country. There is something for every taste. And the value, not to mention the grassroots, unpretentious nature of the game, makes it even more appealing.
Unquestionably, the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort in West Lethbridge is a prime example of how good the golf can be in Southern Alberta. With many holes that ramble along the river and skirt the dry-as-a-bone hillsides in this tucked away canyon, this truly is a golfers paradise. The beautifullysculpted course, which was designed by Bill Newis in 1992, has a bold and contemporary feel. The greens are huge and protected by numerous man-made hazards, including ponds, stunning contours, and dozens of white-sand bunkers. And, of course, the legendary Chinook winds that are so common in Southern Alberta often play a key role in solving the puzzles that confound the golfer on each hole.
While the wind in Lethbridge is notable, the heat in Medicine Hat can add an extra element to the game. But, to be clear, the weather has, and always will be, an integral part of golf. And here, you certainly want to keep one eye on the sky!
In Medicine Hat, the premier public play is the Desert Blume Golf Course. Routed through coulees and ravines with a ballhungry creek protecting numerous holes, Desert Blume is a classic Southern Alberta course. Expect dramatic landforms, heroic shot options, elevated tees, tough-as-nails par-4s, and pristine turf conditions during your adventurous round.
While Desert Blume makes a strong statement in terms of how good prairie golf can be, it certainly doesn’t own the patent! Located 35 min east of Calgary, the Speargrass Golf Course near Carseland is one of Southern Alberta’s top prairie tests. At first glance, the course seems unassuming, fairly flat, and relatively simple. However, as you work your way around this Gary Browning design, the subtle shaping, the native grasses, the massive waste bunkers, and the difficulty of choosing the correct line off the tee become prominent themes. Miss a shot and you pay a price. And then, on one of the most picturesque closing stretches in Southern Alberta, the course enters a
But if smashing balls in the badlands is on your bucket list, the back nine at the Dinosaur Trail Golf Course in Drumheller should be on your radar. While the front nine is solid and typical of many parkland-style courses, the back nine is a jaw-dropper as golfers are thrust into an amazing landscape of wind and water-carved hoodoos, deep and dry ravines, and breathtaking vistas. Stray offline and your ball may come to rest in a spot only a paleontologist could appreciate.
And, at the end of the day, it’s these unique landscapes and sweet prairie scenes that really make golf in Southern Alberta stand out. The small-town charms and unpretentious aura of the golf also leaves a lasting impression. After a round, you might be asking yourself, why is there a golf course so good in such a quaint and “under-the-radar” destination?
A perfect example of this is the Lee Creek Valley Golf Course in Cardston. Designed by prolific Alberta architect, Les Furber, Lee Creek rambles through a pristine valley and incorporates all the elements possible – including beautiful mountain views, elevation changes, and a rock-solid collection of challenging holes – that anyone looks for in a round of golf Southern Alberta style.
Story and Photos By: Andrew Penner
Enjoy an established course with beautiful vistas, challenging slopes and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
Warm up on the driving range, practice green or enjoy a meal on our beautiful deck.
A great course with wonderful southern Alberta hospitality.
PHONE 403.627.2126
www.PincherCreekGolfClub.com 942 Hyde Street, Pincher Creek, AB
Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta/ Katie Goldie
With a population approaching 100,000 residents, Lethbridge has a dynamic arts and culture scene, endless recreational opportunities, and events galore! It is a year-round destination with a relatively mild (for Alberta) climate and an average of322 days ofsunshine every year.
For a terrific shopping experience, visit Centre Village Mall. It is the only enclosed shopping mall in the hub of Lethbridge’s Northside. Anchored by Canadian Tire, London Drugs, Dollar Tree and Save-On-Foods it’s where you will find everything you need. This reinvigorated shopping centre is centrally located at the corner of13th St & 2nd Ave North.
Helen Schuler worked very hard to involve school children, friends, City Council, and others in an appreciation of the special nature of the prairie. She was co-founder of the Lethbridge Naturalists’ Society in 1969 and helped establish the Federation ofAlberta Naturalists in 1970.
The Helen Schuler Nature Centre is becoming a world-class interpretive facility that connects visitors to the many benefits of the great outdoors. The centre offers a variety of interactive programs for all ages. It’s located on Indian Battle Road South, in the shadow of the High Level Bridge - the longest and highest steel trestle bridge in North America. Take an inspiring walk in the river valley where you might see a variety of wildlife roaming or identify the tracks they left behind.
Experience the Friendship
Experience culture like never before as we showcase the friendship of
Japan & Canada at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. Let the garden fill you with a sense of peace and serenity as you immerse yourself in our oasis on the prairies.
Lethbridge has an abundance of experiences for the whole family.
Visit TourismLethbridge.com for up-to-date activities and attractions.
If you head south on the trails, you’ll find Fort Whoop-Up. It’s a replica of a fur trading fort built in the late 1800s. Experience the story of the buffalo robe and illegal whisky trade, between the mid-1860s to the early 1890s. Be sure to stop at the Galt Museum & Archives to learn about the history of southern Alberta, including local indigenous community, coal mining, and downtown Lethbridge.
In the heart of the city is where you will find the local arts scene, such as the nationally renowned Southern Alberta Art Gallery. The Gallery at Casa is a free gallery displaying the works of local artists. Galt Gardens hosts a variety of events that showcase cultural, musical, artistic, and culinary talent. New West Theatre offers a diverse range of top live entertainment with numerous productions throughout the year.
On a hot summer day, locals flock to Henderson Lake Park. Located on Mayor Magrath Dr, between 7 th and 10 th Avenues, it’s home to Henderson Pool - the largest south of Calgary, a baseball stadium, and both a spray and a skate park. Here you will also find one of the city’s most notable cultural attractions.
Let the serenity of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden soothe your senses during an evening of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality). Sample a variety of Japanese desserts while sipping their matcha blend tea. Or, try sake paired with culinary treats. Take a tour. Your hostess will be wearing a traditional yukata. Looking for excitement? Step into the dohyo and experience the thrill of sumo wrestling!
Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta
u rban escape 5 minut es from downtown
