Anatomy of a Golf Hole

By Andrew Penner

Ask any golf course architect - or, I suppose, any wannabe-architect that considers himself an aficionado of the craft - and he’ll tell you that the “cape hole” is one of the most beloved in the game. The 6th at Bermuda’s Mid-Ocean Club (designed by C.B. McDonald), the 18th at TPC Sawgrass (designed by Pete Dye), and the 18th at Pebble Beach (designed by Jack Neville) are notable examples. In layman’s terms, it’s a golf hole that bends around water and typically offers heroic shot options. Alberta’s best example? The spectacular par-4 6th on the Hazelwood nine at the Innisfail Golf Club makes a pretty strong case.

Curling around a pristine cove along the lake, the pretty peninsula green is almost completely surrounded by water. Hazelwood’s 6th is, plain and simple, an outstanding golf hole. Designed by architect Bill Robinson, this gem is, without question, one of the best par-4s in the province. “It’s definitely our signature hole,” says Jim Boomer, Innisfail’s Executive Professional for 35 years and counting. “And if you haven’t played it since 2017, you’re in for a treat. It’s significantly better since the renovation.”

Now, thanks to plenty of tree clearing (on the right side of the fairway), a reconstructed shoreline (tidy rock has replaced all those ball-hungry bullrushes), and a new creek fronting the green (drainage has been significantly improved), the hole has a striking new look and feel. “From a visual standpoint, it certainly has a ‘wow’ factor,” says Boomer. “But the playability of the hole is also better. There is more room to the right off the tee. But the green, which was also moved slightly to enhance its position by the water, is still extremely tricky. It’s a highly strategic hole with the pin position dictating the ideal way to play the hole on any given day.”

From the back tee the hole plays 362 yards and, for accomplished players, requires a solid hybrid or a fairway metal to reach the desired landing area approximately 250 yards out. From there, a nervy little wedge or short iron is required to hit the putting surface, which is protected by a pair of bunkers on either side of the green and, of course, all that water!

Even if you’re playing from the middle (307 yards) or forward (220 yards) tee decks, you’ll still have your hands full. That is, unless you drive the green! It’s not impossible if you possess some serious firepower!

Unquestionably, a round of golf at Innisfail - easily one of the best layouts in central Alberta - is bound to leave the golfer with plenty of memorable moments. Competitors in the 2002 and 2016 Alberta Mens Amateur Championship, as well as players in the 2009 Alberta Senior Ladies Championship, will attest to this fact. They’ll also attest to the fact that the beautiful “cape hole” at Innisfail is one of the best you’ll find…anywhere.