Southern Alberta Golf Swing
Many golfers would say that the setting, the beauty of the landscape as a whole, plays a pivotal role in the enjoyment of the game. Play a round on some cramped, condo-lined course in an urban setting and the experience is bound to be diminished. But if you’re out there in the rolling hills, if you’re smashing balls against snow-dipped mountains or golden river valleys, everything is elevated. You’ve got something to remember. And this is why golf in southern Alberta is so special.
the experience. To top it off, the architect of the course, Gary Browning, fashioned a variety-filled layout bolstered by huge greens, wide fairways (expect some wind!), massive bunkers, and plenty of heroic shot options. Course conditions are always superb here. And, for the good player who drives it well, there are birdies and eagles to be had. Especially if you get the course on a calm day!
Without a doubt, the rural ways - the agriculture, the smalltown charms, the down-to-earth way of life - is central to Southern Alberta. It’s noticeable everywhere you go. The golf course included.
Not surprisingly, as the newest mountain golf course in the country, the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club has received plenty of hype since it opened in 2019. And it’s certainly justified! The brand new back nine, which was designed by Gary Browning, is mountain golf at its finest. Combined with a beautiful new clubhouse (now located up the hill and off the highway) that has majestic mountain views, the golf experience at Crowsnest Pass has suddenly vaulted into the upper tier in the province. During your scenic round, expect beautiful downhill holes, gorgeous ponds that reflect the snow-capped peaks, a number of short, strategic par-4s, and the desire to do it all over again the moment you step off the 18th green.
Rest assured you won’t find many $200 green fees in southern Alberta. (In Banff or Canmore you might, but that’s a different ball game!) You won’t find stringent dress codes, valet parking, and caddy programs. What you will find are dozens of scenic, unpretentious courses that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to play. Courses that you will, most definitely, find memorable! Of course, given there are dozens of excellent courses in the region, it’s certainly not always easy to decide where to play. Not a bad problem to have! So, unless you have a free month for an extended golf junket, you won’t be able to play them all. My advice? Start with these.
Speargrass Golf Course, Carseland Parading beside the rolling wheat fields right before the riveting finishing run along the heaving banks of the Bow River, Speargrass is a prairie links of the finest order. But, more than that, it epitomizes what golf in southern Alberta is all about. Even though there are some set-back homes in the development, a wide-open aura prevails. There are mountains in the distance. The undulating fairways roll along like the wheat fields. And the dramatic landforms along the banks of the river punctuate
Crowsnest Pass Golf Club
McKenzie Meadows Golf Course, Calgary Although McKenzie Meadows is situated in south Calgary, its setting in Fish Creek Provincial Park, on a pretty swath of riverside land, gives it a quiet and pastoral feel. The layout, which features plenty of ponds but ample room to play, is ideal for the average recreational player who may not possess professiona level power or laser-straight accuracy. In other words, there is forgiveness! I’ve always thought that the golf industry needs more courses like this one. Anyone can play it! Also, if you want to work on your game, there is no better practice area in the entire city. The double-sided range is 350-yards long and features a spacious grass tee deck, huge practice putting green, practice bunker, and a large chipping and pitching area. In other words, you can perfect every part of your game here!
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