Gimme Resort Golf in Saskatchewan
By Stan Bartlett, SaskGolfer.com
When golfers think of playing at a resort in Canada, they invariably picture courses on Vancouver Island, the Rockies and the Maritimes. What they rarely envision is a trip to Saskatchewan and its resort courses, which are less crowded and at about $35 a round, much less costly than celebrated tracks in the rest of the country.
Golf is a pretty big deal in Saskatchewan, even more so than in Scotland, the home of golf. Curlers and hockey players combined outnumber golfers. There are about 225 courses for a million people including about 50 sand green courses that date back to the Dirty Thirties when water and cash were in short supply. Even non-golfers will ooh and ah at the first-rate venues.
Elk Ridge Resort and Waskesiu Golf Course
Elk Ridge Resort near Waskesiu bills itself as the premiere four-season resort destinations in northern Saskatchewan, and they're probably right. If you'd like to eat, sleep and play golf, you can start with the 27-hole championship Elk Ridge which is located in the lush boreal forest. Stretching from 5,200 to 6,800-yards, the course features a mature forest, natural water hazards and silica sand bunkers - a challenge that rewards shot-makers. The highlight for many is the sensitive layout - it's one of the few courses in the province recognized by the Audubon Society for its environmental friendliness. Elk Ridge Resort, Waskesiu, 1-800-510-1824, www.elkridgeresort.com
Ten minutes away is the million-acre Prince Albert National Park and the best known Saskatchewan course nationwide, Waskesiu Golf Course. It's difficult not to sound like a tourist brochure when it comes to Waskesiu and this Stanley Thompson layout. This spectacular course showcases undulating fairways and thick boreal forest populated by abundant elk, fox and eagles. The last time I played Waskesiu, there was a bull elk and his harem feeding in the parking lot. Off-course activities include everything from tennis to paddle wheel boat tours of the lake, or my favorite, a guided wolf midnight howl (You howl at the wolves and they howl back) or a hike and canoe into Grey Owl's cabin. Waskesiu Golf Course, Prince Albert National Park, (306) 663-5300, www.waskesiugolf.com
At Elk Ridge there are cabins and townhouses overlooking the fairways. In Waskesiu, there's everything from budget motels to the hawood, a hotel-restaurant complex overlooking the lake where you'll find the best meals and service in town. Another local favorite for golfers is the restaurant - located in an old, log cabin building - and its imaginative menu at the Waskesiu Golf Course.
Candle Lake Golf Resort
The newest upscale 18-hole golf resort in Saskatchewan can be found at Candle Lake 77 km northeast of Prince Albert. This summer, Candle Lake Golf Resort opens a second nine carved out of the beautiful northern boreal forest. There's also a new clubhouse, restaurant, rental cabins, a 40-site RV park, driving range, marina and housing subdivision.
Golfers face some demanding doglegs, densely tree framed fairways with cleared underbush, and lush bent grass greens. Don't be surprised if you spot moose, elk, coyotes, deer, fox, and a variety of feathered friends. Nearby Candle Lake Provincial Park provides campgrounds, miles of clean sand beaches and dune formations, and excellent fishing (including a stocked trout pond). Other family attractions include mini golf, a petting farm and pony rides.
Green Hills Golf Resort
If you're after a golf resort holiday with solitude, Green Hills Golf Resort at Greenwater Provincial Park in the northeast is a great choice. A few years ago, the owners dropped $2- million expanding the course to a par-72, 18-hole championship length. In many ways, the landscape resembles Moose Mountain with its prime boreal forest, silica sand traps, and a serious slope of 127. But, off-course, attractions focus on outdoor activities like hiking, camping, boating and wildlife viewing - there's not a neon sign in sight.
Green Hills is semi-isolated - about three hours from Regina or Saskatoon - so fill up your gas tank and book your tee times in advance. And book a lakeside cabin because the nearest community of any size is Kelvington, 30 minutes north. Green Hills Golf Resort, Greenwater Provincial Park, (306) 278-2489, www.greenhillsgolfresort.com
Evergreen Golf Course
Evergreen Golf Club at Nipawin is one of the more beautiful courses in Northern Saskatchewan. Rated 71.9 off the tips and slope of 129, this 18-hole championship 6,539-yard course is a frequent host to provincial championships. Fairways are bordered by Northern spruce and pine, greens are large and undulating, and sandtraps are few.
The community of Nipawin realizes the golf course is an important asset. Virtually every motel and hotel in town offers stay and play packages, or if you prefer, try a houseboat-and-golf package. Beside the course, you'll find upscale Northern Greens Resort, a cozy and comfortable facility. Make sure you take your rod and reels as Nipawin is well-known for its northern pike fishing. Evergreen Golf Club, Nipawin (306) 8624811, www.evergreengolf.ca
Eagle Point Resort
Hardcore golfers tend to snub a nine-hole track like Eagle Point Resort in La Ronge, but there's enough here to keep a golfer entertained. Cliff tee boxes, bubbling creeks, and a ball-stealing raven, all add up to a challenging and unique course that will delight you. Don't even think about retrieving your ball in the bog-lined fairways. The course, part of a full-service resort complex, is carved out of the forest and features rock outcrops of the Canadian Shield.
La Ronge itself is a bit of a frontier town, worth a visit as it's the gateway to the north and the top two-thirds of Saskatchewan. It's a mining exploration town, a service town that's home to a large aboriginal population, and a fishing and canoeing town. It's worth visiting an old Hudson Bay general store on the main drag. The resort itself has quality facilities lakeside, including boat rentals and guided fishing services to help you snag a big northern pike or explore one of the 1,300 islands on Lac La Ronge. Eagle Point Resort, La Ronge (306) www.eaglepoint.ca
Golf Kenosee and White Bear Golf Course
You will be more than pleasantly surprised with Golf Kenosee, located on a plateau about two hours southeast of Regina, tucked away in Moose Mountain Provincial Park. At 5,152 yards with fairways lined with poplar, ash, fir and white birch, player-friendly Golf Kenosee puts a premium on straight accurate shots. The course is in its fifth and final year of upgrading greens and lengthening some holes. Golf Kenosee, Kenosee, (306) 577-4422 www.saskgolfer.com/kenosee
Nearby White Bear Golf Course, for my money, is the best conditioned track in the southeast. The 6,700-yard championship layout is part of White Bear Lake Resort and is set in a quiet white birch forest on an elevated plateau of hills, lakes, ponds and lakes. This shot-makers course has bent grass greens and the only white silica sand bunkers in southern Saskatchewan- it's like hitting a ball out of powdery salt. White Bear Lake Golf Resort, White Bear, 1-800-577-4902, www.saskgolfer.com/whitbear
For both courses, there's no end to off-course attractions in Saskatchewan's most popular provincial park - beaches, horseback riding, camping, boating, hiking. Visit Cannington Manor Historical Park, 15 minutes away, and try your hand at cricket lessons Or, if its thrills you're after, try the eight-story freefall at Kenosee Super Slides or the poker table at the Bear Claw Casino. Do not be alarmed - there are two enormous stuffed white polar bears on the casino premises.
The best bet for accomodation is either the Kenosee Inn Resort Hotel across the road from Golf Kenosee or the hotel at the Bear Claw Casino. Both of these places will also rustle up a good meal for the visitor, although The Moosehead and the Moose Mountain Brewing Co. are local hotspots.
Madge Lake Golf Resort
In the southeast at Madge Lake Golf Resort, you will find evergreens as big in girth as trees in the Rockies. In fact, you will find so many trees in the hills of Duck Mountain Provincial Park, they'll stop errant shots. This friendly, family-orientated resort course isn't long, but the trees, narrow fairways and small, tricky greens offer plenty of challenge.
Duck Mountain Lodge across the road from the course is the best bet for accomodation. It has a hotel portion, as well as, comfortable self-contained townhouses. Preferred activities include hiking, biking, boating, and sunbathing on their dandy beach. Madge Lake Golf Resort, Duck Mountain Provincial Park, (306) 542-3485
Mainprize Regional Park Golf Course
Mainprize Regional Park Golf Course in the extreme southeast near Midale has been a favorite for golfers looking for an authentic links-style golf experience. The last time I played it, there wasn't one tree to be found. It's usually windswept - located beside the controversial Rafferty Dam - and has gently, rolling well-conditioned fairways.
Off-course there's boating and fishing, camping and RV services. Nearby is the Harbor View Bed and Breakfast and Kn'N Kabins, both quality facilities. Mainprize Regional Park Golf Course, Midale, (306) 458-2452, www.mainprizepark.com/golf
Harbor Golf Club and Resort
On the bluffs overlooking enormous Lake Diefenbaker in the southwest sits Harbor Golf Club and Resort at Elbow. This is one of my favorite courses because it offers good quality golf at a good price in a peaceful, resort setting. The course challenges golfers with several thickly treed coulees and ravines. Because of a prevailing wind, the course can play as long as the 800-kilometre lake shoreline.
Take note of the historical plaque on the front nine, marking one of the most overlooked events in Saskatchewan's history. In 1866, a large Blackfoot party killed two Cree women and prepared to attack a small camp nearby. Their shots alerted a well-armed party of Cree warriors who trapped them in the valley and killed 400 Blackfoot in the battle.
There are cabins on site that are modern, basic and affordable. Elbow itself is a sleepy resort town catering to golfers and boaters. That has a Chinese restaurant on the main street that will feed you a decent meal. Harbor Golf Club and Resort, Elbow, (306) 854-2300 www.harborgolfclub.com
Jackfish Lodge Golf and Conference Centre
Jackfish Lodge Golf and Resort Centre at Cochin near North Battleford combine the attractions of a beautiful resort set atop the hills overlooking a Northern lake, a wonderful provincial park with hiking trails, fishing and mountain biking, and quality golf.
This par-71, 6,601-yard championship course along scenic Jackfish Lake features a peaceful, quiet setting. It's set against a backdrop of a natural lake, rolling hills (slope 114), around the trees and shrubs of the Prairie Parkland area in Battlefords Provincial Park. The 58-room lodge offers quality accomodation and the meals are good (especially the northern fish dishes). Jackfish Lodge Golf and Conference Centre, Cochin (306) 386-2877, www.jackfishlodge.com
More golf resort options
If this isn't enough to send you on the road, swing by one of these four other resort golf courses.
In northwest Saskatchewan, Northern Meadows Golf Club www. near the largest park in the province, Meadow Lake Provincial Park, has recently completed its expansion to an 18-hole, 6,920-yard championship track. www.northernmeadows.com
In the southwest, the Cypress Hills Golf Course offers a family nine hole track in the midst of one of Saskatchewan's finest provincial parks. The nine-hole course has recently undergone extensive redevelopment and now offers lush, irrigated grass greens, tee boxes and fairways. www.saskgolfer.com/cypress
In the Saskatoon region, the Spiritwood Golf Course and its hospitable bed and breakfast The Inn on the 10th has proven a winner for golfers looking for something cozy and a little different www.innonthe10th.ca.
Finally, Dakota Dunes Golf, 25 minutes south of Saskatoon, is scheduled to open hotel facilities and a casino to go along with its 7,300-yard course at its $55-million destination complex in 2007. Many die-hard golfers are calling this rugged, windswept track overlooking the Saskatchewan River Valley Basin, the finest golf course in the province. Golf Digest Magazine agrees, and has chosen it as a candidate for the best new course in Canada. www.dakotadunes.ca
The Shorter, The Better
Nine-hole Golf Courses in Saskatchewan
If you have limited cash for green fees or only a couple of hours to spare, a nine-hole golf course is ideal. Juniors, seniors, novices, duffers, or even scratch golfers, will find plenty of quality nine-hole grass green courses in every corner of Saskatchewan. Here are a few favorites:
Southeast
Katepwa Beach Golf Course has built solid reputation around its quality conditions and improved services. The track features undulating terrain, dramatic elevation changes and lovingly maintained greens. The new clubhouse has decks overlooking the course, the Qu'Appelle Valley and Katepwa Lake. www.katepwabeach.com
Moose Creek Golf Club near Oxbow, a waterfront course on the Alameda Dam Reservoir, was opened by local golfers a couple of year ago. The newly-formed Moose Creek Regional Park features 45 campsites, a boat launch, filleting shack, and a beach.
Sherwood Forest Golf and Country Club west of Regina is located in a pleasant valley setting with plenty of elevation changes and a new clubhouse. They cater to company and family tournaments.
Indian Head Golf Club boasts 30,000 mature pine and spruce, and several species of prairie trees and shrubs. While there may be lots of trees, most fairways are wide and forgiving, making this a favorite family course.
Southwest
Cypress Hills Golf Course near Maple Creek is one of several courses that has converted to grass from sand greens in recent years. This family course located within wonderful Cypress Hills Provincial Park is a good choice. www.saskgolfer.com/cypress/
Thompson Lake Golf Club near Swift Current is reported to be a gorgeous course with high-quality conditions. The course is set along the lake and like most nine-hole layouts, golfing isn't the only attraction. After a day on the links, Thomson Lake provides some good fishing.
Willow Bunch Golf Course, located in a beautiful valley setting, is the pride of the community. The golf course is built using the natural terrain with considerable elevation changes that traverse through large hills and valleys. Nearby Coronach Golf Club is also worth a stop. This family track overlooks the Poplar River, rolling hills and grain fields. The Clubhouse is a restored CP Railway Station. www.willowbunchgolf.com
Eston Riverside Regional Park Golf Club is a challenging track among rolling hills, sporting large grass greens surrounded by sand traps. In an area with lots of prairie, Eston is a surprisingly green oasis situated along the South Saskatchewan River. www.saskregionalparks.com
West central
McNab Regional Park Golf Course at Watson has attracted a loyal clientele since opening in 2001. It plays long and favors those who possess the long drive in their arsenal. The course features three par-3 holes, and three elevated par-4 and par-5 holes - and a recently added new clubhouse. www.saskgolfer.com/mcnab/
Riverbreaks Golf Resort at Riverhurst, perched at the northern end of Lake Diefenbaker, is one of those in the "absolutely must play" category. It's a course that brings a touch of Scotland to the Saskatchewan prairie. The seventh is a par-3 signature hole with an elevation drop of 168 feet. www.saskparks.com/golf
Outlook Riverview Golf Course, although squeezed onto just 38 acres, is a good test for golfers of any talent level. It's located along the South Saskatchewan River and features irrigated greens and fairways, wooded areas and great views. An adjacent campground and regional park overlooks the golf course. www.saskregionalparks.com
East Central
Manitou Beach Golf Course has water hazards, trees and bush with which to contend. Established in the 1920s, the course has good-sized greens and lots of bush. After a few pars, enjoy the popular Manitou Springs in this resort community. http://manitougolf.com
Wakaw Lake Regional Park Golf Course overlooks the scenic Wakaw Lake and has an abundance of natural and planted trees. It's a pretty, family oriented course with a challenge for everyone. www.townofwakaw.com/golf.html
North
Tisdale Riverside Golf Course, along the banks of the Doghide River, is a friendly nine-hole course that offers plenty of challenge. There's an interesting combination of well-treed holes: some wide fairways and some not so wide. www.golftisdale.ca
Pasquia Regional Park near Arborfield is a lush and well-designed course. The course lies next to the Carrot River and descends into the scenic landscaping of the river valley. It's a busy course popular with tourists. www.saskregionalparks.ca
Eagle Point Resort In La Ronge is one of the more unique courses around. Cliff tee boxes, bubbling creeks, and a ball-stealing raven, all add up to a challenging course that will delight you. The course, part of a full-service resort complex, is carved out of the forest and rock outcrops of the Canadian Shield. www.eaglepoint.ca
Chitek Lake Golf Course lies within the boreal forest and features rolling fairways and mature spruce, pine and aspen. It's not unusual to encounter wildlife during play on this family course. Chitek Lake offers a variety of quality recreation facilities. www.saskgolfer.com/chitek/
Northern Meadows Golf Club at Goodsoil has fairways cut out of the boreal forest and wide-open landing areas over gently rolling terrain. The quality of the golf experience will be even better in 2006 when expanded to championship-length 18 holes. www.northernmeadows.com
Saskatchewan Municipal Courses
Blue collar golf thrives in Saskatchewan
if any place qualifies as the municipal golf course hotbed of Canada, it's Saskatchewan.
The province, after all, is made from a different mold than most provinces. There's endless prairie in the south and more than 100,000 lakes in the north. It's the home of the Mounties and medicare. There's plenty of wheat, uranium, potash, and even something called the Synchrotron, a high-speed contraption that splits atoms. It also likes its golf, blue collar.
Golfers have their choice of nine city-owned, full-length tracks - Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Lloydminster, Yorkton, Swift Current and Moose Jaw - since a city in Saskatchewan is a place with a population of more than 5,000. There are other courses in the larger communities but they are located in regional parks.
When you play at Saskatchewan municipal golf courses, it's straight-up. There are no chatty course starters with a weather report, or sauna and a massage to soothe the soul at the end of your round. The best bet for a meal is often a beer and a burger. But, there's good golf for everyone, from first-timers to scratch handicappers, at a reasonable price.
Tor Hill and Murray Golf Courses, Regina
In Regina, the 27-hole track at Tor Hill has always been one of the most popular courses in the province, and while a public course, it has all the features of a country club. Golfers are challenged by well-treed fairways, several water hazards, and well-bunkered greens with very subtle breaks. In the spring of 2003, this marquee course expanded to 27 holes.
The new 3,354-yard expansion is distinct from the old 18, rolling through stately pine trees with many elevation changes. It has two par 3s, two par 5s and five par 4s. At 612 yards off the blues to a raised green, Hole #2 is one of the most challenging par 5's in the province. The dogleg left par 4 sixth - a signature hole reminiscent to those at Waskesiu Golf Course - features a devilish drop from the tee to a small landing area with a second shot to a well-guarded, elevated green.
The Stanley Thompson- inspired Tor Hill boasts an impressive 11,000-square foot full-service clubhouse complete, new driving range, and a short game and practice putting green. www.drivetheball.com Ph. (306) 777-7100
Murray Golf Course, the location of many professional events, is only a few minutes down the road from Tor Hill in King's Park. Canadian golfing great Moe Norman once said "it's the best course in Western Canada."
This 6,700-yard links-style track requires that you hit every club in the bag through the rolling terrain. The many elevation changes and picturesque views have made Murray a local favorite. There's also a large, full-service clubhouse at Murray with restaurant, lounge and a new outside deck area. www.drivetheball.com Ph. (306) 777-7739
Holiday Park Golf Course, Saskatoon
At one point in the 1980s, Holiday Park Golf Course in Saskatoon was the busiest in Canada registering more than 90,000 rounds. These days, Holiday Park and the Executive 9 track beside the main course are showing their wear-and-tear after several years of tight city budgets and harsh winters.
But they still manage to be perennial favorites with local duffers. Not unlike other municipal courses, they are easily accessible for a large number of golfers. The main course is set in a beautiful, mature urban forest with the South Saskatchewan River and valley in view from several holes. You will find a mixture of spruce, willow, maple and poplar trees around the 200-acre layout.
Stretching from 5,704 to 6,536 yards off the tips, the par-72 layout is user- friendly for all levels of golfers. Most of the holes are forgiving, with wide fairways and a lot of the brush cleared around the trees. An exception is the five nifty par-3s, which demand more accuracy. The Signature Hole is the classic 5th, a 201-yard hole protected by forest on both sides and a nasty little pond off the left edge. Ph. (306) 975-3325
Cooke Municipal Golf Course, Prince Albert
The friendly Cook Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert is one of the best loved in the province and a frequent provincial or national tournament location. The traditional, well-treed track will have you using every club in your bag by the end of the round. It stretches to 6,509, par-72 off the tips, with a slope of 122.
At almost 100-years-old, Cooke features has a variety of short and long holes, doglegs, testy par-3s - and greens that tend to be large. The most interesting green is on the finishing hole, where golfers who miss hit their approach shot will need to putt around a sizeable mound on the right side of the green. www.cookegolf.com Ph. (306) 763-2502
North Battleford Golf and Country Club
One of Saskatchewan's most scenic courses, the 18 holes at North Battleford Golf and Country Club offers challenging golf and breath-taking views of the Saskatchewan River Valley.
In order to make par on this traditional public course, the layout requires golfers to be patient and exercise course management. There are stimulating holes for golfers, judging by the vital stats.
The men's par is 72 and ladies 74, stretching 6,638 yards off the tips with a slope as high as 119. The signature holes, 11, 12 and 13 are North Battleford's version of the renowned Amen Corner at Augusta. www.battlefords.com/golf Ph. (306) 937-5659
Lloydminster Golf and Country Club
The Lloydminster Golf and Country Club course is considered one of the most relaxing and pleasurable courses in Saskatchewan. The course is lauded for its quality course conditions and is picked as one of the top courses and tournament sites.
Located a stone's throw from the Alberta border, its 7,000-yard championship layout is well-treed throughout, featuring lush fairways and high quality greens. Water is in play on more than half of the holes and many bunkers are placed to guard landing areas and greens. Holes 4 and 16 - both picturesque par 3s over water - are considered the signature holes. www.lloydminstergolfclub.com Ph. (306) 825-5494
Deer Park Golf Course, Yorkton
Situated just west of Yorkton, player-friendly Deer Park Golf Course is set in an attractive parkland setting. When the Clubhouse comes into view after leaving the main road, golfers are greeted by a hilltop view with rolling terrain, heavily wooded areas and four ponds.
Since the 1920s when Deer Park was established and developed into one of the provinces' top courses, the 6,082-yard venue has hosted every major local tournament and various provincial competitions.
A three-year, nearly $1 million upgrade of the par-72 course was recently completed. The signature hole 8th takes steady nerves to hit a well-guarded green from an elevated tee. www.golfdeerpark.com. Ph. (306) 786-1711
Chinook Golf Course, Swift Current
Chinook's 6,462-yard, par 71 golf course is located on the south-side of Swift Current along a bend in the Swift Current Creek. The traditional course benefits from the frequent appearance of Chinooks blowing in from Alberta and a full irrigation system that helps keep the course in good playing condition throughout the golf season.
Beside the creek, Horseshoe Lake sits in the middle of this municipal course. The front nine is tighter demanding more accuracy, while the back nine is more open. With water coming into play on about nine holes, make sure your bag is stocked with balls before starting. The course is frequented by ducks, geese, pelicans, beavers, and a few deer. www.city.swift-current.sk.ca Ph. (306) 778-2776
Hillcrest Sports Centre, Moose Jaw
For nearly100 years, the Hillcrest Sports Centre in Moose Jaw has satisfied golfers from around the province. This classic prairie valley course has hosted numerous provincial events because of its memorable up-and-down the valley layout. Hillcrest measures 6,324 yards from the tips favoring the accurate shot-maker. While relatively short in length, the course is heavily treed with tight landing areas, and features dramatic elevation changes (slope 116).
Off-course, there's lots to do in Moose Jaw. The city has undergone a tourist boom as a result of the opening of the Moose Jaw Temple Gardens Spa and Casino complex, the Al Capone tunnels, a new Cultural Centre, renovations to the historical downtown area, and the annual Snowbird Air Show. www.hillcrestsportscentre.com Ph. (306) 693-1921
Golfers should expect to pay about $30 to $35 for a round at the friendly municipal golf courses in Saskatchewan. That leaves a little cash to take in one of the many Celebrate Saskatchewan events this year that are celebrating the province's 100th anniversary.
For much more info
Tourism Saskatchewan - www.sasktourism.com
Celebrate Saskatchewan - Saskatchewan celebrates it's 100th anniversary this year with a full slate of activities. www.sask2005.ca
SaskGolfer.com - www.saskgolfer.com
Saskatchewan Golf Association - www.saskgolf.ca
Closer To Home
Every once and awhile it's nice to get out of the city and chase that elusive birdie at a different golf course. If you're in the Queen City of Regina, and only have a day or two, there's no end of sweet spots no matter which way you point your compass.
The new championship track at Saskatchewan Landing and Golf Resort, three hours west of Regina, opened last year to rave reviews. It overlooks the bluffs above Lake Diefenbaker, one of the largest lakes in the province and a startling discovery when you come off the barren prairie.
At 6,930-yards off the tips, its links-style is unique in Saskatchewan, resembling a desert and native prairie course such as those in Arizona. With average size greens, natural rough and prairie winds, shotmakers will use every club in the bag.
Saskatchewan Landing and Golf Resort is located in a provincial park with 250 campsites, a boat launch, hiking trails and a cottage subdivision. Full services and accommodation - and two quality golf courses if you've got an extra day - are located just south in Swift Current.
At $28-30 a round plus $7 for a car pass into the provincial park, it's still a bargain in a province where green fees average. Fortee times, phone (306) 375-2233 or toll free (866) 691-4653. For more information, visit www.sasklandinggolfresort.com
Closer to Regina, it's hard to top the Long Creek Golf and Country Club 40 minutes south of the city near Avonlea. Golfers will find a relaxing country club atmosphere and challenging golf at a fine 18-hole track in a beautiful valley with old stand elm and ash trees with a creek winding around the course.
Long Creek has been extremely popular since it opened in the 1980s. In recent years - since the addition of a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse in 1997 - it has become a destination course for golfers in southern Saskatchewan and neighbouring provinces.
This 6,528-yard course favours the patient shotmaker and the brave. You have to go a long way to find a more nerve-racking signature hole, than the 18th at Long Creek. The par-5 plays 451 yards off the blue tees, from a cliff to a tight landing area guarded by a stream and wooded area on the other side.
The gorgeous 1 ½ story clubhouse is a full-service facility that includes a restaurant, pro shop and a large wrap-a-round deck where golfers can enjoy the views, a barbecued steak and "a cool one." Check out the hole-by-hole views of Long Creek on www.longcreek.ca Tee off reservations can be made at (306) 868-4432. Rates, which include a cart, vary from $20 to $47.50 depending on the day.
If you picture Saskatchewan as a never-ending series of flat fields, you will be pleasantly surprised with Golf Kenosee located three hours southeast of Regina. Sitting in a 40,000 hectare park on the highest plateau in the southeast, Golf Kenosee is nestled in a forest of poplar, ash, fir and white birch in Moose Mountain Provincial Park.
At 5,483-yards with fairways lined with trees, this 18-hole course puts a premium on straight, accurate shots. During the last couple of years: three water hazards have been added, seven new greens completed, two brand new holes and a front nine rerouted. Sheltered fairways are player friendly even on a windy day.
On a clear day you might be able to see as far as 50 km from the indoor or outdoor patio of the clubhouse. This is the busiest park in Saskatchewan so book ahead at (306) 577-4422. For more information, visit www.saskgolfer.com/kenosee
Ten minutes down the road from Golf Kenosee is the White Bear Golf Course, one of Saskatchewan's favorite 18-hole championship layouts, renowned for its scenic beauty and quality conditions.
For golfers there's much to enjoy over the course's more than 6,700 yards of well-treed fairway. Playing to a par-72 off three sets of tees, it features long challenging fairways in an elevated plateau of hills, lakes, ponds and lush aspen and white birch trees. You will find fast bentgrass greens and the only white silica sand bunkers in southern Saskatchewan.
In 1987, the track was laid out as a championship course by Calgary architect Bill Newis. The course is part of the White Bear Lake Resort set amidst the white birch forest near the shores of its namesake. Among the more memorable holes on this shotmaker's course: The first hole, a tight par-5 measuring about 440 yards that demands two or three or more high quality shots. And then there's the signature 11th hole, a par 3 of about 150 yards that requires a picture-perfect shot from an elevated tee box.
White Bear provides full practice facilities, a driving range, putting green and cosy log clubhouse. Tee times at (306) 577-4902 or toll free 1-800-577-4902. For more information, visit www.saskgolfer.com/whitebear
There are various accommodations close to Golf Kenosee and White Bear Golf Course and other popular off-course attractions. There's hiking, horseback riding, tennis courts, nature trails, camping and son on. Only five minutes away, you may want to try your luck at the Bear Claw Casino on Whitebear First Nations.
An hour away from Regina, you will find the scenic nine-hole Katepwa Beach Golf Course in the Qu'Appelle Valley. It's been slowly building its reputation since opening a few years ago, thanks to its quality conditions and improved services. The club has recently opened a new clubhouse with decks overlooking the course, the Qu'Appelle Valley and Katepwa Lake.
The course features undulating terrain, dramatic elevation changes and lovingly maintained greens. The first two and last two holes have the feel of an inland valley course with teeing areas high above fairways and greens. The middle holes are higher and thus more exposed to the elements, and offer exceptional views. The 5th hole is an intriguing par three with an uphill tee shot and a vista that conjures up the Saskatchewan motto "Land of the Living Skies."
If you're playing Katepwa for the first time, a power cart is recommended to negotiate the hills. Tee times at (306) 332-2582, or visit www.katepwabeach.com.
If you have an extra couple of days, it's worth your time to continue north on Highways 310 and 38 to Green Hills Golf and Country Club at Greenwater Provincial Park, considered the best kept secret in northeastern Saskatchewan.
Following a $2-million expansion a couple of years ago, Green Hills is said to, "inspire the imagination, indulge the senses, and challenge golfers of all skill levels." The course is 2 ½ hours from Regina.
The full-length course, located 30 minutes north of Kelvington, measures 5,790 to 6,717 yards from its four sets of tees. The hilly Saskatchewan parkland topography of the course features wonderful elevation changes, prime boreal forest, 42 silica sand bunkers, and bent grass greens that gently undulate.
The clubhouse is full-service with a licensed restaurant, plus a deck where you can enjoy the views. Accommodation is limited, so book prior to leaving. Tee time reservations are required at (306) 278-2489, visit www.greenhillsgolfandcountryclub.com
Stan Bartlett of Regina is a freelance journalist and greenskeeper at SaskGolfer.com, a regional golf portal for Saskatchewan.
