Canadian Golf Sweet Spots

By: Andrew Penner

Golf is a tricky little sport. The kinesiology alone is killer. Then, of course, you’ve got petulant playing partners and all those messy mind games to deal with. But, regardless if you’re prone to major melt downs (see Happy Gilmore), a round of golf is always enjoyable when the course you’re on is, well, sweet. Here are a few Canadian courses you’ll definitely walk off tickled pink you played…regardless of your score.

Humber Valley Resort

“The Rock” boasts better-than-you-think golf. And, in the case of Corner Brook’s HumberValley, we’re talking one of the best under-the-radar golf courses in North America. It’s that good. Designed by architect Doug Carrick, the layout features eye-popping drops, gorgeous riverside par-3s, and enough spirit to match your favourite GreatBigSea party tune. (www.humbervalley.com)

Predator Ridge Golf Resort

Tumbling through rugged pine-peppered terrain high above LakeOkanagan, The Ridge Course at Predator Ridge epitomizes what resort golf should be. The course is wide and playable with a higher-than-average forgiveness factor. And, thanks to the dazzling views and the cliff-top tee boxes, there are enough “wow” moments to ease your anger after every triple bogey you make.  (www.predatorridge.com)

Wolf Creek Golf Resort

Yes, it’s rough around the edges. Yes, it’s tough as nails. And, yes, WolfCreek remains one of the best inland links golf experiences this side of Scotland. Designed by local boy Rod Whitman, WolfCreek – thanks to the addition of the brash and brawny Links Course – now boasts 36-holes of golf. Check your ego at the door. (www.wolfcreekgolf.com)

Dakota Dunes Golf Links

Parading through Whitecap Dakota First Nations lands near Saskatoon, Dakota Dunes is another inland links that will take you for a wild prairie ride. If your slice is out-of-control, take heart, the native grassland is filled with beautiful crocuses, cactus flowers, and wild roses. You should stop and smell them. (www.dakotadunes.ca)

Granite Hills Golf Club

Manitoba cottage country is home to plenty of sweet lakeside layouts. The best of the bunch is Granite Hills. A 7,082-yard brute that blasts through the boreal forest along the shores of Lake Lac du Bonnet, Granite Hills also features cool rock outcroppings, a wicked finish along the water, and an away-from-it-all aura that makes it a Canadian classic. (www.granitehills.ca)

The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort

The Vancouver Island Golf Trail – for those interested in a “left” coast swing-fest – is a no-brainer. Topping the list of must-plays is Victoria’s Bear Mountain. Although the original Mountain Course takes hackers for a high-octane roller coaster ride they won’t forget, the newer Valley Course is even better…and, thank God, a few shots easier. Storey Creek in Campbell River is the other show-stopper on the trail. (www.bearmountain.ca)

Greywolf GC

There’s something about hammering 300-yard-plus drives down a mountainside that just works. Case in point: Greywolf at the PanoramaMountainVillage. With its cliffside greens, creekside fairways, and jaw-dropping beauty, Greywolf is, hands down, one of the best mountain golf courses in the world. (www.greywolfgolf.com