Canadian golf sweet spots

Here are a few Canadian courses you’ll definitely walk off tickled pink you played, regardless of your score.

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 even if you’re prone to major meltdowns (see Happy Gilmore), a round of golf is always enjoyable when the course you’re on is, well, sweet. 

Humber Valley Resort

The Rock boasts better-than-you-think golf. And in the case of Corner Brook’s Humber Valley Resort in western Newfoundland, 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 Great Big Sea party tune. 

Predator Ridge Golf Resort

Tumbling through rugged pine-peppered terrain high above Lake Okanagan, The 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.  

Wolf Creek Golf Resort

Yes, it’s rough around the edges. Yes, it’s tough as nails. And, yes, Wolf Creek in Ponoka, Alberta, remains one of the best inland links golf experiences this side of Scotland. Designed by local boy Rod Whitman, Wolf Creek—thanks to the addition of the brash and brawny Links Course—now boasts 36 holes of golf. Check your ego at the door. 

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.

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 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. 

The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort

The Vancouver Island Golf Trail is a no-brainer for those interested in a Left Coast swing-fest. 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. 

Greywolf Golf Course

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

Dundarave River Golf Course

With a rusty golf swing and a bad hip, Jack Nicklaus, in one of his last competitive appearances, shot 68 at Dundarave to beat Tom Watson in a 2006 Legends of Golf charity match. Not surprisingly, the two loved this epic layout and you will, too. It parades along the picturesque Brudenell River near Charlottetown, PEI. Designed by Dr. Michael Hurzdan and Dana Fry, Dundarave is a beautifully-bunkered beast that belongs on every birdie-lover’s bucket list.