True, golf is an 18-hole game. It’s the benchmark. The norm. Probably always will be. However, as our culture continues to evolve (time is of the essence, folks!), the popularity of state-of-the-art driving ranges, putting courses, and par-3 courses continues to grow. And those lovely little 9-hole courses? Yes, those are trending in a positive direction! And if the short-and-snappy 9-hole game is your speed, you’re in luck! Alberta is home to numerous 9-hole courses where good times and great golf is par for the course.
Not surprisingly, you can find 9-hole courses sprinkled throughout the province. While upscale 9-hole courses do exist, the vast majority are grassroots establishments where strict dress codes, high green fees, GPS-equipped carts, and so forth, will be hard to come by. In terms of what you will find? Affordable green fees, relaxed atmospheres, good turf conditions, and all-are-welcome mantras.
So, what are the best 9-hole courses in each region? I’d start with these.
Southern Alberta
Pincher Creek Golf Club – A personal favourite, the Pincher Creek Golf Club is a rural Alberta gem. Located on the southern edge of town, the sublime mountain views, the “gettable” par-5s, the rolling fairways, the two excellent par-3s, the quaint little clubhouse; it all adds up to a fantastic half-day of golf.
LivingStone Golf Course – The Goodwin family designed LivingStone Golf Course catches a lot of people by surprise. The tagline – “Where Golf Meets The Wilderness” – is an apt descriptor. Tucked away in a valley just twenty minutes west of Calgary, the bunker less course is loaded with character, including exciting elevation changes and wonderful mountain views.
Fort Macleod Golf Club – This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the lovely little Fort Macleod Golf Club. Established in 1890, this is the oldest golf course in Western Canada. Rich with history (you may encounter ancient wagon ruts, buffalo bones, and ammunition shells from the old rifle range at the fort), the tricky, tree-lined course is full of charms.
Central Alberta
Mannville Riverview Golf Course & RV Resort – Located in the Vermillion River Valley just north of Mannville (not far from the Saskatchewan border), this scenic 9-holer is, without a doubt, one of the undiscovered jewels in the province. A remote feel with first-rate holes and an awesome RV park? Sign me up.
Pineridge Golf Resort – Situated on the western shore of Lake Wabamun, Pineridge is another RV-friendly golf resort with a unique twist – it’s Alberta’s first 12-holer! While the scenic course is undoubtedly the star of the show, the extra amenities – the clubhouse, recreation center, lake, sports lounge, and much more – make this one of the top golf & RV outposts in the province.
Two Hills Lions Golf & Country Club – Designed by Alberta architect Sid Puddicombe & Associates, the scenic Two Hills track is yet another Alberta 9-holer that doesn’t get its due. The course, which is located on the west side of tiny Two Hills (approximately an hour and a half east of Edmonton), has links-like characteristics and features bold shaping, plenty of bunkers, and gently rolling fairways.
Northern Alberta
Hidden Valley Golf Course – Sitting snug in a beautiful valley just south of Fawcett, Hidden Valley ticks all the boxes for a memorable 9-hole experience. The 3,000-yard, par-36 course offers beautiful scenery, fun and challenging holes, nice conditioning, a great little clubhouse, and tidy RV sites for golfers who want to hunker down for the long haul.
River Stone GC – Boasting one of the longest golf holes in Canada – the 658-yard 9th – River Stone is another better-than-you-think course that’s routed in a remote area along the Smoky River near Grande Prairie. With plenty of elevation change and stunning scenery throughout, you’ll be singing its praises the moment you arrive.
Smoky Lake GC – The moniker “hidden gem” is overused. But it’s the most accurate descriptor I can think of for the super-scenic Smoky Lake GC. The course, which features 9 wonderful holes that meander through the boreal forest, is known for its great conditioning and gorgeous setting in the White Earth Creek Valley.
True, there are many more 9-hole courses in Alberta that merit a visit. And, trust me, I’ve got a few on my radar that I plan to visit soon. A heavenly half-round with a pint on the patio after play? Count me in.
