Once a golfer starts to fall in love with the game, the feeling usually comes with a desire to play as many good and interesting courses as you can and those of you in the Beginner League are no exception. Now, beginners should not necessarily head to challenging courses in Calgary like D’Arcy Ranch, Glen Eagles, Heritage Pointe or Lynx Ridge to name a few, these course have far too many hazards and are just too difficult for beginners.
First of all I think a couple of definitions are in order. Regulation size golf courses are anywhere from 5000 to 7000 yards long, meaning that if you play 18 holes this is the distance you cover from tee to green. A regulation golf course will have a variety of par three, four and fives. Executive Courses are shorter courses with a variety of par threes, fours and/or par fives.
As many of you are aware we include some regulation size courses in the Beginner League Schedule, Heather Glen, Silver Wing, Crystal Ridge and McKenzie Meadows all of which are very enjoyable and manageable for beginner golfers. There are some others that you may also want to try out.
LAKESIDE GREENS in Chestermere is only 20 minutes east of downtown. It has four sets of tees and is great for all skill levels. There is a little water that comes into play but the fairways are wide and it is an enjoyable walk.
INGLEWOOD GOLF COURSE is close to downtown. It has a traditional layout with many large trees so accuracy is important, in addition it is a bit longer but still a good walk and enjoyable to play.
ELBOW SPRINGS is just west on Glenmore Trail/Hwy 8 and has three nines, two of the three would be good for Beginners, Mountain and Elbow but Springs is more challenging because of the water.
CONFEDERATION AND SHAGANAPPI VALLEY NINE are city courses which are Beginner friendly being a little shorter but offering some challenges.
RIVERS EDGE is just outside of Okotoks accessible from Hwy 2 south, 10kms past the Okotoks turnoff. They have a North and South nine. The course can be challenging but is very enjoyable for all skill levels.
DOUGLASDALE is an executive course located in southwest Calgary, it is also challenging but shorter and is an enjoyable play. The only problem with playing 9 holes here is that you do not finish at the clubhouse and it is a long walk back
All these courses have restaurant and lounge facities for you to enjoy following your round.