There are nearly 80 public and private golf courses in Edmonton and the surrounding area, ranging from luxurious private clubs to cozy little nine-holers.

But of all the courses open for business today to serve the golf-crazy public, how many can be truly described as fun?

Goose Hummock, for one. This first-class golfing facility is now calling itself “The Funnest Place to Play,” and with good cause.

Goose Hummock, an 18-hole public championship course, has a bit of a reputation as a difficult course, admits head pro Mike Pino.

General manager Karl Dillman of Goose Hummock runs a course where 15 of 18 holes involve water.

But for anyone who wants to test their golfing skills, Goose Hummock is a great place to play golf.

“We consider Goose Hummock to be a fun course, rather than tough,” says Pino.

“There are lots of different shots to be made here. It’s not the same shot from hole to hole,” Pino says.

Indeed, you’ll probably get to use every club in your bag, and that’s half the fun of golf.

The standout hole of the 6,700-yard, par-71 course is the 17th, a beautiful 153-yard island green fully surrounded by water. (On 15 of the 18 holes, water comes into play.)

The rest of the course, designed by famed golf course architect Bill Robinson, from Oregon, is a combination of Scottish and everglades architecture with twists and turns through interlocking ponds.

Robinson used the existing topography of the Alberta landscape to create a truly memorable golfing experience.

If you’re holding a tournament, Goose Hummock is certainly the place to go.

Goose Hummock has placed a special emphasis on catering to tournaments, with a package that is as good a deal as you will find anywhere in Alberta.

“Our prices are unbelievable as far as corporate tournaments are concerned,” says Pino, and the figures certainly back him up.

You can hold a tournament on Monday or Tuesday, complete with green fees, power cart and a steak dinner of an eight-ounce Alberta beef rib-eye for just $62. On Thursday the price is $67 and Friday to Sunday it’s $75.

The Goose’s commitment to tournaments is evidenced by the fact that the club has built a tournament facility that seats up to 200 people that is separate from the clubhouse.

Goose Hummock also offers a package tailor-made for a company’s best clients.

Head golf professional Mike Pino can customize a corporate package between four and eight golfers that includes lessons with him, followed by golf, with lunch and supper if you like.

For the casual golfer, Goose Hummock is well worth the short drive.

“You can come out here, get out on the course in 10 minutes, play in three-and-a-half to four hours, and be off the course and home quicker than if you went to a local course that was jam packed,” Pino explains.

Goose Hummock is priced right: Monday to Thursday is $34, Friday to Sunday is $40. An excellent buy is the Goose Hummock 10-round punch card, which sells for $275 for Monday to Friday tee times, and $350 for Saturday and Sunday times.

Better yet, the punch card is fully transferable, and can be used to accommodate everybody in your party.

Goose Hummock also houses a full-service restaurant, a well stocked pro shop, and has a driving range with grass tees.

The course proudly supports Alberta cattle ranchers by selling nothing but Alberta beef.

Alberta tourism has recognized the Goose’s commitment to service with the “Alberta Best” service.

Getting there is an easy, scenic drive. You can head north on 97th Street, which turns into Hwy. 28, and you will come to Gibbons. Goose Hummock is two miles north of Gibbons, still on Hwy. 28.

The other route is to take the Manning Freeway north, turning left on Hwy. 28A.

For a hole-by-hole look at Goose Hummock, and detailed information about its tournament packages, check out the course’s website at www.golfthegoose.com.