Like human beings, each high-end Alberta golf course has a distinct personality.
Some are too stubborn to yield an inch.
Others are on the goofy side, like a day at the circus. Too many gimmicky holes.
And let's be honest. Some courses are too wishy-washy. They'll let any Tom, Dick or Harriet walk all over them.
But to describe Springbank Links at Emerald Bay, start with three words – tough but fair.
Then add scenic, multi-dimensional, ceaselessly entertaining and easy to find. (Springbank Links is only about a John Daly tee shot from Calgary's western city limits).
Best of all, the managers of this eye-catching gem on the banks of the Bearspaw Reservoir have worked up an irresistible membership package to launch Springbank Links' first season as a semi-private country club.
Transferable equity memberships are on the table for the low introductory price of $13,500 each and the line forms at the pro shop door. Because they're going fast.
Call 202-2331 to inquire. Or accept general manager Kevin Heise's open invitation to drop by Springbank Links, now starting its fifth year, to see what you've been missing.
Benefits of membership become clear the minute you reach the parking lot, five kilometres north of Highway 1 (take the Old Banff Coach Road exit, then follow the signs).
Walk through the pro shop and into the airy, ultra-comfortable restaurant/lounge. It feels like coming home.
Be warned, though. This course may knock you down a peg the first time around. But its versatility and sheer playability is guaranteed to hold your interest, no matter how well you get to know the layout.
Route design architect Rod Whitman's golf tracks aren't pushovers. He designed Wolf Creek Golf Resort, home of the Alberta Open, and Whitman also engineered the route design for Springbank Links.
Rod must've felt like a sculptor working with fine marble, because he carved Springbank Links out of a truly arresting landscape, highlighted by coulee valleys, lakes, even a majestic, sandstone waterfall.
It's a riveting setting. Nonetheless, GM Kevin Heise candidly concedes the course, as originally designed, was almost too tough for developing players. So over the years, the club has taken decisive steps to tame the beast.
"We've adapted," Heise said simply. "We want people to enjoy themselves.
“One of our biggest challenges is to get the golfers back who got beat up two to four years ago . . . I’m sure they'll be impressed with the work done since.”
Most recently, work crews spent the winter on a thorough makeover of the daunting sixth hole. Now being irrigated, it should be fully playable by June. In the meantime, a conveniently placed tee box allows the hole to set up sweetly for a Par 3.
"No. 6 used to be a blind tee shot, so you couldn't follow the flight of the ball," Heise explained.
And correcting the flaw called for more than a band-aid solution. This was major surgery, which speaks well of the club's commitment to excellence.
"In terms of course renovation, this was as big as it gets. We took out a big whack of dirt to eliminate the blind tee shot and added three new tee boxes," Heise said.
"Now I really believe this is going to be one of the best holes in Calgary."
It's in excellent company, because there's not a run-of-the-mill hole on the course.
Each nine has a unique flavour. The front is a kick-a-minute adventure in target practice, aiming shots from elevated tees and over yawning coulees.
The back nine offers a traditional but challenging links style, complete with wild fescue and a gallery of grazing deer.
Still more improvements are on the Springbank Links agenda. Next up is a significant clubhouse expansion, to begin in September. Lockers will be added, as well as ample room for club storage, a member/guest lounge area, even a babysitting room. A short-game and putting practice area is also planned.
The idea is to offer players every perk of country-club membership, at a price they can't afford to turn down.
Heise said it best: "If there's ever been a Calgary golf club membership that's a good golf investment, it's Springbank Links."
