Calgary Golf & Country Club is Alberta’s oldest private golf club, but also home to one of Canada’s most refined and thoughtfully designed golf courses. Nestled along the winding Elbow River just minutes from downtown Calgary, the course at Calgary Golf & Country Club blends strategic architecture with mature parkland beauty, offering a pure and traditional golf experience.
A Rich Design Legacy
The course was originally laid out in 1907 and later redesigned by the legendary Willie Park Jr., a two-time Open Championship winner and one of the founding fathers of golf course architecture. Park’s touch is still evident today, particularly in the subtle routing that harmonizes with the river valley terrain and in the clever use of natural landforms to shape risk-reward decisions.
While the course has undergone refinements over the years, including restoration efforts to honour Park’s original vision, it remains a classic in every sense. Tight fairways, well-placed bunkers, and small, undulating greens demand precision from tee to green—rewarding thoughtful shot-making over brute strength.
A Demanding, Yet Fair Test
At just under 7,000 yards from the back tees, Calgary G&CC is not overpowering in length, but its strategic challenge is ever-present. The Elbow River comes into play on several holes, adding both beauty and danger. Throughout the course, elevation changes and mature tree lines create natural amphitheaters and frame approach shots in a way that evokes the game’s golden era. The course features a series of memorable holes that make full use of the property’s natural contours and riverfront vistas, like the closing stretch. Holes 15 through 18 bring elevation changes, strong green placements, and incredible setting together ensuring that no lead is safe and that you’ll remember your round forever.
A Gem That Has Stood the Test of Time
Though Calgary Golf & Country Club is a private facility, its reputation extends far beyond its membership. It has hosted numerous prestigious provincial and national events and is consistently ranked among Alberta’s top courses and Canada’s best classic layouts. For purists, architecture buffs, and lovers of strategic golf, Calgary stands as a testament to timeless design. With its historic pedigree, riverfront setting, and thoughtful routing, it remains one of the most respected and coveted golfing experiences in Canada.
