Taking a break from the ‘great golf’ discussions which seem to come about whenever national course ranking lists come out, I thought I would share a modest list (no order) of unique and cool Canadian golf experiences.  It’s incomplete (so help me out, comment and share your additions) but this does seek to show some fun Canadian golf experiences which golfers can enjoy across the country:

• Devil’s Cauldron – Banff Springs. The greatest par 3 I have every experienced.  I can only imagine course designer, Stanley Thompson’s excitement when presented with this location for a golf hole.

• The walk between the 12^th and 13^th holes at Highlands Links along the Clyburn River highlights the feeling at Highlands of stepping back in time. It’s a long walk, but it’s so peaceful and in its own way can help to recharge and re-energize a player.  Savour it.

• The 10^th tee at Humber Valley, outside of Deer Lake, NL. If there’s a shot that calls for a ‘grip it and rip it’ experience, this is it.  The ball suspends in the air seemingly forever (a 180′ drop will create that effect).  Awesome!

• Oxley Beach – Canada’s Southernmost Golf Course. A fun, 18-hole par 3 with no pretense.  The people are amazing and the course is easily walkable.  Play all putts to the back of the cup.

• All you can eat mussels after a round at Andersons Creek in PEI (and some other PEI courses, but only in peak season).

• The Lobstick tree at Waskesiu in Saskatchewan. The history of the Lobstick tree makes a great story which has been captured in a book, available in the pro shop.  One of the more enjoyable and underrated golf experiences I have ever had.

• Wooden Sticks – building in holes modeled from St. Andrews, Troon, Augusta National, Pine Valley and TPC Sawgrass was fun to experience.

• The elevator lift at Calgary GCC is welcomed to avoid the steep climb early on the back nine.

• Winter golf – my favourite, a Christmas Eve round at Hidden Lake with my stepson. 18 holes in blissfully comfortable 7c conditions.  If Santa wasn’t so busy he’d of loved the experience.  Southwest BC residents can enjoy year round golf, along with southern Ontario residents when conditions are perfect.  Tarandowah opens most months, even if only for a few days in winter when conditions are mild enough.

• Night putting, lobster sliders and the couches off 18 at Cabot combine to take a memorable golf experience to the next level. But then isn’t everything about Cabot cool?

• Summer solstice golf – These two are top of my must-do golfing list, from a cool factor; North America’s northernmost golf course, Ulukhaktok Golf Course, or perhaps an easier commute for many, seeking to play all 54 holes at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in the height of summer. Sometimes 36 a day just isn’t enough!

So, there you have it.  I acknowledge it’s merely a starting point.  There likely so many more, and I’d love to hear about them!  Leave a comment.