The Links of GlenEagles | Golf Course Review

Course: The Links of GlenEagles
Location: 100 GlenEagles Drive Cochrane, Alberta
Phone: 403-932-1100
Architect: Les Furber

I was entering my score after finishing a recent round at the Links of GlenEagles and I noticed that it was my twentieth round of the year. Looking down the list of the rounds I’ve played, I was surprised at the eclectic mix of venues – from incredible mountain courses in Banff and Canmore to stunning desert courses in Scottsdale and Phoenix with a smattering of public and private courses in and around Calgary. I couldn’t help but think that this recent round at GlenEagles was as memorable as any of the mountain, desert and private courses I’ve golfed this year.

I’ve played The Links of GlenEagles on a number of occasions before and I’m continually surprised at just how quick and easy it is to get to from Calgary. The Links of GlenEagles is a very manageable commute (just 10 minutes from Northwest Calgary) and a worthwhile investment for this terrific golfing experience.

After golfing GlenEagles this most recent time, I have to say the main reason that I am continually drawn to the course is the layout – the rare combination of interesting/unforgettable holes, elevation changes and risk/reward opportunities all while maintaining playability is difficult to resist. Couple this with the fact that (short of driving an hour to golf in the mountains) GlenEagles provides as dramatic a backdrop as any course in Calgary and the surrounding area.

I typically play GlenEagles from the blue tees but earlier this year I was feeling ambitious so I elected to play from the black tees – though it was quite a test, I finished the round feeling very satisfied. A perfect mix of playability and challenge – it was difficult, but not overly punitive.

Looking back over my recent round, I particularly enjoyed golfing GlenEagles for the following reasons:

• A couple of my favorite Par-3 golf holes in Calgary – #12 and #16. Try playing #16 from the black tees if you want to experience a true golf test
• Stunning river and mountain views throughout
• Incredible course conditioning (save for a tee-box or two and some hill-side erosion on #12)
• As mentioned above, the course layout is fantastic and makes for a very enjoyable round of golf (for all skill levels)

Though I highly recommend the course, a couple of items may be worth noting for those who are considering a trip to GlenEagles:

• I enjoy getting to the course a few minutes early and warming up on the range / practice facilities. I have to say, the 180-yard “aqua range” left me feeling unfulfilled
• GlenEagles may be walk-able for some, but it would certainly be a test of one’s endurance. For most, a cart is a requirement
• I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I found that the course wasn’t overly well marked. Granted, the paths were marked and the carts were GPS enabled, but I found on several occasions I was unable to locate yardage markers in the fairway and my cart partner was off playing his own ball

For a golf course of this caliber I have no qualms paying the posted green fees (and I routinely do). Having said that, I suggest you sign-up with The Links of GlenEagles to receive their weekly email; the email details some incredible rate breaks and promotional offers that are absolutely worth checking out!

In my opinion, GlenEagles’ unique mix of truly memorable holes, mountain vistas and course conditioning is difficult to beat anywhere in Calgary or the surrounding area. I highly recommend a trip to The Links of GlenEagles in Cochrane – it’s absolutely worth the trip.

4.5 / 5 stars