Standing on the 16th hole at the Links of GlenEagles, you feel like you’re on top of the world – so it’s no surprise it won Best Golf Hole in the Cochrane Eagle’s Best of Cochrane 2014.
With panoramic views, featuring mountains to the west, Calgary east and the picturesque Bow Valley reaching from the hills to the city, the par-3 16th at GlenEagles offers golfers with a unique challenge that tests a player’s concentration and judgment.
“The backdrop is what makes the hole,” said Slade King, executive pro for Play Golf Calgary Facilities, which, in addition to GlenEagles, includes Blue Devil Golf Club and HeatherGlen Golf Course.
Presenting a drop of over 150 feet from tee to pin, King said golfers must take the wind into consideration each time they look to attack the hole on 16.
“I play what’s called a ‘knock-down shot’ (on the 16th),” King said, explaining that a knock-down shot is one that is hit low to attempt to take the wind as much out of the scenario as possible.
King said the rule of thumb for playing holes at high elevations from tee to pin like the 16th at GlenEagles is to play two clubs less than what one would normally play – for example, if you use a seven iron for a 200-yard par-3, pull a nine iron out for a 200-yard par-3 with an elevated tee off spot.
King said holes 15 (par-4) and six at GlenEagles (par-5) are among the most difficult, and that the course offers many unique and challenging holes.
Architect and famed golf course designer Les Furber, who also constructed SilverTip Golf Resort in Canmore, as well as several courses in the country, most in Western Canada, designed GlenEagles.
“We were pretty fortunate to have him come do this course,” King said of Furber.
GlenEagles has been included in Score Magazine’s Top 10 golf courses in Alberta and Top 100 nationwide.
For more visit gleneaglesgolf.com.
