Golf in the Province of Saskatchewan
Deep in the heart of Rider country, lies another impressive attention given to the sport of golf. Second only to PEI, at over 200, there are more golf courses per capita than any other province (although lots are currently missing from our database... we're working on it). Saskatchewan does take the crown for the highest percentage of 9-hole courses compared to any other province or US state at a whopping 72%. This makes for a shorter game extremely accessible. Or, if you're looking for something in between, there is even a 12-hole course, Greenbryre Golf & Country Club, in Saskatoon.
Golf started way back in 1899 with the Royal Regina Golf Club. It's only one of six courses in Canada to receive the official "Royal" title, this time from Queen Elizabeth II on its centenntial. Since then, hundreds more golf courses have popped up all over the province. While the vast majority of the population live in the bottom third of the province, there are plenty of golf courses in the northern and central parts of the province to enjoy a round. The farthest north is Eagle Point Resort in La Ronge. Other northern courses of note include Cooke Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert known for its tricky greens and Waskesiu Golf Club in Prince Albert National Park where you'll often be met on the fairway with local wildlife.
Saskatoon features many of the best central province courses. Here, Riverside Country Club shines, established in 1912 by famed architect Bill Kinnear. Also, the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, home of Pat Fletcher, the last Canadian to win the PGA's Canadian Open in 1954 (at Point Grey Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, BC). Just south you'll find the distinguished Dakota Dunes Golf Links, a frequent stop on the PGA Canada tour, known for its natural sand dune formations.
Of course, the capital, Regina, picks up honours for having a beautiful number of courses in the southern end of the province. Deer Valley Golf Course had hole #2 voted the fifth best hole in Canada by the Globe & Mail. Outside of town, if you're in the mood to be off the beaten path, check out Robertdale and Bengough Regional Park. Both are 9-hole courses that still operate sand greens.