Just a short drive from downtown Red Deer and just past Linn Valley you will find Spirit Creek Golf Club. This 18 hole course has been around since 1980 and this past year the Pasutto family of Red Deer took the reins of the course with plans to make a few changes to the facilities and the course over time.
We recently visited Spirit Creek and you can’t help but notice a new feeling or vibe around the place. One of the first improvements they tackled was the “semi-pro” shop and clubhouse. Both were completely renovated, and the results speak for themselves. The new look shop offers a limited selection of balls, tees, hats and some apparel.
The clubhouse reno is amazing, the new kitchen was totally re-done and all new equipment brought in. The fully licensed facility has cozy seating inside at Eva’s Café or outside on the patio which makes for a perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat and perhaps a beverage or two (always have a designated driver). One of the specialties of the house most weekends is smoked ribs, and let me tell you are they ever good! We had our grand-kids out there with us and couldn’t believe how many ribs each of them ate and how good they tasted. Ribs not really your thing, they also have a good selection of food and beverages on the menu should satisfy any appetite.
The course...
Let’s move on to the course itself. Spirit Creek is a very mature course with 2 different nines. Both nines are very playable for players of all abilities and family friendly. The front nine is walk-able if so desired with three par 3’s and six par 4’s playing to 2451 yards. The back nine features more elevation changes and can be walked but a cart is the choice for most golfers. The back nine boasts four par 3’s and five par 4’s with a yardage of 2023 yards, just a little shorter than the front nine. The course now plays to a par 65.
The 174 yard par-3 finishing hole at Spirit Creek is a beauty! You tee off from an elevated tee box with a carry over the gully and depending on wind this 174 yard hole can be a challenge. There’s a few holes for you to hit your driver and some interesting risk reward holes. However most often a fairway metal or hybrid off the tee sets up an easier approach shot as this very scenic course winds its’ way thru the towering pine and spruce trees along the Blindman River Valley.
The course was in good shape with the greens being recently aerated and coming back nicely. One of the most notable changes throughout the course is the removal of some of the trees. Trees removed from holes 2, 4, 6, 7 10 11, and 12 make for more playable and reasonable approach shots to greens.
Several other holes are starting to benefit from the changes to date. Tee boxes were added to holes 13 and 14. The folks at the course also let the secret out of the bag as they plan to make more changes in the coming months to a number of holes to make them a little more playable and family friendly. Their goal is for players to enjoy their day and the hospitality at Spirit Creek. We can attest to that as mentioned earlier we had our grandsons (ages 8 & 10) out there last week and they had a great day. We played in just under 3 hours which is awesome and yes the course was busy.
Spirit Creek also has a putting green and driving range great for a warming up prior to your round or just for getting the kinks out of your swing. Spirit Creek also probably has the most reasonable green fees in Central Alberta – 9 holes weekday only $25, $30 on the weekends and for 18 holes $35 weekday and $40 on the weekends. Power carts are $10 for 9 or $15 for 18 holes (per rider). Annual memberships both mid week and full are available and those too are extremely reasonable, call them at 403-342-2830 to book your tee time or to discuss membership options. Check out Spirit Creek Golf & Country Club next time you are thinking about getting a round in, we did and were totally impressed with the course, the hospitality and service.
Quick Facts
•Built 1980
•4233 - 4517 yards | par 65
•Rating 72.4 | Slope 134 (back tees)
•Tree-lined course set in the Blindman River Valley
•$35 walking weekday
•$40 walking weekend
•Driving range, putting green
•403.342.2830
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