River Spirit Golf Club lies nestled on the edge of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. The Elbow River and Millburn Creek provide a breathtaking backdrop to many of River Spirit’s ‘signature’ holes.
The club offers 3 courses of 9 hole. Whether playing on the Millburn, the Spirit, or the Cattails nine, River Spirit offers a choice of four sets of tees to ensure an enjoyable round for every caliber of golfer. A 325 yard driving range, complete with grass tees, five target greens, bunkers, and two practice putting greens will help to minimize the unwanted strokes on the golf course.
Millburn course
The natural wetlands, mature trees, and the winding Millburn Creek offer boundaries, definition, texture, and charm to both the Spirit and Millburn nines. Architect Olson has captured the essence of the River Spirit Golf Course in designing the second nine holes.
The signature hole # 3 Millburn provides all golfers with a majestic view of the valley below and a not so subtle hint of things to come. The most difficult of the three nines, this course challenges golfers as they navigate their way over meandering creeks and tranquil ponds. The ever-present wildlife abounds throughout the course creating a pleasant distraction for golfers wanting to be experience nature.
Spirit course at River Spirit Golf Club
The opening of River Spirit Golf Club’s first nine holes began with the Spirit Nine in 2004. Architect Russ Olson has successfully blended the creeks and mature trees of the Elbow Valley below with the prairie landscape above.
This is a golf course of outstanding merit. The course offers the low handicap a challenge from the black tees at 3564 yards, and at the same time allows the higher handicap ‘a more forgiving walk in the park’ from the white tees at 3072 yards.
The snowcapped Rocky Mountains can be viewed on six of the nine holes on this course. Trees that have been planted act as a frame or backdrop to the golf holes rather than a strategic element. The Spirit Nine was named for the sacred ancient burial grounds located within the property, adding to the mystique and character of this popular nine.
Cattails 9 hole golf course
Architect Russ Olson has painted a glorious picture on a gently rolling canvas dotted with Willow trees and pockets of grassy wetlands. Strategic bunkering and classic shot making options further define the scene with the picturesque Rocky Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop.
From the back tees, Cattails stretches 3,631 yards, providing the low handicap golfer with a rigorous test of golf. Olson created the golf course with four sets of tees, giving players of all abilities a chance at par. While the slope and course ratings tell a story that Cattails will not be conquered easily, the course is eminently fair.
The fairway movement is gentle and subtle, with very little mounding. The lakes and wetland areas blend in with the natural scenery without abutments or hard edges. There are natural hillocks integrated into the golf holes that are covered with fescue grasses.
Regardless of how you score, rest assured that Cattails’ tranquil beauty, artfully sculpted bunkers, Kentucky bluegrass fairways, and Bent Grass greens will yield a golf experience that will linger long in memory.
