151
VALLEy RIDGE
Golf Club
PAR 5 527 yARDS
Calgary, AB
403.221.9682
877.678.5188
www.valleyridgegolf.com
8
The meanderings of the Bow River through the ages have
carved out a tranquil and idyllic setting for a golf course on the
western edge of the bustling city of Calgary. Golfers could not
be happier with the transformation of the former Happy Valley
Recreation Area into Valley Ridge Golf Club. The well-designed
property takes full advantage of the scenic natural landscape
and offers a challenging variety of holes on the aptly named
Valley and Ridge nines. The commanding presence of the Bow
River and the skillful design of the layout are on full display on the
eighth hole.
The Bow traces the entire left side of the tree-lined eighth,
which plays 527 yards from the back tees. Requiring a strategic
approach from all four tee boxes, the drive must carry a pond
to reach the fairway, a full 240 yards from the blue tee. Trees on
both sides narrow the landing area and a small bunker gathers
errant shots to the right.
From the fairway, you're faced with a classic risk/reward decision:
whether or not to challenge the pond and rock wall guarding the
front of the green with the second shot. Shots too far right are
blocked by trees, and the river is a constant companion on the
other side. A large bunker protects the left side and a pot bunker
guards the front right of the green that is 40 yards deep and
slopes steadily from back to front. While a birdie on this beautiful
hole is certainly possible if you challenge the green in two,
golfers are happy with a par.
Photograph by Plum Studios, Calgary, AB
