149
TuRNER VALLEy
Golf Club
PAR 5 555 yARDS
Turner Valley, AB
403.933.4721
www.turnervalleygolf.com
A great finishing hole, Turner Valley Golf Club's par-5 dogleg right can play long when
the prevailing northwesterly winds are blowing down off the foothills of the Rocky
Mountains. But if you have the ability to shortcut the fairway over the trees, the hole
can become a birdie, or even an eagle opportunity.
The green is heavily protected with a large sand bunker running down the right
side of the fairway from 75 yards out and all along to the green. The left side is also
protected by two green-side bunkers, while the front of the green slopes to the left,
causing many long approach shots to roll across into the waiting bunker. Locals call a
front left pin placement a "sucker pin," for obvious reasons. Still, the right combination
of nerves and shot-shaping will allow you to have bragging rights at the clubhouse.
The hole has certainly inspired many a friendly wager over the years.
Demanding good length as well as accuracy, the hole frequently gives players
additional pressure in making the final putt because of the viewing deck beyond. Still
standing from the original 1928 schoolhouse, the building is now the clubhouse and
deck, where a gallery of patrons and tournament participants can make golfers feel
that they are putting for reputation or consolation.
18
Photograph by Gary Taylor
