Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Rod Whitman’s premier design in Edmonton, Blackhawk is the area’s best course with excellent par 3s, varied par 4s, and one of Alberta’s best par 5s. The back nine, devoid of housing, is the superior side. Grade A-
Quick Facts
Designer: Rod Whitman 2003
Cost: Private
Phone Number: 780-470-4790
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Blackhawk Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 51111 Range Rd 255, Spruce Grove, Alberta T7Y 1A8 – CANADA
Photos: See additional photos of Blackhawk Golf Club
What to Expect: Located southwest of Edmonton on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Blackhawk is a Rod Whitman design that does a great job of laying holes out on the natural terrain and taking advantage of what the land offers. The collection of one-shotters at the course will be the highlight for most patrons while the downhill par five 11th lays its claim as the signature hole with it tumbling over 100 feet from tee to green before finishing at a sloping green in front of the North Saskatchewan. The routing through the homes on the front nine detracts a bit from the course, but it is the back nine that is the highlight at Blackhawk anyway with several picturesque holes that vary greatly in their length and strategy. The general openness of the layout lends itself to being subject to the wind more than some of the more forested courses that can be found in Canada and adds variety to each visit to Blackhawk. Players will be thrilled with the turf conditions as Blackhawk is known to be the standard by which all other courses in the area are judged, and the golf carts are top of the line which are reflective of being Edmonton's premier private club. In the end, Blackhawk offers the finest private golf course in the Edmonton area, and if the front nine were as good as the back, players would be talking about it being on of the best in all of Canada.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 71 | 6835 | 73.3 | 138 |
| Silver | 71 | 6501 | 71.7 | 135 |
| Silver/Blue | 71 | 6205 | 70.3 | 133 |
| Blue | 71 | 6082 | 69.7 | 130 |
| Blue/White (Ladies) | 71 | 5630 | 73.2 | 139 |
| White (Ladies) | 71 | 5248 | 70.7 | 131 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 11th Hole – 596 Yard Par 5 – Perhaps the signature hole for all of Edmonton, the 11th at Blackhawk is a downhill three-shotter that tumbles from the high ground all the way down to the river. The landing area is generous, but there are bunkers lining both sides of the fairway for most of its length which become a bigger factor considering the extra hangtime your tee shot will have and how long it will need to stay on line. The fairway then banks to the left and drives towards the water with no sand in play around the green. A creative play is to use the bank short and left of the green and let the terrain tumble the ball onto the putting surface for a good look at a birdie or eagle.
Best Par 3: 12th Hole – 237 Yards – I'm dubbing this hole the card-wrecker, because that is exactly what it can do to a good score if you let it. This long par three plays over the river with little forgiveness between the water and the green to navigate, so there is no option other than striking the ball well here. A front pin may seem inviting due to the lack of sand compared to the back left side, but the water is all the more harrowing in this position. There is nowhere to hide here, just step up and hit the best approach shot of the day.
Best Par 4: 13th Hole – 475 Yards – The 13th wraps up Blackhawk's strongest three hole stretch with a lengthy par four that runs parallel to the river. Players have to decide which side of the bunker to go on which is located in the center of the fairway, with players flirting with the river getting the greatest reward in terms of roll. The large contoured green is quick to yield three-putts to players that lose their concentration, and for players that miss the green in regulation, their short game will be tested. If you can get through 11, 12, and 13 at even par then you will surely be taking money from your playing partners.
Best Par 5: 15th Hole – 583 Yards – While the 11th hole is the king of the par fives, don't sleep on the 15th. Named "Long" for being the lengthiest hole on the course, the 15th features bunkering in the center of the fairway that must be avoided for any chance of getting aggressive with your second shot. Additional bunkering pushes in from the left side as you approach the two-tiered green and should be a factor to consider when deciding on your strategy.
Birdie Time: 10th Hole – 305 Yard Par 4 – The back nine at Blackhawk is fantastic, and this short par four kicks things off right with a chance to card a birdie immediately after the turn. The hole plays uphill which makes it much less reachable in one than what the scorecard may imply, but it still remains vulnerable to be conquered in three strokes.
Bogey Beware: 2nd Hole – 406 Yard Par 4 – The 2nd hole sets the tone early at Blackhawk with a strong two-shotter that features the most demanding approach shot on the course. After an inviting tee shot, players are faced with an uphill approach shot, over bunkers, to a blind landing area. The majestic rise in the fairway late in the hole combined with the framing of the trees make it one of the most inspiring shots of the day. Once you are on the green, three-putts are commonplace with a huge putting surface and sloping contours to conquer.
