Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Windermere is a family country club highlighted by a half dozen holes through the middle of the course. It isn't a destination course, but one that would be easy for members to enjoy on a daily basis. Grade B-
Quick Facts
Designer: Robbie Robinson 1959
Cost: Private
Phone Number: 780-988-5501
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Windermere Golf and Country Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 19110 Ellerslie Rd SW, Edmonton, Alberta T6W 1A5 – CANADA
Photos: See additional photos of Windermere Golf and Country Club
What to Expect: Located southwest of Edmonton, Windermere is a course from the late 50s that features tree lined fairways and a comfortable routing. The course has an uneventful beginning before embarking on a high quality stretch of holes (4-6) prior to reaching the the signature 8th hole that boasts the North Saskatchewan River as the backdrop. The back nine begins strong and features some additional solid holes before taming back out on the final few offerings. The course features a good amount of movement in the terrain particularly on the front nine before embarking on more mild terrain on the back nine. As a result, the membership is often found walking the course though carts are available as well. Speaking of the membership, they fit the Canadian stereotype of being extremely friendly. We even had one member catch us at the turn and offer "birdie cookies" to everyone in our foursome that had carded a birdie on the front nine. They also introduced us to a Canadian Dog which was a colossal hot dog covered in bacon jam, melted cheese curds, and additional toppings that help create a flavor packed entree. In the end, Windermere may not be a course that will gain grand popularity in the course ranking game, but it is exactly the type of course you would enjoy being a member of and playing on a daily basis.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 71 | 6767 | 73.3 | 140 |
| Black | 71 | 6432 | 71.3 | 138 |
| White | 71 | 6022 | 69.4 | 131 |
| Blue | 71 | 5562 | 67.0 | 126 |
| Green | 71 | 5238 | 64.9 | 123 |
| Red (Ladies) | 71 | 4364 | 65.4 | 120 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 8th Hole – 155 Yard Par 3 – The North Saskatchewan River creates the backdrop for this dropshot par three near the turn at Windermere, and a beauty of a hole it is. While the rows of flowers on the tee box won't be mistaken as a visit to Augusta National, it does add cosmetic positivity while taking aim at the undulated green that is fronted by two large bunkers while a single bunker in the back can catch balls before they tumble into the river. It is a beautiful hole where birdies can be yielded if you are able to get on the proper level of the green.
Best Par 3: 12th Hole – 173 Yards – On the 8th there was water behind the green, but here at the 12th it fronts it and will require a quality tee shot to stay dry. This location is more open and susceptible to the wind which is quick to cause havoc if not properly judged. The bailout area is to the left where plenty of grass exists while the bunker on the right may help catch you from going into the water.
Best Par 4: 6th Hole – 438 Yards – My favorite hole at Windermere was this exceptional two-shotter where the natural terrain was put to its maximum use. The tee shot plays to a raised fairway that disappears out of view as it bends to the right and ultimately offers a blind landing area for players that take the ideal line with their drive. With the fairway tilting to the right, players can utilize the slope to gain extra yardage before hitting a downhill approach shot to the green that features a green short and right as well as a bunker back left. The movement in the terrain paired with the challenging approach shot to the greensite is just fantastic.
Best Par 5: 11th Hole – 548 Yards – The 11th bends left as it follows the path of the North Saskatchewan River to create an inspiring setting for a golf hole. But it is not the river that will be the water that players will be most concerned about, instead the pond that starts 120 yards from the green and continues up the left side before terminating shy of the green is the real hazard that players' scores should be concerned with; especially if trying to reach the putting surface in two. The fairway comes into the green at a 4-5 o'clock angle and asks players to draw the ball in if they want to maximize their chances of success while players without that option in their bag are probably better off laying up and trying to wedge it close with their third shot.
Birdie Time: 3rd Hole – 167 Yard Par 3 – A straight-forward par three that plays slightly uphill, the 3rd hole provides a generous enough target despite the bunker in front and behind the green. Pins on the left side are a full green light with no sand fronting the target while pins in the back right will require a higher quality shot to get it close. Regardless, players should have a comfortable club in their hand to reach this green in regulation and give themselves a look at birdie.
Bogey Beware: 14th Hole – 459 Yard Par 4 – A long par four with plenty of movement in the terrain and bunkers to contend with, the 14th can feel a bit like a slog. Tee shots will find a low spot in the fairway and set up an uphill approach to the green that is fronted by a pair of deep bunkers. When the flag is on the right, players can guide their balls away from the bunkers, but in the center and left portions of the putting surface there is nowhere to hide. It is Windermere's toughest green in regulation, although the 6th rivals it, and yields a lot more bogies than pars.
