Calgary & Area: Beginner-Friendly Golf Courses
- May 7
- 6 min read
Updated: May 16
Discover executive-style public golf courses in Calgary, AB, and the surrounding area, perfect for golfers of all skill levels, but especially new golfers. Enjoy shorter rounds and a relaxed pace of play to enhance your game. Read on to learn more!
Executive Golf Courses: Quick and Beginner-Friendly
An executive golf course is a shorter version of a traditional golf course, designed for a faster, yet more relaxed playing experience. A typical executive course par for 18 holes ranges from 54 to 65, and for nine holes, it's usually between 27 and 34. Generally made of par 3's and 4's, these courses allow players to complete a round in about 1.5 to 3 hours. This design is ideal for beginners looking for a less intimidating environment and those who wish to focus on developing short game skills, such as pitching and putting.
Start Local: Calgary’s Municipal Executive Golf Courses
Calgary is home to several municipal executive courses that provide an affordable and accessible way to enjoy golf. These courses are maintained by the city and are perfect for beginners and seasoned golfers alike.
Lakeview Golf Course – 9-hole executive course that offers a great option for beginners and casual golfers. It features shorter holes.
McCall Lake Par 3 – Adjacent to McCall Lake 18 Hole Golf Course, the par 3 is a shorter, accessible option for beginners and those seeking a faster pace.
Maple Ridge Golf Course – Offers a beautiful 9-hole executive course that is perfect for quick rounds while still providing a challenge.
Shaganappi Point Golf Course – Golfers can play either the front or back nine on this accessible 18-hole executive course in Calgary.
The City of Calgary’s Beginner's Night program offers a fun, supportive environment for new golfers. Held on select Monday evenings at McCall Par 3 and Lakeview, both beginner-friendly 9-hole courses, it’s perfect for golfers of similar skill levels. Regular green fees apply, with family rates available. Walk-on play and single-player reservations are welcome.
Semi-Private Executive Courses: A Step Up in Quality and Experience
Semi-private courses provide a slightly higher level of service and maintenance, often with fewer crowds, while still being more affordable than full private courses. Semi-private courses generally allow golfers to enjoy a more serene environment, perfect for those looking for a balance between accessibility and exclusivity. With well-maintained greens and challenging layouts, they offer a great experience for both beginners and seasoned players.
Canmore Golf & Country Club (Canmore) – A semi-private course offering a beautiful 18-hole layout with stunning mountain views. It provides both a full-length course and shorter options, ideal for golfers looking for a scenic and relaxing round.
Cochrane Golf Club – A challenging 9 hole regulation course perfect for advancing beginners, with tough par threes and an exciting par four finishing hole to test your skills.
Crystal Ridge Golf Club (Okotoks) – Offers a 9-hole executive course and mini golf in a beautiful setting, suitable for all skill levels.
Springbank Links Golf Club (Springbank) – 18-hole course that offers a shorter layout ideal for casual rounds and quicker play
Wintergreen Golf & Country Club (Bragg Creek) – A semi-private course with both a full-length layout and shorter options, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and scenic views in the foothills.
Executive Golf Courses: Designed for Beginners and Pros
The term "executive course" originated in corporate America, where busy executives sought a faster way to enjoy golf without committing to a full 18-hole round. To address this need, golf course architects designed shorter, faster courses that could be completed in about 1.5 hours, making them ideal for a lunch break or after-work round. This innovation made golf more accessible to time-constrained players while still offering a fun challenge.
Executive golf courses provide several key advantages. They are time-efficient, allowing players to enjoy a round without the time commitment of a full day on the course. The focus on shorter holes enhances accuracy, precision, and short game skills. Additionally, with lower green fees than full-length courses, executive courses are more cost-effective, making them an attractive option for beginners.
Mastering Executive Golf Courses: Essential Tips for New Golfers
Executive golf courses offer a low-pressure environment ideal for new golfers to track their scores and establish a handicap. With shorter rounds of 1.5 to 3 hours, they fit well into busy schedules, allowing you to focus on improving your short game, chipping, and putting, while navigating obstacles like bunkers and water hazards.
These courses are perfect for casual outings with family or friends, offering affordability and a relaxed atmosphere. Executive courses also provide a great opportunity to experiment with new equipment without the pressure of a full-length game. While dress codes are often relaxed, wearing a collared shirt and proper golf shoes is recommended.
Before your round, take a moment to review the scorecard and course layout to plan your strategy. Booking your tee time early ensures you don’t miss out, and arriving early gives you time to settle in. Playing executive courses helps build confidence and skill, making the transition to full-length courses smoother and more enjoyable.
Scenic Golf in Alberta: A Must for Locals, Tourists, and Business Travellers
Alberta is home to some of the most scenic executive golf courses in Canada, offering golfers a chance to enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, Bow River, and surrounding landscapes. With several executive courses located within Calgary and nearby areas like Banff, Canmore, and Springbank, golfers can enjoy a blend of city golf and mountain scenery, creating a memorable experience for players of all levels.
For tourists, Calgary serves as a prime location to explore both the city and its stunning surroundings. Just a short drive from Calgary, Canmore and Banff offer a variety of courses with incredible mountain views. Golfers can experience the inner city, the prairies, and the Rocky Mountains all within a weekend getaway. The perfect balance of convenience, accessibility, and scenic beauty makes Calgary and its surrounding areas an ideal destination for golf lovers.
For business travellers, Calgary’s executive golf courses are the perfect way to fit in a quick round between meetings or as part of a team-building event. Located close to downtown and easily accessible, Calgary offers professionals shorter courses to unwind while enjoying the outdoors. With options for both leisurely play and networking opportunities, these courses provide an excellent setting for business travellers to mix work and recreation. Plus, the proximity to nearby mountain courses makes it easy for travelling golfers to extend their golf experience into the surrounding areas after their business commitments.
Experience Golf Year-Round with Indoor Simulators (Coming Soon)
For golfers exploring alternatives to traditional executive courses, indoor golf experiences provide an outstanding option. These facilities offer the flexibility and convenience to practice and play year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Indoor golf enables players to focus on every aspect of the game, from driving to putting, while delivering instant feedback on shot performance. Whether you're seeking a casual game with friends or dedicated practice sessions, indoor golf creates a relaxed yet high-tech environment for players of all skill levels.
When you’re ready to practice year-round, Fewll Indoor Golf provides the ideal environment with premium simulators available 24/7. No matter if you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, our indoor facility offers a flexible and accessible way to play, practice, and connect with the game. Join us today and experience golf in a whole new way.
Kickstart Your Golf Adventure with Fewll Golf Academy
Fewll Indoor Golf offers self-paced courses to both members and non-members through the Fewll Golf Academy. Golfers of all levels can access expert-designed programs at their own pace. Our comprehensive courses and guides cover the fundamentals, history, and techniques of the game, completely free and available online.
For newcomers to the game, these courses provide a solid foundation to begin your golfing journey. Our programs focus on building practical, confidence-boosting skills and knowledge that you can apply immediately on the course. From mastering essential rules and etiquette to navigating the course with ease, we ensure you're always prepared, making these courses the perfect companion for your first rounds on an executive course.
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