Ahh, the memories of Sylvan Lake Golf Course. Back in the old days when I was young and spry, our Calgary hockey team also played ball every summer around Sylvan Lake.

We always managed to fit in a game or two at the resort course. This was our routine — play ball, drink a dozen or more Calgary Old Stock then hit the links, can’t remember much about the game but we sure had fun. Later that night we’d get on down to Varsity Dance Hall, find some great ladies to dance with and top the evening off with a fight. No guns or knives in those days, just fists, so maybe you ended up with a black eye or a bent nose, no big deal. Someone always had to take the rap for the I.P. (illegal possession) we would get a ticket for only $22 back then. Thank God I grew up, so did the Sylvan Lake Golf Course. They have very nice facilities with a wonderful clubhouse and two separate challenging nine holes.

The course plays 6,367 yards from the back tees and 5,579 yards from the forward tees when playing all 18 holes.

There are a couple of long, difficult par 5’s on holes 5 and 13. Bring out the big sticks on those. The course also features a nearly 200-yard par 3. Heck, I can’t even hit a drive that far.

Sylvan has tree lined fairways, it’s walkable and the greens are large, but I found them a bit bumpy. The licensed restaurant is top notch. Stop in for a bite even if you are not golfing.

Now for some good news for my long suffering readers, I’m going under the knife next week, nothing serious, so I may be off the links for awhile, hence no columns forthcoming.

Sylvan Lake Golf and Country Club is located on Lakeshore Dr.

For tee times call 403-887-3030.

Green Fees are as follows: 18 holes Monday to Thursday is $50 and Friday to Sunday is $60. For nine holes Monday to Thursday is $30 and Friday to Sunday is $38.

Power Carts for 18 holes is $35 and nine holes is $24. Other multiple game cards available.

bgrainger@reddeerexpress.com