I finally got out with the Wednesday night crowd for a quick nine at Alberta Springs Golf Club. The course is in perfect shape. It’s too bad the weather couldn’t match it. Played through hurricane force winds, pelting rain and freezing 3C temperatures. It kind reminded me of the weather the pros play in at the British Open — only we don’t have the caddies.

We started on the back nine, which I think is the hardest of the 18 holes. Water comes into play on just about every hole and some fool has planted trees on of a few holes right in the middle of the fairway blocking the shot to the green. Alberta Springs, for the most part, is a fairly flat course but makes up for it with challenging doglegs, water and undulating greens.

The course was immaculate, even the brush has been cleaned out in the trees — I should know, I was in there quite often, and found my ball every time. GPS equipped power carts have to stay on the cart paths which probably adds up to more walking than you would normally do. My youngster Chris and I have a heck of a time spotting our ball from the cart, hence wandering around like drunken sailors looking for them.

Alberta Springs boasts four tee boxes to accommodate all levels of play at par 72 spread over 6,773 yards. Alberta Springs is easy to find, just a three wood from Red Deer, west on Hwy. 11 — look for the imposing log clubhouse and aquatic driving range.

For tee times at Alberta Springs Golf and Resort call 403-340-2885 or book online at www.albertaspringsgolf.ca.

GREEN FEES: Monday –Thursday is $65; weekends and holidays are $67. Rent a power cart with GPS for $30 for 18 holes and $20 for nine.

It also has an aquatic driving range, fully stocked pro-shop and a licensed clubhouse.

bgrainger@reddeerexpress.com