Elbow Springs Golf Club

Elbow Springs Golf Club sits in the southwestern reaches of Calgary, where the city meets the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Designed by Ron Ehlert and opened in the early 1990s, the course occupies rolling terrain along the Elbow River valley, taking advantage of natural elevation changes and mature tree cover that frame many of the holes. The layout reflects Ehlert's approach to working with existing landforms rather than imposing dramatic reshaping, resulting in a parkland character that feels established despite its relatively recent construction. The routing moves through varied topography, with several holes playing along ridgelines that offer views toward the mountains to the west, while others descend into wooded corridors closer to the valley floor. Water comes into play on multiple holes, both from natural creek features and constructed ponds that integrate into the design. The property's mature spruce and pine provide definition and challenge, particularly on the narrower driving holes where accuracy takes precedence over distance. Elbow Springs operates as a private club serving Calgary's golf community. The course has hosted regional amateur competitions and remains a fixture in the city's golf landscape, offering members a layout that emphasizes strategic variety over pure length. The clubhouse and facilities reflect the club's focus on year-round social activity, typical of Canadian private clubs that balance golf with dining and member events during the extended off-season.