Cooke Municipal Golf Course

Cooke Municipal's reputation as a good test of golf has been longstanding. The dream of a golf course became reality in 1909, when a band of hardy hackers of Scottish ancestry gained approval from the world’s oldest corporation then in existence, the Hudson’s Bay Company, to lay out nine holes on its land. A full 10 years after the course's first golf professional, Hubert Cooke began his 40 year tenure, an additional nine holes were added in 1935. Since 1989, numerous improvements and renovations to the course have been implemented.

The welcome and service provided by Alex, one of the assistants in the pro shop who wears half a dozen different caps in the pro shop was exemplary. I was paired up with Barb and Charlie T., long‑time members who proved to be wonderful company for both rounds I played. Golfers who choose to ride will find a generous fleet of Yamaha carts, with both new and older models available.

The golf course takes full advantage of the property's topography in creating this 6,362 yard jewel. Each of the eighteen holes offer three different tee boxes, Red, Yellow or Blue. The scorecard offers combinations of Red, Red/Yellow, Yellow, Yellow/Blue, or Blue tees, ensuring golfers of all abilities can enjoy a full and satisfying round.

The elevated first tee gives you an early glimpse of what the rolling landscape ahead of you has in store. The 433-yard, Par 4, demands a long and well-placed tee shot right of centre if you want to catch a glimpse of the partially obscured green that is tucked behind a hill.

Hole 2, a tidy 385 yard, Par 4 that plays into a small circular target green set against the backdrop of a heavily treed hill.

While the mature stands of trees, pleasing vistas, and rolling landscape provide inspiration, it’s the clever placement of grassy hollows, bunkers, and water hazards that supplies the real challenge. Expect to navigate around twenty well‑set bunkers and three ponds as you make your way through the routing.

Every aspect of your game is examined during your round, especially putting. Greens and greens complexes come in a variety of sizes and shapes and harbour false fronts, slopes and swales that will test a golfer's mettle. The large greens provide for a multitude of pin positions and can make club selection an exercise.

An observation I didn't notice until later was that the round opens with the longest par‑4 on the course and closes with the second longest and in between those two bookends, golfers will find a marvelous selection of very good golf holes.

Moving from one hole to the next is effortless, with paths alternating between pavement and stretches of smooth, hard‑packed gravel. As well, many of the tee boxes are beautifully landscaped with impressive stonework or railroad ties and decorated with gorgeous flower beds. It's that attention to detail that gives this course that extra charm.

Make your way back to the clubhouse where a pint and a bite from the menu can put the finishing touches on a splendid day at one of Saskatchewan's highly rated golf courses.

Played this course many times & must say it is quite a challenge, but the best course in this province. While it doesn't have the appeal of a lake course, it certainly makes up for it with their green fairways & lush greens. Definitely recommend this course to anyone who drives through or is planning a golf trip. Only 51 dollar green fees & 21 dollars for a cart. Overall great track