UPDATE IN PROGRESS FOLLOWING 21 ROUNDS AT BLACKHAWK IN 2016!
Rod Whitman's Blackhawk was named the Best New Course in Western Canada for 2003. The course has been in the top 25 ever since (#13 on my 2012 list, #20 in the current 2014 ranking at the time of this post). Similar to Sagebrush, another Whitman design, Blackhawk remained accessible to the public for a few years until the membership was filled. It was in these early years that I played 2 or 3 rounds on the highly acclaimed layout just west of Edmonton. 10 years ago I was quite new to golf, and was yet to pursue the top 100. As such, I have no pictures of the course, and only fragmented memories of most of the holes.
I can't help but compare Blackhawk to Wolf Creek, its publicly accessible sibling a few hours to the south. Wolf Creek put Whitman on the map, and for one reason or another has held a high ranking similar to that of Blackhawk. Most avid golfers would agree that the Wolf is at least somewhat overrated. However, Blackhawk is what Wolf Creek was meant to be: a minimalist design which incorporates natural features of the land to create an exciting and challenging round of golf.
The landscape surrounding Blackhawk is relatively flat, with a steep-faced riverbank nearby. The land on which the course was built is relatively flat, but has a few gentle elevation changes (holes 2, 7, 8 and 18), and a few dramatic incline/declines (9, 10, 11). While there is no water on the front 9, both par 3s on the back required a carry over water. All in all, there is a great variety of holes.
If there is one distinguishable characteristic of Blackhawk, in my memory, it is the speed and undulation of the greens. Depending on the pin positions each green can either be relatively benign or extremely daunting. The greens require creativity and precision. For anyone who is comfortable with their flat-stick, they are a blast. For a golfer lacking a steady stroke, they can make for a long day.
Blackhawk is unquestionably one of the best courses in Alberta. However, since it has been so long since playing the course I will withhold further comment. If/when I have the privilege of returning to this top-notch club, I will supplement this post with more details and corresponding pictures.
'Til next time, keep your stick on the ice!
The Golfing Canuck
