If you were to ask golf pro Brett Burgeson, he says what he enjoys most about the game of golf is its
spirit.
“When you’re out there first thing in the morning and the sun is shining on you and you get that first smell
of the fresh-cut grass, there’s just nothing like the spirit of the game,” says Burgeson, who is also the
CPGA Head Golf Professional for the highly regarded Country Hills Golf Club, situated in the spectacular
hillside setting of Sandstone Valley in Calgary.
With more than 20 years of experience providing the ultimate golf experience, the Country Hills Club is a
private, member-owned, 36-hole facility.
Two distinct championship courses, the Ridge course designed by Dave Bennett and the newly launched Talons
course designed by Tom McBroom, are just two of the factors that set the club apart from its competitors.
“Ultimately we want to give our members two different experiences, as far as golf goes,” Burgeson says.
In contrast to the rugged look of the Talons course, the Ridge takes on a more park-like setting, he
explains. Trees and manicured turf are the aesthetic focus. The upper nine presents spectacular views from
the clifftops, while the lower nine is heavily influenced by rising cliffs and a winding creek.
To Burgeson, the re-design of the Talons course contributes to the club’s fun factors.
“The name ‘the Talons’ came from the signature hole that has a bunker that ended up looking like the talons
of a hawk. With our logo being a hawk, it just made sense to go with that name,” he says.
With 850 principal members, the club also has one of the lowest per course ratios of any private golf club in
Calgary, which allows for exceptional accessibility for members. Notable, professional staff and
comprehensive teaching programs are an additional Country Hills advantage.
The club is working hard to provide what Burgeson calls “an oasis within the city” with the re-design of the
Talons course and the addition of more than 300 trees over the last four years. The Ridge course has been
receiving the largest amount of new foliage to focus the golfer on the layout of each hole. “The Ridge course
has changed dramatically over the four years I have been here — it has become a beautiful course nestled
within the community,” says Burgeson.
Although all clubs generally have their own dynamics and signature offerings, Burgeson says at the end of the
day people are simply looking for a place to do what they love: Golf.
“We’re generally known here as a competitive membership, but we ultimately love playing the game,” says
Burgeson.
Likewise, this sense of friendly competition can be extended to the maintenance of the club, which Burgeson
adds is not always an easy thing to do. Nor is offering a different golf experience with so many other clubs
in existence.
“It can be difficult, but how we separate ourselves from the rest is the fact we have two courses that are
very different from the other,” he says.
“And, we’re the only 36-hole private club within 15 minutes of downtown Calgary. Our third advantage is
having a lower number of members, which provides better opportunity with access to the first tee.”
On a larger scale, one competitive element Country Hills offers that Burgeson always looks forward to is
their club championships, which usually see more than 230 people tee off against one another.
“It’s a huge event and both courses are used. Everyone really enjoys it. It’s definitely one of my favourite
events here,” he says.
Being a new member can be an intimidating experience for any golfer, but at Country Hills the staff and
membership work hard at creating an inviting atmosphere where everyone is welcome. “Our membership is very
outgoing and new members find it easy to get to know other members and feel like they are part of a club. We
have tournaments and events where new members can meet people and become part of the club easily.” •
