Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Course, or Brewster's Golf, is an 18-hole golf course near Calgary, Alberta that lies at the base of the almighty, Mount Yamnuska. Following the moraines of the North bank of the Bow River, this par 72 layout extends to an unassuming 5,606 yards of play. With a design that puts accuracy off the tee at a premium, Brewster's Kananaskis golf course provides visitors with challenging water hazards and bunkers amongst exceptional mountain vistas.
Having worked here seasonally, I'm gonna share with you all the insider tips at this golf course near Calgary in the beautiful Kananaskis Country, Alberta. I've played these greens with many visitors, locals and employees, and I'm confident that I can answer all your questions!
Insider Tip: Brewster's Golf offers the best 'bang for your buck' of any 18-hole golf course near Calgary, Alberta.
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Course
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Course, also known as Brewster's Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course, is a short-regulated course that winds its through the rugged, tree-lined terrain. Founded by 4th generation Banff local cowboy and entrepreneur, Bud Brewster, the vibes are welcoming and laid-back while being surrounded by classic Rocky Mountain scenery.
With options to play 9 or 18 holes, escape the pressures of everyday life and get swept up in the granite peaks that surround you. It's not a long course but challenging and picturesque.
Insider Tip: You'll need to choose wisely when to tee off with irons, hybrids, or driver.
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Ranch Location
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Ranch is the closest Rocky Mountain golf course near Calgary, Alberta.
The physical address is 84005 Ranch Rd, Hwy 1X, Seebe, AB TOL 2CO.
Directions: Travelling west on the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1), drive 4 kilometers past the Stoney Nakoda Casino exit (Kananaskis exit - Highway 40). A minute later, you'll see the Seebe exit on the right - take it! 5 kilometers down this road (Highway 1X), pass Willow Rock Campground on the right. Continue for another minute and you'll see a left-hand lane that comes up quickly- turn here! Go through the Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Course gate, continue down the gravel road until you come to a parking lot.
Insider Tip: Brewster's Golf is on the left-hand side of the Highway 1X. If you hit the end of the highway, intersecting with Highway 1A, you've gone to far. Turn around!
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Course is conveniently located beside two campgrounds - Willow Rock Campground and Bow Valley Campground. Additionally, Brewster's is 45 minutes from Calgary, 35 minutes from Cochrane, 20 minutes from Canmore, and 35 minutes from Banff, Alberta.
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Ranch History
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf acknowledges that they gather, work & enjoy the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 Region in Southern Alberta, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut ina First Nations and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations and the Northwest Metis Homeland-Region 3. Alberta's 5th & 6th generation Banff locals, Alison (Brewster) and Bryan Niehaus and daughters, Joleen and Morgan, are now stewards of the land. This family has built their lives and livelihood around sharing the enchantment of Banff National Park with others.
For over 125 years, the Brewster family has shown travellers the most spectacular locations and experiences in the Alberta Rocky Mountains. John Brewster, born in 1852, first arrived in Banff, Alberta in 1888. His wife, Isabella, arrived in Banff, AB via CP Rail from Winnipeg, MB on March 17, 1888 with their four sons, William, James, Fred & Jack. Farming dairy herd wasn't possible in Banff through the winter, so John established his homestead at the base of Yamnuska Mountain. John’s young sons, W. A. (Bill) & James (Jim) didn’t like delivering milk. A family friend, Joshua Twin Wildman, taught the boys how to survive in the wilds. So, at ages 12 & 10, the boys began to taking guests on Pack Trips into the mountains, marking the birth of Brewster Transport.
Claude, 3rd generation Banff local, with his mother, Missy, developed the original homestead on Brewster's Golf premises in 1923. With his wife Ruth, Claude continued guest ranching raising two sons, Bud & Jack, at the Ranch. 4th generation, Bud Brewster, Allison's grandfather, founded Brewster's Golf as it's known today. A Brewster in every way, Bud naturally followed his family into the tourism business but did it in his own way. He was forward-thinking and astute and knew, even in the 1950s, that tourists wanted authentic mountain experiences. Bud died on Feb. 10, 2012, at the age of 83.
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Operations
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf is open seasonally, approximately from the end of April until the middle of October (weather permitting).
Insider Tip: If you prefer to walk a 9 hole course, each Tuesday, Brewster's Golf starts the round on the back 9 (holes 10-18). This is because the back 9 is less hilly.
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Rates
Brewster's Kananaskis golf bookings can be done directly on their website, by phone (403-673-2700), or in person at the Pro shop.
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Adventure Pass
The Brewster’s Kananaskis Golf Adventure Pass is $159+tax and pays for itself in as little as five rounds of golf. Your first round is FREE when you purchase an Adventure Pass.
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Ranch Season Pass
The Brewster’s Kananaskis Golf Ranch Season Pass provides flexibility and savings if you golf a lot.
Golf Pass
Brewster's Kananaskis Golf participates in the Golf Pass. For $49.95+tax, the golf pass provides you with golfing with 2-for-1 green fee discounts, 50% off savings, free power carts and more. Some restrictions apply: Anytime bookings between Monday-Thursday; On weekends and holidays, bookings can be made after 2 PM Friday-Sunday & Holidays. Purchase here.
Brewster's Golf Amenities
There is no restaurant on site at Brewster's Kananaskis Golf Course. However, there is a food concession and bar in the proshop with roller dogs, smokies, and artisan sandwiches. The selection includes local favourites such as Canmore Brewing Company, Wild Life Distillery, and Sea Change. I HIGHLY recommend the Brewster Caesar, especially if you're an early morning tee.
Insider Tip: Absolutely no outside alcohol, and tip on your alcohol service!
Washrooms are available on the back of the proshop. Onsite washrooms are located on hole #3 and hole #15.
There's a chipping green, putting green, and a hitting cage located in front of the proshop.
There's a tournament room that can be rented for private use for a daily rate, or used for casual lounge before of after your game. There's a fantastic patio and a picnic table outside the proshop to take in the surrounding mountain views.
Brewster's Golf Etiquette
The following is a brief list of rules of conduct every golfer should known and follow before hitting their first tee shot.
Speed of Play
Each hole should be played in an average of 15 minutes or less. Please ensure you are keeping this pace regardless of if there is a group in front of you or not.
Tips for Pace of Play
• Play ready golf
• Keep practice swings to a minimum
• Keep up to the group in front of you
• Don't replay missed shots
• Record scores on the next tee
• Don't look for lost balls for more than 3 minutes
• Keep up to the group in front of you
• Don't replay missed shots
• Record scores on the next tee
• Don't look for lost balls for more than 3 minutes
Safety
• Be aware of your surroundings when swinging a club
• Make sure the group in front is out of range
• Always yell "fore" when others players may be in danger
