Clear Lake Golf Course:
A Little Piece Of Heaven In Manitoba

By Andrew Penner, TravelGolf.com Staff Writer

MANITOBA - Canada's National Parks are home to some of the world's most esteemed topography. Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Cape Breton are just a sampling of these revered parks teeming with recreational opportunities. Who wouldn't be attracted to places graced with granite cathedrals, rugged shorelines, lush green valleys, and other dramatic landforms of the mouth-watering variety? A province that is often overlooked when these parks are considered is Manitoba, in the center of Canada. Not only does Riding Mountain National Park offer "another" rejuvenating experience in Canada's parkland, it also offers a soothing golf endeavor that is esteemed all on its own.

The province of Manitoba is bordered by the wavy, golden grain fields of Saskatchewan and the unrefined, granite cover of Ontario. Manitoba has a wonderful mix of low, fertile farmland, rolling parkland, and an abundance of lakes - its topography is as varied as it's culture (the city of Winnipeg is often regarded as the best "cultural" city in Canada). Clear Lake, located in the southwest region of the province in Riding Mountain National Park, is the fresh water gateway, and cornerstone, to the park. Manitoba golfers would consider the Clear Lake Golf Course as the true cornerstone - for good reason.

The Clear Lake Golf Course leaves one with a euphoric feeling that few places can - it's an absolute joy to play, a breath of fresh air, a course with character. It's a quaint little track with its own pulse; it beats loud and strong. It is regarded as one of Manitoba's finest.

Built in the dirty thirties by "relief workers" during The Great Depression, the Clear Lake course (it was formerly known as the Wasagaming Golf Course - Cree for "clear lake") was initially a project commissioned to the great Stanley Thompson. The "Toronto Terror," as he is affectionately known, is always at the forefront when Canada's top architects and courses are discussed. Banff Springs, Jasper Park Lodge, and Cape Breton Highlands (all in National Parks) are credits to his name. The front nine at Clear Lake is indeed a vision and creation of Thompson's. The back nine, an equally satisfying experience, was constructed a couple years later. It is credited to Park Superintendent Smart and Greenskeeper Vic Creed.

Clear Lake is not a long course. In fact, it's very short by today's standards. That in part, is one reason why the course is special. Par 4's can be driven, par 5's can be reached, and a couple of the par-3's require daring pitch shots into greens nestled into spots so cozy you'd like to camp there for weeks.

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While scoring well at Clear Lake is entirely within the realm of possibility, the course is not a pushover. Some of the shots are tricky and the greens are slick, graced with subtle slopes that can cause some hair pulling. Like anywhere, birdies must be earned and pars will have to be saved with crafty work around the greens - something Thompson ensured would be part of his designs.

The course begins with a short, tight, snappy par-4 under 300 yards. The fairway is narrow, bumpy and will no doubt require an awkward pitch to a green that slopes away from you. The second is a man-sized par-4 that hits a different chord. At 435 yards, it's one of the longer par-4's on the course. Lined with jack pine on the right and falling to a dense growth of trees and underbrush on the left side, the timing would be perfect for a solid tee shot on this early challenge to your round.

Something else that makes Clear Lake a distinctly enjoyable experience is the greens. The velvety smooth poa greens are to die for. They're always pure, always lush, and always a treat. After 70 years of play, these old beauties have stood the test of time remarkably well. Similar to the annual bluegrass greens of Pebble Beach, San Francisco Country Club, Southern Hills, and other classic courses, the greens at Clear Lake could match up well with the finest on the Continent.

Speaking of "classic", the fourth hole is an engaging par-5 that offers a tantalizing risk/reward scenario. The green is a wide, slender target masterfully framed by three gaping bunkers and a rocky stream just short. Looking at the flag, with the treacherous false front on the green and trouble all around, you might have second thoughts. But then again, the glory that's attainable should bring you to your senses (proper protocol is to remove the head cover from your lofted wood, clench your teeth, and let it soar). This hole truly has a special feel, it's really quite reminiscent of Augusta's famed 13th.

As the front nine meanders through the trees, up and down gentle slopes, teasing you with "simple" shots (that can chew you up with any effort less than stellar), the shimmering splendor of Clear Lake will emerge on the ninth tee box. Clear Lake is one of Manitoba's premier recreational lakes. A clear, sparkling body of water lined with old, rustic cabins, the cool, "clear" waters of this lake have been visited for years. The Clear Lake townsite reflects this. The old fashioned buildings are made with a unique combination of logs and stone. Property around the lake simply cannot be bought. Anyone owning a cabin on the lake will leave it behind for generations to come. Anyone wishing for a cabin on the lake will have to look elsewhere - there simply is no land up for sale, period.

The back nine at Clear Lake is an extraordinary rolling test, pleasing to the eye and pleasing on the card. The holes flow well and are completely different from one another. The tenth is a short par-4 laced with peril. A creek, blind from the tee box, must be carried and the slender fairway darts up a hill to a nasty green with a severe back to front slope. The 11th is much friendlier - it's a gentle uphill two-shotter with some great views.

The 12th is the first of two terrific short, downhill par-3's on the back side. The green sits in a quiet secluded spot with little room for error. A perfect shot will find the right side of the green and feed to the middle.

Holes 13 and 14 are back to back par-5's that may give way to birdies. No. 13 demands a draw from the tee, but once on the fairway, will not yield too many level lies. The green on 14 is large, however, if two solid shots are not hit first, the approach shot will be blind. Conveniently, a flagstick that is twice the normal length will stand tall on the 14th green.

The 17th is always the talk of the town. It's a 100-yard downhill pitch to a narrow sliver of a green with loads of trouble - thoughts of Pebble's famed 7th come to mind. Over the back of the green, high on the slope, a couple of deep bunkers are carved into the hill (not the place to miss). An equally punishing creek guards the front.

Another short, slightly uphill par-4 will finish off your round. A birdie here will also have to be earned - the green is slopey!

The unique blend of holes and the subtle challenges, combined with short, creative design features make the Clear Lake course a golfers' delight. Play early, then head to the lake for some hard earned beaching. "Linked" with the golf, the cool "clear" waters of this glorious place in Riding Mountain National Park will make you feel alive!

Clear Lake Golf Course
Highway #10
Riding Mountain National Park
Wasagaming, Manitoba
ROJ 1NO
Tee Times: 1(204) 848-4653

Green Fees : $30 - $38 (18 holes, without cart)

Yardages/Ratings

Championship Tees: N/A White Tees: 6,070 yards, par 72, 120 slope, 69.2 rating Red Tees: 5,556 yards, par 75, 127 slope, 72.4 rating

Directions

The Clear Lake Golf Course is located in Riding Mountain National Park in the province of Manitoba. The course is a two hour drive northwest of Winnipeg (Manitoba's capital and largest metropolitan center). From Winnipeg, head west on Highway #1. Turn north just west of Portage la Prairie on the Yellowhead Highway. At Minnedosa, turn north on Highway #10. This highway will take you into the park and to the course.

Where To Stay

Numerous motels, cabins, and resorts are scattered in and around the town of Wasagaming (Clear Lake town site). Try Johnson Cabins, which offer one, two, and three bedroom log cabins in the heart of town. Call 888-848-2524 to reserve. If you enjoy camping, the Wasagaming campground is outstanding. Watch for bears!

Where To Eat

The Heritage Clubhouse Restaurant at the golf course is a terrific place to dine after your round (or anytime you're at Clear Lake). The restaurant, located beside the 18th green in an old rustic cottage, features some beautiful views of the lake. It is the best dining option in Clear Lake. Try the pizza!

Other Activities

Water sports of all sorts will no doubt occupy much of your time at Clear Lake. The public beach is excellent. There are a number of short walks along the lake and near the town. A historic cruise along the lake can be taken from the pier located on the main beach. Clear Lake also features the largest log theater in Western Canada. Within the town you'll also find bike rentals (including tandem tricycles), numerous gift shops and souvineer stores, tennis, lawn bowling, and an information center. There is plenty to do!