When it comes to golf, Manitoba kicks it old school. While some places specialize in fancy bells and whistles, this prairie giant is all about bang for the buck. With 100-plus courses to choose from, Manitoba is home to stunning layouts and retro prices. At most, course green fees range from a bargain $25 to $45.
Quarry Oaks When celebrated architect Les Furber first went to look at the proposed site for the Links at Quarry Oaks in Steinbach, he wasn’t sure what to expect. After all, the land had previously been used as a sand and gravel quarry and was littered with heavy rock heapings. Furber was inspired. He wrapped holes around the boulders and mounds and the property’s seven hectares (17 acres) of water. Furber even tossed in a knee-knocking island green at the 6th. In fact, the original 18 was such a success, that he was called back to design an additional nine holes which curl through Sahara-sized waste bunkers. www.quarryoaks.ca
St. Boniface When today’s stars talk about hitting the clubs, it’s not the night life they’re referring to. Golf is huge with the celebrity set. Everyone from Justin Timberlake to Will Smith is smitten with the royal and ancient game. The original Hollywood hotshot golfer, though, was Bob Hope. He became an Honorary Member of the St. Boniface Golf Club after stopping off at the course during a trip to Winnipeg in the 1950s.  It’s easy to see why the star fell in love. St. Boniface traces the banks of the Seine River, especially the back nine, where water and heavy trees come into play. www.stbonifacegolfclub.com
Falcon Lake Falcon Lake Golf Course gets the mix just right. Bending through the edge of popular Whiteshell Provincial Park and across the ancient rocks of the Canadian Shield, the course offers both tranquility and a rugged test. Carved through a massive stand of pines, it’s bisected by Falcon Creek, with water coming into play on nine holes. www.falconlakegolfcourse.com