Those guys in Saskatchewan seem like friendly folks, but I’m convinced they’re all part of a golf conspiracy. If the rest of the world knew they could play great golf for less than $50, they’d be beating a path to the Prairies. No doubt the green fees would soar and the clubs would become crowded. Hence, silence. As it stands, Saskatchewan’s population is less than a million, but the province boasts more than 250 courses. Saskatchewan actually has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in North America. And now we know, but shhhh.

And another thing: Saskatchewan golf is not only budget-friendly, but golfers enjoy tremendous variety from rolling courses to forest. Designed by native son Les Furber, the Scottish-links-style Moonlake Golf and Country Club (www.moonlakegolf.com) in southwest Saskatoon, SK, meanders around a fertile valley dotted with chokecherry and poplar trees. Heavily mounded fairways, tall fescue and some brutally deep bunkers provide the challenges, as well as a few hefty carries over cobalt-blue lakes.

Golf Ranking magazine named Nipawin’s Evergreen Golf Course (www.nipawin.com/evergreengolf) one of the top 100 courses in Canada. Rumour has it that the late Bob Hope declared Waskesiu Golf Course his favourite (www.waskesiu.org). The legendary Stanley Thompson designed it in 1935. This northern gem plays through a mature boreal forest. Deer, elk and fox abound. If you thought Saskatchewan was flat, this rollercoaster will change your mind.

Saskatchewan also delivers some terrific après-golf diversions. There’s Temple Gardens Mineral Spa (www.templegardens.sk.ca) in Moose Jaw, pow wows and bison stew at Wanuskewin Heritage Park (www.wanuskewin.com) and mind-blowing walleye fishing on Tobin Lake. www.sasktourism.com