Sure, Dakota Dunes has become a bit of a media darling, but when you can play one of Golf Digest’s 2005 Best New Canadian courses, what do you expect? Another Cooke-Carleton triumph, this links-style parkland course is owned and operated by the Whitecap Dakota First Nation and measures a hefty 7,300 yards from the tips. But even though two of the par-5s weigh in at more than 600 yards, it doesn’t play as long as it sounds.

Despite all that length, five tee decks provide options for every level of player and firm fairways encourage the ball to run, making those par-5s reachable in two for the big hitters. And on the off chance you’re toting some discretionary cash to the golf course, check out the 84,000-sq.-ft. Dakota Dunes Casino and its 620 slot machines, table games, restaurants and concert venues.

Why Go Now

These days, it’s usually a rip-off to pay for just nine holes. But at Dakota Dunes, nine is just fine, especially if you’ve got kids in tow and you time it right. Any weekday and after 2 p.m. on weekends, nine holes is just $40 for adults, $32 for seniors (60 or older) and $20 for juniors.

Green Fees

Adults $55 weekdays ($55 June, July and August), $60 weekends and holidays; seniors $45 Mon. through Thu. ($50 June, July and August); Twilight $45; Juniors $30

Best Deals

The Play Golf Saskatoon package at the Saskatoon Ramada offers room and breakfast for two, plus two buckets of balls at the adjacent indoor golf dome, all for $125 per person (double occupancy) during the week or $135 on weekends

Broke Local Secrets

If you want to see some of the best up-and-coming golfers demonstrate how the game should be played, watch 2008 champion Josh Geary defend his title at the 2009 edition of the Canadian Tour’s revitalized Saskatchewan Open. Advance tournament passes for all four days of the 2008 event went for a paltry $25. That’s $6.25 a round, if you’re keeping score.

This story was originally published in the April 2009 issue of up! magazine as part of The Great Canadian Value Golf Guide, profiling the country’s 10 best courses for spend your golfing money. Check out other value golf spots in The Great Canadian Value Golf Guide 2009.