Book Review

This stylishly illustrated book goes a long way toward proving that Canada has some of the finest golf courses in the world.

Gordon, a member of the Golf Writers Association of America (and also author of Great Golf Courses of America), has selected 38 of the most spectacular and challenging links in Canada, including such classics as Glen Abbey in Oakville, Banff Springs in Alberta and the historic Royal Montreal Golf Club. While most (18) are in Ontario, he has included Prince Edward Island's Crowbush and New Brunswick's Algonquin in St. Andrews.

Each detailed course description is accompanied by superb colour photography, an aerial map of its layout, and short features and sidebars of historic or strategic value.

In the chapter about the Highland Links Golf Course in Cape Breton, for example, you'll find out which hole is known as the "killer," and why. If playing Deerhurst Highlands in Ontario, Gordon advises that you should fade your tee shot on the 11th hole for the best approach to its angled green.

Feature include one about legendary course designer Stanley Thompson (1894-1952), who designed courses such as Banff Springs and Highland Links and was considered a genius at creating par-threes. And we find out that the 1955 Canadian Open at Weston Golf and Country Club in Ontario was 25-year-old Arnold Palmer's first pro win, and that the $2,400 winner's cheque staked him on his way to becoming one of the greatest golfers of all time.