Picturesque Rivers Edge is worth the trip

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/07/2021 (1622 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We head northeast of Winnipeg this week to the town of Beausejour, well known for its winter snowmobile races. Beausejour’s also known for being a summer spot, too, as one of the gateway communities to the province’s share of the great Canadian Shield.

Just east of town, along a slow flowing section of the rocky Brokenhead River, lies nine holes of golf surrounded by thick, mature, mixed woods, and the odd camper trailer. This is Rivers Edge Golf Course, which plays as a par 35. The club is right between Brokenhead River Park, a seasonal campground, to the south, and a stretch of cottages to the north. All are connected by pathways along the river. The area is picturesque, and there’s little doubt why folks make this their summer residence.

The first hole on the golf course is the most impressive. From the tee box you may not see it, but this fairway has a lot going on. First, you need to tee off over the Brokenhead River, and avoid the team of Canada geese security guards. Second, you have to carry the elevation change mid fairway, or a second shot will leave you blind of the green. Finally, you need to approach from the left and avoid the semicircle of trees guarding the green to the right.

Once you cross the river, either on the high swinging bridge for those walking, or the low-lying concrete bridge for those riding, all the other holes of the course are accessible. Hole 3 is a par 4/5 with a slight dogleg left. Now, if you’re not paying attention, one could play this hole straight, and mistake the green from No. 5 as your target.

At the end of the fourth hole, you are reminded, in an impressive way, to be honest, as a beautiful eagle carving stares down at you, making sure you are counting each stroke.
Hole 7 has a nicely built-up tee box, which might lure you into a small sense of serenity. For others, the exposed tee block of No. 8 to the left and the unrelenting conifer growth on the right might make you think twice about how to play your tee shot.

To add one more challenge, No. 7 is also a dogleg right to a green backed by forest on three sides.
No. 9 is a nice way to finish, but it also has some subtle tricks. Its green is slightly off to the right at the end of the fairway, and it is guarded by a wall of tall, thick fairway trees left of the green.
River’s Edge has a fleet of newer electric carts for rent, but my advice is to walk the course if you can. It doesn’t play long, and it doesn’t have any significant elevation changes.

At the end of your round, you are rewarded with a modern clubhouse featuring a surround deck that overlooks the first tee. A large portion of that deck is screened in, so enjoying a beverage outside after sundown is a bug-free delight.

The restaurant was full-service and offering a full menu when we visited. I ordered the lunch special when I was there and cannot recall a better value. A reservation may be a good idea at meal times, as seating is limited due to health guidelines.

Tee times can be booked online through www.riversedgegolf.ca, or you can call the clubhouse at 204-268-2010.