After work on Thursday I was at it again collecting courses. I guess the advantage of starting the workday at 6 AM is getting done early enough to play plenty of golf, at least during the summer. From where I was staying in Vancouver it took me about a half hour to get over to the Campbell Course. Or at least I think this place is called the Campbell Course.

I booked my tee time through GolfNow for $7 (spendy!) and the reservation said the Campbell Course. I got to the course and the sign in front of the proshop said the Children’s Course. The scorecard has Children’s Course too, but the website says Campbell Course. I have no idea which is correct and it probably doesn’t matter to most people. As a crazy golf course collector, I’ve gone back and forth about how I title this post and how I enter the course into my list of courses played. I finally flipped a coin and am going with the Campbell Course.

If we put aside my irrational administrative quirks, I think many newer golfers will enjoy the Campbell Course. The course is nine holes and has all par-3’s. There are two sets of tees and from the back tees – aka the white tees here – the course is only 1,171 yards. Some of the tees were up and I never hit more than my 140 club. Most of the holes are in that 120 to 145 range, except for the 90 yard 6th. Of course my game decided the tee shot on the 6th was the time to blade my sand wedge over the green. Sigh.

Like many par-3 courses the toughest part about the Campbell Course is trying to have the tee shot end up on the tiny greens. The small greens (for example, the 2nd) would be difficult to find with a pitch shot let alone a full swing. My iron game wasn’t sharp and I ended up having to chip on most holes. The tree-lined holes will probably make shots difficult for those new to the game, but there are no water or bunkers surrounding the greens.

The course was surprisingly well cared for and even for the cheap price it was a good value. The tees were mostly flat and had adequate grass coverage. The greens were full and rolled well, just at a slow pace. The owners have a lot to be proud about regarding the conditioning.

I enjoyed my 50 minute loop around the Campbell Course and think it is a good beginners course. If you are looking to play a short par-3 course with a junior or senior family member, or even just work on your short game, then the Campbell Course gets my vote.

Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):