The aura of Glen Abbey was waning a little in the late ’90s, when it lost its status as the exclusive host of the Canadian Open, but that all changed with two dramatic events: Tiger Woods’ victory in the 2000 Open and Mike Weir’s 2004 near-miss at becoming the first Canadian to win the Open in 50 years. The resurgent Abbey will host the Open this year and next. In some ways, the course is the golfing equivalent of bell-bottomed jeans—flashy and bold, but a little dated when compared to the classic courses of bygone eras. Still, there is something magical here, especially once you reach the sublime 11th tee overlooking the valley. Once you descend down into the “valley holes,” the course is at its most natural, snaking through the narrow glen and over and around 16 Mile Creek. And even 18 (the most artificial hole on the course) is magic, if only to visit the Tiger Trap, where Woods hit his famous six-iron to seal the victory, or to see first-hand where Mike Weir came to grief in the playoff with Vijay Singh. Despite the lofty green fees, the course is often booked solid (usually with Clublink members, who get a significant discount), so make reservations well ahead and don’t be surprised when the Abbey charges your credit card two weeks before you even play.