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Saskatchewan golf on the upswing!
Finding a golf course to challenge your skills and match your preference for layouts is only a chip shop away in Saskatchewan. The 225 golf courses in Saskatchewan provide professionals, scratch golfers, duffers and hackers alike with a wide range of options from which to choose. From traditional links and rolling dunes to playing down a fairway carved from a pristine forest, golfing in Saskatchewan is an enjoyable and affordable experience.
In a province of just more than 1 million people, courses from north to south and east to west offer golfers the fun and fascinating opportunities of experiencing the game at their own level of play. As a result, more people than ever are enjoying golf in Saskatchewan.
"There are many factors contributing to golf being on the upswing in our province," explained Daniel Rauckman, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Golf Association. "There are golf courses in almost every community which allow golfers to get out and enjoy the game without having to drive too far to play."
Accessibility to a challenging golf course has become especially important since fuel prices soared past $1 per litre. "The golf in our province is very affordable. Prices range from a few bucks in some rural sand green golf courses to approximately $55 a round at the more expensive courses," he said.
Saskatchewan golfers apparently are better off than those swinging clubs in other parts of the country. "It is believed that Saskatchewan has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else. There is a wide variety courses for golfers to choose from, both in difficulty and in cost, making Saskatchewan a prime location for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy playing golf," Rauckman said.
Saskatchewan boasts a very high number of 9-hole golf courses to choose from and many are championship quality. Playing a 9-hole course is a great way for golfers to still get a reasonably-priced round of golf in but not at the expense of a large time commitment. The SGA has targeted the next generation of golfers to keep the upswing in participants up!
"There are lots of programs available for kids whether through the CN Future Links Mobile Clinics presented by SaskTel offered by the SGA to the many junior programs offered to kids by CPGA professionals at golf courses throughout the province," the SGA executive director said. "More and more kids are enjoying time during the summer at the golf course."
Golf courses offer quite reasonable junior rates and the game provides great life lessons to youth that will serve well in their future, Rauckman added. "Golf is a sport that you can play for a lifetime," explained SGA President Byron Harvie, who became more active in the game after his son took up the sport.
It has a significant social element and also provides significant networking from a business point of view. It also provides an opportunity for families to play together and even offers the opportunity for two or three generations to play together.
It's important, he said, that courses provide an opportunity for junior golfers to play at a much reduced price. "The golf courses and the CPGA professionals work together to provide a learning experience for junior golfers without breaking the bank," Harvie said.
The number of courses in the province has remained relatively stable over the past several years, although the general impression is that there are more fairways to play because some courses are converting from sand to grass greens while others are undergoing substantial renovations or expanding to 27-hole facilities from 18.
A rising golf star combined with the resurrection of the Saskatchewan Open tournament has helped to generate excitement in the province over the past two years. "The success of Graham DeLaet on the Canadian Tour and internationally representing Canada over the past year has also helped elevate the quality of players in Saskatchewan," Rauchman said. "DeLaet is currently the #3 ranked Canadian in the world behind Mike Weir and Stephen Ames."
He said the Saskatchewan Open, being played for a second consecutive year at Dakota Dunes Golf Links south of Saskatoon, now is a key stop on the Canadian Tour. "This is a major showcase event that gives golfers of all ages a chance to see some of the best young players in the world right in our own back yard. These players are an inspiration to the young and a good source of entertainment for the rest of us," said SGA President Byron Harvie.
Dakota Dunes was ranked as the Best New Canadian Golf Course in 2005 and was followed by a #17 Canadian ranking by Golf Digest and a #44 Canadian ranking by SCORE Golf magazine in 2008.
It has become a course to play for Saskatchewan and out of province golfers. "The Saskatchewan Open has been another piece in the puzzle for local and national recognition," explained McLaren Taylor, general manager of Dakota Dunes and a CPGA professional.
Golf courses in Saskatchewan were largely overlooked by the rest of the country, prior to our recognition, and prior to the Sask Open. The fact is, there are so many great golf courses in this province, and now that Dakota Dunes is ranked, and plays host to a tour event, golfers outside the province are really starting to notice what we have to offer.
Harvie and Rauckman expect an increase in the already Canadian-leading golf participation numbers from Saskatchewan. "This year with the RCGA Golf Canada Card pilot we are seeing a projected increase in our membership numbers," Rauckman said.
Some of the membership benefits include: access to the RCGA Loyalty Program and SGA Value Added Program (both programs help golfers save money playing a variety of courses through the province); having a valid Handicap Factor; being able to participate in provincial championships; have an entry into the SGA membership draw plus receiving a subscription of the Golf Canada magazine delivered to the members home address.
He said the 2006 Ipsos Reid RCGA Golf Participation survey indicated that 29.2 per cent of Saskatchewan's population 12 years of age and older play golf which was up from 28.5 per cent in 2001. "This means there are 255,000 people that play golf in our province," Rauckman said, noting 45.1 per cent of the males play golf, up from 41 per cent five years earlier.
The percentage of females playing golf in Saskatchewan dropped to 13.6 per cent from 15.8 per cent. "We have 23,000 kids between the ages of 12 - 18 that currently play golf in Saskatchewan or almost one quarter of the population of that age group."
Saskatchewan has the highest participation rate in the country at 29.2 per cent, well above the national average of 21.5 per cent. The RCGA is in the process of completing a new survey to showcase trends and numbers. "The trend for ladies going down in 2006 from 2001 should be reversed with a new survey as women everywhere in the province seem to be taking up the game," the SGA executive director said. "The social aspect would probably be the number one factor."
SGA President Harvie understands the opportunities for growth. "One of the biggest challenges for the SGA and golf in general is to get more women involved in the game at both the club level and the competitive level." Some of the Saskatchewan courses where those just taking up the game and scratch golfers can enjoy themselves include:
Northern Saskatchewan
Candle Lake Golf Resort
Nestled majestically between the lake and the pines, the 18-hole Candle Lake Golf Resort is a vision of natural splendor which blends the quiet charm of the north with the facilities of a world-class Northern resort. The facility offers well-equipped facilities to guarantee successful meetings and conferences. Outdoor activities abound - golf of course, along with boating, cross-country skiing, hot tubbing, RVing, hiking, dining and lounging are just a few of the activities that will make your stay worthwhile. Front nine renovations are now complete. New tee boxes, four new greens, widening of the fairways and drainage upgrades are now complete, making this nine an exciting and challenging experience for all golfers. Ratings vary from 65.3/109 to 71.4/124 for this par 72 5,241 to 6,552 foot layout. www.candlelakeresort.com
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Cooke Municipal Golf Course
The almost 100-year-old Cooke Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert is one of the best loved in Saskatchewan and a frequent provincial or national tournament location. The traditional, well-treed track stretches to 6,509 yards, par-72 off the tips, with a slope of 118. The most interesting green is on the finishing hole, where golfers who duff their approach will need to putt around a sizeable mound on the right side of the green. Cooke Municipal GC, Prince Albert, public, 18/71, 6509 yds., $35/18 holes, Mon.-Thurs., 306-763-2502 www.cookegolf.ca
Elk Ridge Resort
At the entrance to the Prince Albert National Park is the spectacular 27-hole Elk Ridge Resort, one of the premiere four-season resort destinations in the province. A mature forest, natural water hazards and silica sand bunkers make it exciting for shot makers. Stretching from 5,200 to 6,800 yards, all combinations will challenge you with ratings up to 73/130. Elk Ridge Resort, Waskesiu, public, 27/72, 6804 yds., $65/18 holes, 306-663-4653 www.elkridgeresort.com
Evergreen Golf Club
The Evergreen Golf Club at Nipawin is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque courses around. Cut through the evergreen forest of the northeast, the 18-hole championship 6,539-yard layout is a frequent host to provincial competitions. At a rating of 71.9 and slope of 129, golfers at Evergreen are tested with fairways bordered by northern spruce and pine. While there are few silica sandtraps, greens tend to be large and undulating. Evergreen GC, Nipawin, public, 18/72, 6539 yds., $38/18 holes, 306-862-4811 www.evergreengolf.ca
Waskesiu Golf Course
The Waskesiu Golf Course, located inside the Prince Albert National Park, opened in 1935. One of Saskatchewan's favourite courses, the Stanley Thompson-designed track features a traditional layout, an interesting history, abundant wildlife - all in a beautiful northern boreal forest setting. There are many signature holes, but the 8th measures 600 yards and has been dubbed Mae West after the Hollywood starlet. Waskesiu Golf Course, Waskesiu Lake, public, 18/70, 6301 yds. $48/18 holes, 306-663-5300 www.waskesiugolf.com
Northern Meadows
Northern Meadows Golf Club, Saskatchewan's newest upscale facility, is located just outside the Meadow Lake Provincial Park and the town of Goodsoil. The fairways of the 6,756-yard, par-72 championship golf course are cut out of the northern boreal forest. Fairways have wide-open landing areas bordered by spruce, tamarack, poplar and jack pine trees. To score well at Northern Meadows golfers must stay on the fair ways, otherwise your ball will find the bush or one of about 60 sand-traps. Water is in play on 10 holes including the two-mile long Bousquet Lake by the clubhouse. Northern Meadows GC, Goodsoil, public, 18/72, 3392 yds., $40/18 holes, 306-238-4653 www.northernmeadows.com
Saskatoon & Area
Dakota Dunes Golf Links
The Dakota Dunes Golf Links boasts a unique 18-hole championship golf course that was named one of the "10 best new courses in Canada" by the National Post when it opened in 2004. Canadian golf architects Graham Cooke and Wayne Carleton, sculpted the track in the rugged, windswept sand dunes overlooking the Saskatchewan River Valley Basin 25 minutes south of Saskatoon. Golfers will need to negotiate contoured fairways, 104 pot bunkers and 39 devilish waste-sand areas throughout the 7,300-yard course. The course is RCGA rated at 74.7 off the championship tees. Dakota Dunes Golf Links, Saskatoon, public, 18/72, 7301 yds., $55/18 holes, Mon.-Thurs. except July and August, 306-664-4653 www.dakotadunes.ca
Greenbryre Golf and Country Club
The Greenbryre Golf and Country Club places a premium on club selection and accuracy. The Greens vary in size from 4,500 to 8,000 square feet. Many native bluffs accentuate the gentle roll of the fairways in addition to more than 5,000 planted trees. The 40 sand bunkers provide definition and that extra bit of challenge. The course is set in a peaceful, well-treed area on the south-east fringe of the city of Saskatoon. This classic 18-hole course, designed by executive professional Peter Semko, was created 28 years ago to provide an affordable public golf facility in a country club setting. Greenbryre G&CC, Saskatoon, semi-private, 18/70, 6356 yds., $39/ 18 holes Mon.-Thurs. www.greenbryre.com
Moonlake Golf and Country Club
Moonlake, a 15-minute drive south west of Saskatoon on the scenic Valley Road, provides you with the complete golf experience. This golf course follows the traditional Scottish links design with water hazards, heavily mounded fairways and long native grass roughs. The natural beauty and magnificent playing conditions provide, this will be an experience you won't forget. The 27 holes allow three different combinations of 18 holes each which will challenge every part of your game. All combinations have a par 72 with slopes ranging from 125 to 136. Moonlake has the distinction of presently holding the highest slope rating in Saskatchewan. Moonlake G&CC, Saskatoon, public, 27/72, 6845 yds., $47/18 holes, Tues.-Thurs., 306-382-7787 www.moonlakegolf.com
Regina & Area
Aspen Links Golf and Country Club
Aspen Links' lush 27 hole, 6,714 yard championship course has enough challenge to excite the competitive golfer, yet enjoyable for the novice golfer playing 5,333 yards from the front tees. True to its Scottish links heritage it plays open, with expansive fairways and exceptionally large greens. It was previously known as the Emerald Park golf course. Aspen Links G&CC, Emerald Park, semi-private, 27/34/37/36, 6500+ yds., $35/18 holes, any day 306-791-7466 www.aspenvillage.ca
Long Creek Golf and Country Club
It's hard to top Long Creek Golf and Country Club, just 40 minutes south of Regina near Avonlea for hospitality and a quality golfing experience. Golfers will find a relaxing country club atmosphere and challenging golf at a delightful 18-hole track. It's set in a beautiful prairie valley with old stand elm and ash trees. Long Creek meanders throughout the course. This 6,528 yard course favours the patient shot maker and the brave. The signature #18 is a nerve racking par-5. It plays 451 yards off the blue tees, from a cliff to a tight landing area guarded by a stream and wooded area on the other side. Long Creek GC, Avonlea, public 18/72 6350 yds., $35/ 18 holes, Tues-Thursday, 306-868-4432 www.long-creek.ca
Southwest
Elmwood Golf and Country Club
Elmwood first opened its links for play along the Swift Current Creek in 1917. Located on the east side of the city off Highway 4, this beautiful course is enjoyable for all skill levels. Elmwood makes use of the hilly and well-treed landscape and creek. The par-71 track measures nearly 6,300 yards off the back tees. The demanding 7th hole is considered one of the signature holes - an uphill challenge that demands fairway accuracy. Elmwood G&CC, Swift Current, semi-private 18/71, 6348 yds., $40/18 hole Mon.-Thurs., 306-773-2722 www.elmwoodgc.com
Saskatchewan Landing Golf Resort
A couple of years ago the new championship track at Saskatchewan Landing Golf Resort opened a half hour north of Swift Current to rave reviews. It overlooks the bluffs above Lake Diefenbaker, one of the largest lakes in the province and a startling discovery when you come off the barren prairie. At 6,930-yards off the tips, its links-style is unique in Saskatchewan, resembling a desert and native prairie course such as those in Arizona. Saskatchewan Landing GR, Kyle, public 18/72, 6930 yds., $40/18 holes Mon.-Thurs., 306-375-2233 www.sasklandinggolfresort.com
East
Deer Park Golf Course
Situated just west of Yorkton, player-friendly Deer Park Golf Course is a beautiful setting anyone can enjoy. Since the 1920s when Deer Park was established and developed into one of the province's top courses, the 6,082-yard venue has hosted every major local tournament and various provincial competitions. A three-year, nearly $1 million upgrade of the par-72 course was recently completed. The signature hole 8th takes steady nerves to hit a well-guarded green from an elevated tee. Deer Park Municipal GC, Yorkton, public 18/72, 6367 yds. $37/18 holes Any Day, 306-786-1711 www.golfdeerpark.com
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