It is with a heavy heart that we share some very sad news. Suzanne Shutiak, one of the Dirty Dozen, passed away Sunday May 26th after a brief fight with ovarian cancer. Suzanne was a strong Golfaround supporter playing in the leagues, attending tournaments,  get-a-ways and international travel. We will miss her fun loving spirit and spunky spirit. Now she will become a member of the golf course in the sky and get to play again with Alison.

THE GOLF COURSE IN THE SKY
As eighteen flags flew at half mast, and
Glasses were soberly raised high
The latest member was having a ball
At the golf course in the sky

Freed from the gravity of the situation
The first tee shot soared through space
Bringing a wondrous, beaming smile
To a kind, down to earth face

Surrounded by old club friends
Once thought never to be seen again
The infinity course beckoned ahead
Eighteen holes were for mere mortal men

Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1L2) on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Church hall. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In lieu of flowers, Suzanne wanted donations to the Foothills Country Hospice Society, 322001 32 St E, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A5, Telephone: 403-995-4673, https://www.countryhospice.org/. She commented almost daily that she was amazed she didn’t have to pay for her care at the hospice. When we explained that a large part of the organization’s budget was from donations, she knew she wanted this paragraph to be part of her obituary.

 

Edmonton ladies mark your calendars,  our Day Trip this year will be held on Monday July 8 at the Coal Creek Golf Resort. Details will be on the website soon. If you haven’t played this course it is very unique with its black sand bunkers and references to its past life as a Coal Mine.  Instead of me prattling on about it – I have gratefully borrowed some words of our member, Therese Kehlers’ blog to get you excited.

Welcome to Coal Creek Golf Resort, which up until 10 years ago was fully functioning, family-owned coal mine. In 2007, the owners of Dodd’s Coal Mine wound down operations at this site and moved to a more modern facility about five kilometres away. With acres of land soon to be sitting empty, reclamation options were discussed and the idea of a championship golf course with a coal-mining theme was born.

The black sand traps aren’t the only homage to the old mine. En route to the sixth tee box, you’ll pass the old processing plant — the site’s tipple —  where coal mined from the pits was crushed down into usable sizes, then loaded into the trucks of its customers.

The mine’s last open pit forms the arena for holes 1, 4, 5 and 18. All the bodies of water were original coal pits. And around the course, pieces of retired heavy equipment are scattered between the fescue-lined fairways. As the course’s website states: “You are truly playing through coal mining history.”

To our members that have never taken one of our Day Trips – they are fun, very social and you get to meet so many members of Golfaround.  Golfing well is not a requirement – but having fun is!  Lyn Prop Edmonton Coordinator

Pat Squibb and Kristy  get to hang there hat’s on the birdie tree after Pat gets her first birdie of the season May 6th at The Winston Golf Club and Kristy sinks a long putt at Blue Devil Golf Club May 26. pretty good for the beginning of the season.  Melanie Shelley gets a personal best of 44 on 9 holes at Springbank Links.

Staying in a castle and feeling like royalty is a must when going to Ireland so how about Ireland’s most magical address, Dromoland Castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th Century. This was the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kinds of Ireland. The outside of the magnificent castle will be an imposing sight and you’ll find a world of historic grandeur supported by the finest modern comforts. The interior of the castle includes glittering chandeliers and grand staircases and the rooms are elegantly appointed in royal style. With lavish décor, indulgent dining, fabulous views and magnificent bedrooms, this is a place to feel at home.
We will appreciate the natural beauty as we stroll through the peaceful Dromoland Estate there are more than 400 acres to explore. Feed the ducks or take a boat out on the lovely lake. Why not try an archery class or enjoy a falconry experience?
We will tee off on the world class golf course. Set on the actual estate the parkland course combines gentle hills, ancient trees and unexpected water hazards, we are sure it will offer us a challenging and exhilarating experience.

KILLARNEY County Kerry
Killarney lies on the edge of the astoundingly beautiful Killarney National Park, with its three magnificent lakes and the spectacular MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. Killarney is a wonderful base for all manner of activities including angling and water sports, golf, riding, orienteering, hiking, cycling, and canoeing. The town itself is quite small but full of charm – this you will soon see as you walk down the brick footpaths and pass curious old-style shop fronts. Killarney is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. It is also renowned for its evening entertainment including many singing pubs, cabarets, dancing venues, and banquets. Traditional Irish music can also be heard in many of the local pubs on a nightly basis.
On the southwestern edge of Killarney Town lies an untamed, rugged & mountainous country. At the foot of these mountains nestle the world famous lakes of Killarney. Here, where the mountains sweep down to the lake shores, their lower slopes covered in woodlands, you’ll discover the 26,000 acre Killarney National Park . The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies, lends the area a special scenic beauty. The Park contains many features of national and international importance such as the native oakwoods and yew woods, together with an abundance of evergreen trees and shrubs. A profusion of bryophytes and lichens thrive in the mild Killarney climate. The native red deer are unique in Ireland, with a presence in the country since the last Ice Age. At the heart of the National Park is Muckross House and Gardens. The house, a late 19th century mansion features period furnishings and artefacts and is a major visitor attraction in itself.
Some of our golf experience here will be Killeen Golf Course. Killeen is a pièce de resistance at Killarney Golf Club, and there is very good reason for such a grand statement. The backdrop to Killeen is something very special indeed and provides golfers with a spectacle that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The wonderful lake and mountain views make for a spectacular backdrop to one of the world’s most renowned golf courses.
We will also enjoy playing one of Ireland’s oldest links Golf Courses. Dooks is a a truly magical location for a stunning golf course. Experience breathtaking views and a unique links challenge that golfers have enjoyed since 1889. Dooks Golf Club, situated in a panoramic setting in a corner of Dingle Bay which is on the Wild Atlantic Way was founded in 1889 and is one of the ten oldest Golf Clubs in Ireland. Golf was first played on this particular stretch of true sea-side links by soldiers from The Curragh (where golf came to Ireland in 1883), who were billeted in nearby Glenbeigh for artillery practice on the Rossbeigh dunes. For the golfer who is seeking a beautiful and tranquil environment to enjoy great golf, Dooks presents a convincing case. Dooks is not as exposed as some Irish courses and features an amazing variety of gorse, heather and wild flowers, the “gentle” wind is never far away and the narrow genuine sandy fairways and well contoured greens offer you a real taste of traditional links golf at its very best.

This year we had a chauffeur, Gord Dodd, take us to the airport for our 6th annual Spring Training in Palm Springs. He did a great job but indicated that he didn’t get a tip. We were remiss in this so made a point to give him a tip on our return trip, a golf tip that is!!
Golf tips were not few and far between at our lessons at the Desert Princess Golf & Country Club, our pros, Rand, Patty & Bill were more than generous in providing us with many very useful tips. Everyone remarked how much they enjoyed the lessons and the valuable information they took away.
A wine & cheese meet and  greet kicked off our training week and it is always great to visit with all the participants.
The instruction this year was planned at three different stations which we rotated through. The three pros each had a different teaching style which was a fresh approach to golf fundamentals. Patty offered some excellent drills that were very beneficial in assisting us to properly load our backswing and improve our driving distance. Rand gave some great putting and chipping advice as well as reinforcing the benefits of positive thinking and visualization. After our putting and chipping session Kristy had 6 one putts…I don’t 1 putt….hold on positive thought ……I got this…keep it positive. Bill reinforced the importance of practice, he suggested that we try to practice while listening to some tunes. He also showed us a new way to pitch which worked quite well….have to practice though. If we took anything away it was  write it down; practice, practice, this should be our goal this year.
The Escena Nine and Dine was enjoyed by both groups again this year. Always a favourite, great track, Louise wanted to take one of the bunnies home, they are so cute.
We enjoyed the golf and the 19th hole on their gorgeous patio but it did get a bit cool when the wind got up, the heaters took the chill off though.
As usual the pool was a great hit so refreshing after our lessons or our golf, the sunshine felt good too. Even though the dollar sucks many of us found some great and not so great, but had to have buys at one of the many favorite shopping haunts. We found some new places to eat and drink which will definitely become do overs. In a grungy strip mall on East Vista Chino in Palm Springs a sign went up earlier this year between the smoke shop and a cannabis dispensary. It reads “Bar/Food,” and has locals descending in droves. Literally, on any given night, it’s difficult to find a seat at Palm Springs’ hottest new watering hole. Paul Bar was recommended to a couple of our group by their UBER driver
A group of us experienced Paul’s Bar which is partly the East Coast ambiance: plush beige bar stools, Asian artwork, walls painted in Manhattan blue, and an ornate mahogany bar with mirrored back. Plus, the “Dog Hall,” featuring black-framed photos of patrons’ pooches, on the way to the bathroom modeled after those in New York City subway stations. But it’s more so the classic cocktails made with precision by O’Halloran – and the bowtie-wearing owner himself. Watching the bar tender make the drinks was an experience itself. Mel tried the house specialty the CosmoPaul, He uses five-times-distilled Irish Boru vodka (not citrus-based, like many choose to incorporate) then adds triple sec, fresh lime juice instead of lemon, a hint of agave and “a whisper” of cranberry juice to create a non-sweet, dusty rose masterpiece served with a lemon twist. I do believe she enjoyed, yum yum. We will be back
We wrapped up with everyone coming together enjoying Sangria compliments of Lynn, Edie and Patricia.

Can’t wait for next year.

When you decide you want to learn to golf you usually do not have golf clubs. We advise you not to purchase until you have had some lessons. You need to see if you like the game and your teaching professional can help you make the right choice when you decided to buy.  As golfers we are always buying something new so we start quite the collection of golf equipment. Below is equipment from both Calgary & Edmonton clients ranging from Free to $250 and the contacts phone # and/or e-mail so you can contact them directly if you are interested.

CALGARY 

Nike woods, driver 3,5,7 $100 or best offer

Foldable pull cart $15

Contact Beatrice 587-228-9998

TaylorMade clubs; used a couple of seasons, some not used at all asking $250

4,5,6 hybrid rbz; 6,7,8,9 irons rbz; Sand wedge rbz; 3,5 Woods rbz

Taylormade white smoke putter

TaylorMade Black bag

Contact Angie angie.larson@shaw.ca

Set of Callaways, without the putter & a hallway golf bag $100

Contact Jane  email:  mckjane@shaw.ca 403 861-2941

A new right hand set with bag never used $150

Contact Emily  403.284.8419

Golf bag in good condition Free (cart bag so it’s a little heavier)

Contact Donna donnaleegr1@gmail.com

Adams golf cart bag (BAG ONLY)  Free

Contact Alicia alyciadberg@gmail.com

TaylorMade Kalea Putter; click here for details

Contact Cindy cinbooth@gmail.com

Ashley Lopez Clubs (no driver but woods, irons and hybrids) $40

Contact Louise Scoble 403 863 9507

Offers on everthing below

Adams Clubs comes with cart bag $500

Goliath Clubs comes with carry bag $200

Contact Alison Tang  alison.tang@shaw.ca

Ping or Ogio Golf Bag

Ping Rhapsody Driver 14 degree; Callaway Razorhawk Driver 11.5 degree

Cobra Baffler Rail #3 Hybrid 22 degree; Taylormade r&max #5 Fairway

Ping #6 Iron

3 odyssey Putters

Set of Callawy 2X0 Irons (9 clubs total)

Contact  Theresa Elford  tmeandnje@shaw.ca

Give-Away

Nancy Lopez Clubs Driver, 3 wood, Irons- 7, 8, 9, pitching & sand wedge

Cobra 5 & 6 rescue

Taylor Made 2 rescue clubs

Rossa spider putter

Contact Marielle Galibois 403 238-4479

EDMONTON

Push Cart needs a new home Free

Contact Lynn Stolarchuk stolarchuk@shaw.ca

Golf umbrella (with Garda logo) free

Nancy Lopez  3 hybrid 18 degree loft $20 or obo

Taylor Made R5 driver 12 degree loft $20 or obo

Taylor Made V Steel 5 wood 18 degree loft with club head cover  $20 obo

Taylor Made V Steel 3 wood 15 degree loft with club head cover $20 or obo

Taylor Made Rossa putter $10

Contact Joey joey@permitsolutions.ca

The indoor practice has been a hit this winter, numbers hit 30 at the Eaglequest North Dome at Fox Hollow after the cold took a break, I think that is a record. The National Golf Academy Dome in the south brought out people we have never seen in the winter and numbers were max’d each time. Thanks to both venues for making it a terrific experience and thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy. Bonnie Gingerysty a farm girl from Saskatchewan treated us to some Portugal wines at our wine tasting at the last organized practice session at the South Dome.  Practice will continue in the north through to the end of April and you should see some additional outside practice facilities starting to open. We are very fortunate to have the indoor domes in Calgary it something I think the Edmonton ladies would love to have.

VEST Keep warm golfing this spring in a stylish Stormtech softshell logo’d vest. Its outer shell is engineered to keep you warm and dry despite changes in the weather.
Colours: Red; Black; Carbonheather; ElectricBlue ; Kiwi ; Navyheather
Sizes XS to XXL Also available in men’s sizes

Golfaround Price $59.99 plus GST

PACKABLE JACKET When you need to layer when playing at the start of the season or if you are traveling to a climate where the weather is changeable, this fully packable jacket lets you bring it everywhere you go. Easy to stow and ready to keep you dry when needed, available in amazing colours, white, red, blue, black, green all with grey accents. This lightweight logo’d jacket packs away into the lower left pocket. It features Shieldtech properties, water resistant coating and wind resistant. As well as, contrast reverse coil centre front zipper with easy grip pull, lower concealed reverse coil zipper pockets, elasticized sleeve cuffs with thumb exit and back ventilation.
Sizes; XS to XXXL Also available in men’s sizes.

Golfaround Price $47.99 plus GST