Could have been the company, might have been the wine

No matter the cause we were  all feeling  fine

No more isolation, we can mingle again

We loved doing that and the group felt the same

Great golf and fabulous weather

So very good to be all together

Wasn’t that a party?

Arriving at Kokanee Springs we were thrilled to see familiar faces unpacking their vehicles and mulling around seeing old friends and hugging again, it had been far too long. Kokanee offered us great accommodation, great golf and a very warm welcome. We all gathered for a meet and greet at Wood’s Pumphouse and Grill and had a lovely surprise, Grand Marnier for all, on the house, they so appreciated having our group there and we very much enjoyed our stay. A do over for sure. The ferry from Crawford Bay to Balfour was very scenic, a little bit smoky from the fires but still very lovely. Arriving in Nelson we were happy to see the smoke dissipate and excited to be playing the following day. We checked into the Hume Hotel & Spa what a great place for sure and a few surprises as well. The hotel was constructed in 1898 and has been totally renovated, retaining many of the hidden treasures that were discovered during the renovation. When you walk through the doors you will feel the character and warmth of the hotel. The staff were very friendly and attentive and we all enjoyed the great hot breakfast that was included with our stay. Think Eggs Benny and a menu with the choice of four awesome breakfast meals, served hot, not buffet style, what a treat. The rooms were spacious and unique in design. Folklore has it that the Hume still retained the energy from people who have stayed there in the past and is inhabited by “caretaker ghosts”, there has been reports of guests seeing and hearing things, including a couple of our group…………….could have been the martinis, could have been the wine LOL.

Balfour golf course was one of the favorites we think, it wasn’t easy to say the least, a shot makers golf course, especially the back nine. We encountered lots of raised tees and greens and many elevation changes, sometimes we were reminded of the Kusadasi Golf Course that we played in Turkey. It was a fun course to play regardless of the score. Our next round at Granite Pointe was also very challenging. The course is under new management and I am sure that there will be many future improvements. The conditions were on the dry side but the greens were fair, good job because we played the Sock Game, so much fun. We raised $65.00 which Golfaround will match and donate to Enviros “a Calgary-based social services agency that delivers programming to: children and teens who require intensive short- and long-term live-in programs, young adults in need of wilderness addiction treatment, Albertans of all ages diagnosed with FASD, young adults transitioning out of “the system”, and the families and caregivers of all of these individuals.”  There are some goofy holes where you need your mountain climbing gear but it was fun, and dangerous at the same time. The dry conditions added to the challenge of approaching the green off wildly kicking mounds, not always a fun shot. Nelson was a great destination, there were so many awesome restaurants and patios within walking distance offering all kinds of ethnic fare as well as a great menu at the Hume on their newly made patio which we made good use of for sure.

Rossland was our next spot, a tad smaller than Nelson, however our stay at the Prestige Mountain Resort was very enjoyable and the staff were accommodating making sure we were all looked after. We did not have the  abundance of eating choices but Gabriella’s at the Prestige was great, awesome food, large portions and friendly staff. The prestige did not have a common meeting area but that did not stop us from gathering in Mel & Gord’s room tasting replacements for our depleted  Birdie juice, Gord got way too many Birdies. How about Sheep Dog Peanut Butter wiskey or Revel Stoke toasted pecan whiskey……yummy.

Redstone Resort was the first game we played in this leg.  Jeff and the staff were excellent, happy and friendly! The course was
beautiful and challenging with amazing views. Lots of elevations, what else would you expect in the middle of the Kootenays? The mountain surroundings combined with the towering trees provided a secluded feel and the rugged terrain covered with chutes, streams and ravines guaranteed a unique landscape on every hole. The greens appeared large but some of the subtle rolls made for careful maneuvering. When we talked to Jeff, previously, he bet us that we would, for sure, see more than one little black bear. We saw one on Hole #15 and he wasn’t that small and much too close for our comfort. The next day we hit the road to go to Christina Lake Golf Club. The road is very high and there were a few times that visibility was obscured by clouds, thank goodness that did not last for too long. The views were outstanding and after a short drive we arrived at the golf course. While we were waiting to tee off we saw someone coming towards us and OMG none other than Lynn Stolarchuk, who was the coordinator in Edmonton a few years back, what a great surprise, they were on their way home. We started our play at Christina with more than one not so good shot and thought it must be because it is too flat LOL. As the game progressed the play improved and it was a nice respite from our mountain treks. The course was in great shape, we saw lots of deer and the staff were friendly and helpful. The pro shop was well stocked and had some great sales. Last but certainly in high contention for a top spot on our list was Castlegar Golf Club. The course is long with lots of steep hills but a really nice mix mountainous and parkland. It is designed to challenge but we encountered many interesting shots and scenic views during our game. The players assistants were great and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. The restaurant offered great food and the staff was friendly. There is a sign that says that bears have the right of way and believe me we certainly did give the cinnamon bear on hole #9 the right of way. In addition on our way, getting out of Rossland, we saw yet another bear crossing the road. All in all Castlegar was one of our favorites and a hidden gem for sure.

Looking back we had so much fun, sometimes a little too much fun and this is a trip that we would not hesitate to do again, it was great golf at affordable prices, fabulous accommodation and friendly folk, what more could you ask for?

I am sorry to say Lyn Propp will not be returning as the Edmonton Coordinator, her personal life will take a new direction so she will not be able to manage the Coordinator role. We want to thank her for working through 2 very challenging years, I will miss her witty sense of humor helping us both stay sane during crazy times. She looked after organizing the golf games for those members that deferred their membership in 2020 to 2021 with no compensation, and although we paid her in 2021 there were a number of surprizes that needed some quick and creative action. We will be looking for a new Edmonton Coordinator, if you or you know someone that is interested please contact Kristy Hutton at golf4u@golfaround.ca for more information about the role.

There was a great turnout for the last game for the Beginner League at Crystal Ridge Golf Course, so a scramble was planned to end the season with some fun. It was a beautiful night and we saw so many deer, Mom and Dad and their fawns, it was great, the starter informed us that they had had many does, fawns and also a couple of bucks that we did not see. Half way through our round we heard much whooping and hollering and thought someone must have got a birdie or something, but guess what they were having the time of their lives riding in the cart enjoying the roller coaster ride, with their hands in the air. Throughout the rounds there were many “member rebates” where the ball entered the sand, jumped out, hit a rock and ended up on the fairway, how sweet is that? then there was Kerry’s chip-in for a birdie, so exciting, their team name was Crazy Birds. The scores were all very close and I think some of the team players may not be Beginners, they are playing a very good game for sure. The winning teem BKMN came in with a 38 and the Chicks were close behind at 39. The restaurant staff were good enough to stay open for us so we were able to indulge in some beverages and great food following our round. It was a great way to end a great season. We did try to have a Golfaround Wind-up but unfortunately we were unable to nail down a venue to do it this season, next year we will be able to plan this earlier and have a better result.

On August 21 the Edmonton Golfaround ladies met to celebrate the end of the season by golfing at the PineRidge Golf Resort.  For those of you who are not familiar with Pineridge it is an absolute must play while in the Edmonton Area.  This 12 hole course with tough rounded greens – I call them teacup greens – is so much fun.  Not only are there bunkers but serious water hazards that contain Alligators! Yes, you heard it here.  And there are a few blind spot holes in which they use a unique mirror system to ensure safe play. Check out our photos. It is located by Seba Beach and Wabamun approximately a 45 minute drive out of the city.

The weather was perfect – and everyone was ready to play.  And for the first time ever (at least in my mind) for golfaround – we had a gentleman join our group for our Play Day.  Cameron who is a self-described “honey” of Donna fit right in with his group.

Plus, rumour has it that Lorie Baddock scored a Birdie on #10 and hope someone had birdie juice to celebrate.

As well – Michelle Nachai scored her very first Birdie – this is her first year with Golfaround in our Beginner League.  Congratulations!

The day was capped off with cocktails and food at the 9 Iron Grill also known as the Los Toritos Grill and Patio.

And finally, one of our members Therese K., said it the best:

“I would like to say that Saturday’s day at Pine Ridge summed up everything I love about Golfaround. It was a beautiful day and a fun course but best of all was being in a group with three “strangers” — Golfarounders whose paths I hadn’t crossed before — who were an absolutely delight.

Like many days in this league, some of the best information I write on my scorecard is the names of the other women in my group.”
Written by Lyn Propp Edmonton Coordinator

As we come to the end of our 2021 season we hope we have come to the end of the disruptions we have faced for the past two years. We have survived business and school closures, stay-at-home orders, face masks curfews, social distancing, and remote work. We were very grateful for the support from the golf courses it allowed us some sense of normalcy and helped us keep our sanity. Now we can look forward to 2022 with excitement as we plan to get back to a more normal environment. Some of the golf courses have already replaced the rakes back in the bunkers, I was just getting used to not having to rake my tracks, darn. I will also miss the different touchless ball retriever systems, they were really great and leaving the flag in does speed up play.

As we start to plan for 2022 we are deciding where we will hit balls in the winter months: where will the Mystery Bus Trip be; where to go for that special play and stay? it is so good to be thinking of all these things that we used to take for granted.

Looking back over this past season we have more MOBs, moments of brilliance and a few Mulligans too. How do you think Shawnna felt after having a great drive, and an even better second shot that went right into the hole, an eagle!!! or not….. as it bounced out and went into a ditch. We almost witnessed a hole in one at Muirfield Lakes as Doreen almost got a second one almost a year after her first in 2020. However Karen Hawkes did get a hole in one at Lynx Ridge hole #17, congratulations. Cheryl Worthy chipped in for a par on Heritage #4 a par 5 at Highwood and Paula Albers birdied #12 at Bearspaw, we got to have birdie juice too, yum yum. and I got an honest 8 on that huge long hole at Bearspaw, sure thought I would get at least a 10, probably more and then I pared the next hole. Celia got an eagle at Lil Devil, good for you.

Start up this season in Red Deer was great we had 16 gals who joined and learned that girls just want to have fun. Peggy, a member that has been away from golf for a number of years, got her first par, way to go. She really enjoyed her lessons at Lakewood with Jordon, she had never had lessons before. We did try to meet everyone at their last game but unfortunately the much needed rain changed the plans. Theodora did a great job and plans to be back next season. Thanks Theo for a job well done. Thanks also to Scott Bergdahl for helping get Red Deer Golfaround off the ground.

“Take me into the future ‘cause I know it’s goin’ to be better”. Bring on 2022.

I am sure we will all agree that 2021 has been a challenging and stressful year. We experienced a lot of on again off again challenges but we made it through having fun as well. We know that a constructive way to deal with this is to spend time doing things we really enjoy and what better way than spending time on the golf course. The peaceful surroundings are therapeutic and then there are those moments that make us cheer, laugh, high five or sometimes jump for joy. We asked our members to recall some of those moments and we have summarized them as best we could.

There are a few wildlife stories and I don’t mean our members. Watch out for the crow at Mickelson National on the first hole, he loves pretty pink balls and took Deborah’s away to add to his stash. Beavers also seem to like the limelight at both Fox Hollow and Sirocco.

I think this memory really identifies why Golfaround is here “We had choices but our foursome took the challenges and did not use the forward tees. When we all hit our balls and even my dear friend Cathy K made it over the gulley and landed on the green. We cheered and hugged.”

This is who we are are, strong women who feel the fear and do it anyway. Another quote also adds it all up for 2021 “The weather has been great, the variety of courses has been so enjoyable!! And just to be out enjoying and being with wonderful women has been such a welcome activity!!

We also had some MOB’s, we will always remember the big ones!! a long par from Carole Anne; a great chip in from Christine and I do believe Cheryl had her fair share of Pars. This all happened at Sirocco not an easy track. Verness had her MOB, she chipped into the hole from 20 to 25 yards out and we witnessed an almost hole in one……….it would have been her second almost a year to the day later. Doreen’s ball landed about 6 inches from the hole, a birdie and we had the juice at Muirfield lakes. Shaunna had a true mulligan moment at Mickelsen National ‘s #5 her second shot on this par 4 bounced out of the hole and flew off into a gully. yikes. Would have been an Eagle!!!

Something a little COVID related but true is the following “Most everyone has abandoned pulling the flag when putting out. I love that – really speeds things up. Not sure about the return of the rakes in the bunkers.

Here are a few more quotable quotes:

“Beautiful evening to golf!!  Only slightly hazy from the smoke…I was away from golf for the past 5 years and Golfaround allowed me to meet up with enthusiastic and welcoming women golfers. This has been a wonderful return to the game I love – thanks!”

 And evening golfing summer of 2021 with basically no mosquitoes – not exciting but true 😆

I am a first year golf around member and could not be happier about joining. I have met some wonderful ladies and also got my first true par this year – no toe kicks involved 🙂 

Having lessons at Cottonwood is another favorite memory – I always love the first glimpse of the  fairways and greens  at the entrance to the club – so peaceful and inviting.

My third memory should be first because it pertains to the feeling of hope again that I felt when I saw the email that we would be able to sign up to play again.  I just want to say thanks again for making it so easy for us to enjoy the game of golf.

Thanks to everyone for their input. Some of these memories will stay with us forever and as life goes on I am sure the challenges of the past two years will not be forgotten. We are so grateful that everyone was so supportive and flexible and thank you all. Can’t wait to have some more memorable moments hopefully on a Mystery Bus Trip or a Play & Stay…….bring on 2022.

Golf certainly became popular with many taking up the game, continuing to play or revisiting the sport after taking a few years off. It seemed like a great time to see if  there would be interest in Central Alberta. Thanks to support and an introduction from Scott Bergdahl we were able to plan a program in Central Alberta.  This year we offered a Spring Tune Up for the intermediate players and Level 1 Beginner lessons at the Lakewood Golf Resort with both Scott and Jordan Jensen teaching. The ladies have also had the opportunity to play at a different golf course each week experiencing some very nice courses in Central Alberta. Thank you to Balmoral, Innisfail, Sylvan Lake, Spirit Creek, Lakewood, Ponoka, Alberta Springs, Lacombe, Whispering Pines and Wolf Creek for supporting our program.

A big thank you to my long time friend Theodora Bradley (Red Deer Coordinator) for wanting to help get it started in Red Deer and for Desiree’s perseverance and determination to make sure we had our numbers to run. It was a challenging start but thanks to some enthusiastic and flexible ladies Golfaround Red Deer was born June 1 2021.

I only have a couple to post this month. If you have an exceptional moment you would like to share, send us the details and we will make sure you get your moment of glory. Colleen Flinta got a Birdie on Hole #7 at Wintergreen, she had a beauty shot on and we made her take her time with her putt. Too bad I forgot the birdie juice. It was a “hot” one last night at Sirocco and I think Sharon Sandwell was on fire, she had great game and her highlight was chipping in to the hole.