This year, our esteemed Mystery Bus trip was indeed filled with surprises. We initiated our planning ahead of time by obtaining information and booking Drumheller before Christmas. We priced our package and received an overwhelming response. However, communicating with the authorities in Drumheller proved challenging, and when we finally did manage to reach them, we were frustrated to find that the pricing had changed. This raised concerns about how things would be managed, prompting us to go back to the drawing board to find a replacement location.

Firstly, we consulted George at Alberta Coach, who inquired, “What happened to Drumheller?” It is important to note that a motor coach driver’s hours of service are strictly regulated by Federal and Provincial laws, which limit the number of hours a driver can operate in a day. Our alternative golf course required a longer drive, necessitating a new pick-up location closer to the south since Alberta Coach is based in Okotoks, and the driver’s hours start upon picking up the coach. Additionally, we had to arrange for a shotgun start to reduce our playing time. This arrangement was negotiated but incurred an additional charge per person. In our 25-plus years, we have never encountered so many unexpected developments. To further complicate matters, on the night before our event, we discovered that the course had been closed for two days due to heavy rain, leaving us uncertain about what to expect.

We boarded the bus at Southcentre, with everyone speculating about our destination. As we headed south, guesses included Picture Butte, Paradise Canyon, Henderson Lake, and others. Upon passing through Lethbridge, most participants were stumped, except for Deb Culhane, who correctly guessed Magrath and won the pot—congratulations, Deb.

Upon our arrival at the Magrath Golf Club, we found everything prepared for us, and the conditions were excellent. There was a flurry of activity as we decorated our carts according to the theme: Wine & Roses. The decorations were impressive, and the club took photographs to commemorate their 100-year anniversary, having been in operation since 1925. The course was in great shape and it really is a hidden gem, with beautiful scenery, challenging play and good vibes. We finished our day with a very tasty roast beef dinner followed by prizes and fun. We enjoyed the day and I do believe the participants did as well.

MOB’s or Moments of Brillance – we count on you and others to let us know your golf acomplishements, this is what we’ve heard so far this season. Melanie Shelley Par’s  #16 hole at Glen Eagles and those that have played at Glen Eagles know that this is a very tough hole to even make the green. It is a long drop and the wind is usually not your friend from up there. What I want to know is – where is your picture in the picture frame? Beginner Jody Brown gets her 1st birdie on #5 of Shaganappi Valley 9 and Bonnie Williams gets a nice long drive – 200 ish.

Mulligan’s  are do overs and sometimes we do things that we wish we could take back & other times we hope nobody saw the crazy thing we have done. Catherine Hawn witnessed Nicki Heikkinen’s “Hole-in-One” (The ball fell into a drainage pipe on the 10th fairway) on the Magrath Golf course, this year’ s Mystery Bus Trip destination.

Carnmoney’s Tiffany Gordon and Jonathan West hosted the outdoor Swing Improvement session. With the sky’s looking like they may open up on us, always proactive, they organized the power carts in a semi circle on the driving range to protect us just in case. Mother nature however was kind and the storm blew another way not raining on our parade. After our outdoor session I do think we have a better understanding of the role of golf clubs; what they do and why good shots happen or don’t. I am sure we all came away with some Aha moments. A question about sand and clubs took us down to the short game area where we learned some great tactics for getting out of the sand and some good course management decisions. We finished up having dinner overlooking the beautiful golf course, with awesome staff looking after us and some great company.

One of our members requested information on the official rules of golf and how they come into play with our Golfaround league. When there is nothing on the line but fun recreational golf should be an enjoyable experience, trying to remember and deciphers the official rules can get in the way of a good time. The Rules of Golf are extremely detailed and difficult to interpret; in fact there are courses offered to teach and clarify.

As golfers we should be aware of the rules as they should be used for competitive play, but for a game among friends or a non- competitive league like Golfaround relaxed rules make the game easier, faster and more fun. These are simply common-sense practices. We will identify a condensed version of the official rules and follow this with the relaxed version.

One Stroke Penalty Plus Distance

The penalty for hitting a ball out of bounds is one stroke, and the player must return to the spot from where the previous stroke was played. For instance, if a golfer’s tee shot goes out of bounds, they will play their next shot from the tee box, counting it as their third stroke.

Water Hazards

·         If the ball goes into a water hazard, the player can:

o   Drop the ball near the spot where the last shot was played.

o   Drop the ball behind the hazard, keeping the line between the hole and where the ball crossed the hazard. The player can drop as far back as desired.

o   For lateral hazards, drop within two club-lengths of the entry point or on the opposite side of the hazard, both options with a one-stroke penalty.

If unsure whether the ball is in the hazard, treat it as lost or out of bounds under the stroke-and-distance rule.

The player can clean the ball if found in the hazard or replace it with another ball.

·         If a shot lands in another hazard after hitting from a water hazard:

o   Drop the ball near the previous spot, taking a one-stroke penalty.

Alternatively, follow Rule 26-1 steps with a penalty or return to the tee or the original hitting spot with a penalty.

The Golfaround way:

PENALTIES: All penalties should be one stroke, including out of bounds, water and lateral hazards, a lost ball and an unplayable lie. Drop a ball near where the original was lost and play on. This will also save on time and arguments over the interpretations of the golf’s most complex rules. When scoring though it will be as above, one in, one out counting three.

“She Plays Golf festivals feature inclusive programming for women and girls, addressing gaps in the participation pathway and introducing new women and girls to the game in a safe, fun and judgement-free environment.” Join us for the 2025 She Plays Golf Festival, a celebration of golf for women and girls of all ages and abilities. Sign up for a “Jr Girls Tee it Up!”, Learn to Scramble, or “Golf 101 event, or get involved as a volunteer! Learn more and register today at SHEPLAYSGOLF.CA

The kick off social at Valley Ridge Golf Club was a sight to behold, 140 women all excited to see the start of another fabulous season playing a game they love.  This is the first time we have held our kick-off at Valley Ridge. It is a great location and the staff were so helpful and great to work with.  Breanne was very organized and offered some great suggestions and Keisha was a such an asset when it came to the electronics and made our life easy. There is something powerful about a group of women coming together, not to play golf but to lift each other up, laugh out loud and build connections that will last far beyond the 18th hole. Looking back over the past 29 years we have seen so many beautiful friendships develop within the confines of Golfaround. I will not mention any names as I may miss some, but you know who you are. For Kristy and I, we too have made some amazing friendships and we are so very grateful for that. We love to see old friends at the social and it is great to also meet the new members and potential new friends.

Tiffany Gordon was unable to be there in person as she had to be in Huston for  LPGA meetings but we beamed her in and she again inspired us with her words of wisdom. During her commentary a well known professional golfer who plays on the US LPGA tour popped in to say goodbye to Tiff and give us all a wave, what a treat. Yani Tseng is a Taiwanese Pro golfer and the youngest player, male or female to ever win five major championships and place #1 in Women’s World Golf Rankings for 109 consecutive weeks. She is only 4 points away from qualifying for the World Golf Hall of Fame, wow.

In the world of recreational golf, it’s not just about the swing or the scorecard—it’s about showing up for yourself and each other. It’s about high-fives after a good shot, encouragement after a miss, and the kind of camaraderie that turns strangers into teammates and teammates into friends.

Golfaround™ is built for women, by women, and we are trying to change the game. Our members are welcoming, inclusive, and most of all, fun. No judgment, no pressure—just sunshine, a little friendly competition, and a lot of support. We blend in at the golf courses we play at as we dress appropriately, have great etiquette and keep the pace. I remember many years ago at Rivers Edge when Joanne was still alive, there was a foursome of men who were following us and they were complaining to her about following a bunch of women. Joanne informed them “don’t worry guys they will be way ahead of you, you probably  won’t even see them.”

This is more than a game. It’s a movement. It’s women saying, “We belong here. We’ve got each other’s backs. And we’re going to have a blast doing it.”

Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or have a few rounds under your belt, remember: confidence grows when women support women.

So get ready to grab your clubs, and let’s tee off into something extraordinary—together.

Occasionally, when you meet someone for the first time, you sense that they are someone extraordinary, whom you wish to get to know better. Donna was that kind of person; her radiant smile, positive and cheerful attitude, and zest for life made her stand out even in our initial encounter. Donna joined Golfaround in 2022 along with her friends Erin and Shelley, who were equally amiable and supportive. Donna was very eager to learn and enhance her golf skills, and she achieved notable progress. We played together at Redwood Meadows, where her ability to recall lesson material was remarkable, likely attributable to her teaching background.

Donna passed away on April 14 at the age of 63, following a brave seven-month battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. She will be reunited with her husband, her soul mate, who passed away in 2017. Her two daughters are profoundly affected by her loss but will undoubtedly continue her legacy of optimism and kindness. We will deeply miss Donna, and as her family has expressed, “she would remind all of us to take each day to improve the lives of others.” A beautiful sentiment that resonates is:

We will think of you when butterflies

Take rest upon a flower

Reminding me how beautiful

And fragile is life’s hour

As the spring season approaches, we are looking forward to returning to the golf course after winter. The schedule will soon be available, and you will be informed when it is posted on the website. With the end of the winter months and longer days, there is anticipation for the start of the golf season. Some individuals have already completed their lessons, while others are halfway through. Preparing for the season can be challenging if fundamentals such as the golf swing, grip, alignment, and posture are neglected. Those who have been practicing at the dome on Thursday evenings may find these fundamentals easier to recall.

Practicing regularly is an effective way to prepare for the golf season, whether you’re a beginner or experienced golfer. If winter practice was not possible, practicing your swing at home can be beneficial. Additionally, dedicating time to practice putting, chipping, and other short game skills can help ease the transition back to the course.

Mental preparation is equally important for a successful start to the golf season. Developing a game plan and visualizing each shot can help maintain focus and reduce nerves during the first round of the year. Visualize successful shots, trust in your abilities, and remember past successes to build mental resilience. Instead of fearing potential setbacks, adhere to routines and maintain a clear mind.

Keep your golf clubs in top shape by cleaning and tuning them before play. Check grips, shafts, heads, and other components for good condition.

Remember basic golf etiquette, like keeping pace and being respectful of the course. Follow rules and regulations to enhance your experience.

Pace yourself during your first round. Set realistic goals, focus on fun, and stay hydrated with regular breaks. Appreciate the opportunity to play, enjoy great shots, and be kind to yourself and others when struggling.

Preparing for the season can be easy with proper ground work. Practice your swing and follow these tips for a great start to the golf season!