Golfaround

Golf Programs for Women

Established 1997

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

News Desk

The Golfaround Chronicles 2014 to 2015

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In 2014 we launched our new website and implemented on-line registrations and payments, what a bonus that was not only for us but your feedback was so positive. Instead of quarterly newsletters we now had the challenge of providing monthly news feeds but it has improved our communication and keeps you informed.

Sundowners,  a bi-monthy mixed league, introduced in 2012, continued to provide us some great outings and good fun. The third annual Palm Springs Spring Training carried on in 2014 and Patty and Troy still did a great job of tweeking our swings and getting us back on track. We had a bit of a challenge with wind there in 2014, we had never seen sand drifts on the road, just snow. After 2015 we had to take a hiatus as our dollar was not great and it was difficult to make the pricing attractive, but watch out we plan to return soon, maybe 2017. Some of our more memorable outings include but were not limited to The Wilderness Club in Eureka Montana, a Play & Stay at The Copper Point Resort, a Mad Hatter Tee Party and a couple of kick-off Nine and Dines.

The Wilderness ClubWe went to the Wilderness Club twice in 2014 we took over both the Lodge and the cottages as we had 44 participants. In 2015 we went again but chose to only utilzize the cottages as we found the Lodge too far away and split the group somewhat. We had a wonderful time the weather was fabulous and the golf very enjoyable. The Copper Point Resort has great amenities and our digs were outstanding we had fun golfing but did have to contend with some rain last year, our rounds were a bit damp. The Mystery Bus Trip theme was a Mad Hatter Tee Party and we had more than one surprise. The destination was Pine Hills Golf Course in Rocky Mountain House and the Edmonton crew joined us there. Both Calgary and Edmonton gals did an amazing job of their hat creations.

We tried to start our season with a Nine and Dine rather than the usual Orientation/ Social but 2014 saw us snowed out at Inglewood. The weather outside was frightful but the ambiance inside  delightful. We tried to bring an essence of Spring to improve the setting for what was going to be a Spring Fever Nine & Dine. This is Calgary and we all know that May can throw us some curve balls. Despite the conditions outside the event was a huge success, what a great turnout. Inglewood provided us with a great meal and of course the wine is always good. We tried again at Fox Hollow in 2015, we did golf but it was a tad chilly so we have come to the conclusion that Calgary weather patterns really does not support this type of season opener. We went back to the Orientation/Social in 2016 and guess what you could have got a sunburn it was that warm! Murphy’s Law I guess.

Our trip to Turkey was everything we dreamed about and so much more. Feedback from the group indicates it was the “best trip yet” and I do believe they are right, it was amazing. Turkey is considered to be one of the richest countries in terms of archaeology and is by far the biggest “open air museum” of the world. We were very fortunate to be able to see the marvelous remains of many ancient cultures and thanks to our amazing tour guide Tansu we embraced ancient history, acquired cultural insite and political and religious doctrines.

Our adventure commenced in Kusadasi, on the Aegean coast of Turkey and it is one of the most famous holiday resorts of the country. We loved our beautiful beachfront hotel where we could jump into the Agean from the sun bathing deck and watch the cruise ships, and see the sun set from our balconies. Kusadasi’s proximity to many of the old historic sites made it a great place to start. The ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, has to be seen to be believed, we walked where prophets walked and saw the chariot ruts in the roads, unbelievable. In addition, the House of the Virgin Mary, one of the most sacred places for Christianity, was spiritualy and visually uplifting.

Then there was our first round of golf at the Kusadasi Golf Club. On our drive to the course I am sure we all wondered where we were going as we climbed, and climbed and climbed. Wow, what an awesome location a 360º view and our first experience with call to the pray off in the distance. It was a difficult round, everything rolled out of site and it certainly was a ball eating course but absolutely beautiful and worth every lost ball.

We experienced the Temple of Aphrodite at amazing Aphrodisias on our way to Pamukkale and were seduced by the collection of sculptural treasures, We saw the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. We marveled at the tea-cup shaped pools of this ‘Cotton Castle’ cascade with light blue water which covered the hill side in a waterfall of white and ice blue. While we were here we also experienced The Sacrifice Feast, a four-day religious festival. The Sacrifice Feast traditions in Turkey include sacrificing an animal in a special ritual, visiting relatives and helping the poor. Helen and Donna were invited to share the meal with locals but they graciously declined.

We then drove over the Taurus Mountains towards the Mediterranean and our all-inclusive golf resort where we stayed for the next eight days. The resort was wonderful, excellent accommadation, great food, awesome golf and lots of sea and sun, who could ask for more. But there was more, we visited a Turkish bath, the Hellenistic or Roman city of Perge to visit the extensive ruins, including the great Theatre at Aspendos, the Stadium, and the gate-towers leading into a street where ancient chariot ruts can still be see. Last but not least was an amazing day at sea frolicking in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Our golf here was wonderful, stunning courses in close to pristine shape, challenging but forgiving and very enjoyable.

Cappadocia, was spectacular with the amazing rock formations, painted cave churches and underground cities. It was even more spectacular when seen from our hot air balloon, what a WOW moment that was.

Last was Istanbul with the beautiful Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome where Roman chariot races were held. We also marveled at the splendor of St Sophia, the Topkapi and Dolmabahce Palaces. We cruised the Bosphorus, the waterway that separates the Asian and European continents and connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, a very busy and important waterway. We savored the aromas of the Spice bazar and practised the time-honored ritual of bargaining in the Grand Bazar.

 

This and That

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What a surprise on the 11th hole at Maple Ridge, Erla a new member to Golfaround this season was so impressed when a complete stranger came out and offered us Crave Cup Cakes. It was actually Dana’s husband Paul who was behind the act of kindness, so delicious, and a personal favorite of Kristy’s. Little did he know how badly we needed them after our start on the 1st hole.

I bet Catherine will know how to get to the Serenity Golf Club after her adventures trying to find it for the 1st time.  She never did find it, here is her story.

“Well that’s a story in itself! I was so lost this morning, I drove for over

1 1/2hrs before giving up. I found Carnmoney and Heritage Pointe but not Serenity! I was at a disadvantage as I had no cell coverage and was literally lost in the prairie on backroads. I am finally back home now and sending my apologies due to technical failure.  I did not ever find the golf course. The people at Carnmoney said  “you’re on the wrong side of the river!” They did help orient me but I was sadly a  lost cause. Is there an award for “most lost golfer”?

MOB’s (Moments of Brillance)

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A personal best for Nicki at Water Valley and it is not an easy track. She shot 44 on front and 46 on back for a 90!  No mulligans, No lost balls, total of 6 pars. “I was so pumped as all aspects of my game came together and as I was inputting scores into my Garmin, I had to wait til I downloaded the data at home to see my score, so I was completely oblivious! Therefore no pressure on myself! Hahah” This is what keeps us coming back, congrats on a brilliant round.

Arlene scored an Eagle on Desert Blume Golf Course when we were away for the Play & Stay. She really does know how to get out of trouble. I believe a side hill lie from the rough right into the hole. Fabulous job – it must have been those magic balls that everyone wants to buy from you.

Shaunna scores a 49 at Mickelson, a very challenging track even after visits to the sand or more aptly named “sand pits” Awesome job. Sandy sinks the putt for a beautiful birdie at Cottonwood Golf Course – Darn none of us had any birdie juice left. Congrats on your birdie on hole #6 at D’Arcy Ranch Lawana – very nice – hit the side of the hill and she rolled and rolled and sat nice there for a birdie. All of our inside voices were saying take a deep breath not to jinx it!!!

You still have it Marielle –  AKA Mighty Mouse, one of our original dirty dozen who has been with Golfaround for 27 years.  On the 18th hole at High River she hit her shot from the fairway that landed her on the green. Three fellas from another hole clapped for her and said she should have her own u-tube channel.  I hear you were propositioned Marielle “I would like to play around with you”. Very inspiring!!!

Adventure Africa Kenya

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Our arrival in Nairobi was not without some struggles, we had had a long day, and the security was pretty high due to a terrorist attack in 2019. We and our luggage had to go through security at our hotel as well as the airport. Once we got settled, we headed up to the 10th Floor to get a bite and what a wonderful surprise the rooftop was. We found the Sky Lounge, a swanky rooftop bar. There were plenty of comfy lounge spots, colorful bar stools, a beautiful rooftop pool and cool lighting. The spacious open-air terrace had fantastic views of the adjacent Nairobi National Park as well as the city skyline. Another surprise was when we went for breakfast as the main restaurant had a large deck where we could spot wildlife. This got us excited as our next stop was the Safari.

As well as the National Park, Nairobi has several reserves dedicated to the wellbeing of elephants, giraffes, rhinos and more. We visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Center where they rescue and rehabilitate baby orphaned elephants. We enjoyed one hour watching the baby elephants play and enjoy their bottles. The attendants knew every elephant by name and gave a great talk. There were opportunities to adopt and some of the group did. We also got up front and personal with giraffes at the Rothchild Giraffe Center, it was so much fun feeding them.

We also visited Karen Blixen Museum and followed in the footsteps of Karen Blixen as Cindy narrated “When I was a girl in Africa,  I had a farm  at the foot of the Ngong Hills”, The old colonial farmhouse is simple, housing a few items that Karen Blixen chose and once enjoyed herself. There are also the colorful gardens to explore, where several old coffee machines have laid untouched for decades.

After our brief sojourn in Nairobi, we took a short flight in a shuttle to the Maasai Mara. When we landed on the airstrip we gathered our bags from the runway and proceeded to our safari vehicles that were waiting for us. Close your eyes and envision a gentle rolling savannah stretching out as far as the eye can see. Imagine countless wildebeest and zebras grazing lazily right there in front of you. The feeling is humbling and inspiring all wrapped into one. The Maasai Mara is known for the highest concentration of wild animals in the world. More than 40% of Africa’s larger mammals can be found here. However, there’s more to the Maasai Mara than endless plains. The Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem is massive. It amounts to almost 1510 square kilometers. The area is bordered by the Serengeti in the south and to the north, east and west lie Maasai ranches. Although the riverbanks of the area’s three rivers are lined with shrubs and trees, most of the reserve is made up of open grassland spotted by an occasional flat-topped acacia tree. On our trip to the Zebra Plains Camp, about a one and one half hour trip, we started our safari and were amazed at what we saw. With almost 500 bird species and a daunting 47 species of birds of prey, the Maasai Mara’s treetops, bushes and skies are a feast for birdwatcher’s eyes. We saw ostrich, jaunty crowned plomers, beautiful crowned cranes and many more. We also saw buzzards and vultures fighting over their prey and hyenas in waiting. The piėce de resistance was the cheetah stalking an impala, what an amazing sight, and the impala escaped. Our arrival at Zebra Plains Camp was a little delayed but the Maasai warriors were there waiting for us with an impressive show. Our “tents were very comfortable and well equipped with all the necessities. The staff could not do enough and Ruth the manageress was very helpful. We enjoyed three meals a day in a very unique setting and our game drives were unbelievable. In addition to the “Big Five” we spotted the giraffe, cheetah, hippo and zebra. The Rhino was around but illusive to us unfortunately. The drama we witnessed was incredible. Every day, twice a day for three or four hours we jumped into our jeeps and headed out looking for the famous big tuskers and herds of elephants among other big game such as the prides of lions in the park and cheetahs. Early morning drives were worth it as this is generally the best time to spot the wildlife, as the temperature is cool and the animals are still very active, including the big cats, which will be returning from a night of hunting. As with early morning, the evening game drive is often the best time to see the wildlife. The predatory animals begin to stir from their heat-of-the-day slumber, and similarly, their prey become ever more active and alert as darkness falls. Vehicles usually return just before dark in time for a shower, pre-dinner drinks and then dinner. The evenings are often rounded off with a few drinks around the campfire, warming toes and swapping safari stories. The Maasai Mara is the crown jewel of Kenya’s natural reserves and the most visited park boasting dramatic bursts of wildlife on a bright palette of rolling hills, golden savannah, and distinctive acacia trees framing its unforgettable sunsets and sunrises. No one who visits the Masai Mara is untouched by its shocking beauty. Our driver, Paul, took us on an amazing journey and was very knowledgeable and fun to be with. His patience rewarded us with the best photos of our trip and a moment that will forever be etched in our memories.We were six in our jeep and even though we were on their “roads” you would never know it. We traversed mud filled gorges, very uneven ground and had lots of laughs.

Eight of us lucky travelers ended our adventure with a short stay on Diani Beach. Our suites were spacious and beautifully appointed, with a large patio and view and direct access to the beach.  Half our group opted for the beach cottages which were also very cool. The beach was amazing, fine white sand and clear turquois water for as far as the eye could see. It was great to relax and chill out for a couple of days before heading back home to “work”.

Funny Golf Quotes

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I couldn’t resist a couple of golf cartoons this month. In the past we had a column called “The Golf Cop” which covered some of the pet peeves on the golf course.  I haven’t hear too much this year so no news is good news.

 

The Golfaround Chronicles 2012 to 2013

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The next two years of Golfaround gave us some highs and some lows, but that’s what life’s about. We have to take the bad with the good and we sure have had lots of good so a little bad is not going to stop us from being who and what we are. In 2012 we launched Spring Training in Palm Springs and it was a roaring success.  The package included a four hour Spring Tune-up, two rounds of golf and accommodation and a welcome reception. The Resort had a shuttle to pick us up from the airport and it also took us to town and back when we wanted. This did count as the lesson requirement. The teaching professionals were first class and we all learned some new techniques to help us improve our game. The Palm Springs package continued for the next four years when our loonie lost it’s luster and it became difficult to make the pricing attractive, hopefully things will pick up and we can do this again.

A Sundowner Golf League was introduced for a mixed group which has  been very successful and continues to this day. We tee off around 3:00pm on Sundays twice a month during the season. We are very social and most stay after the round for dinner. The Mystery Bus trip landed at Sundre Golf Club and Lone Ranger was the format,  we had a great time.

Robbie Burns said “The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men, Gang aft agley,” which in English means no matter how well you plan there is always a chance that something will go wrong and you’d better have a plan B. The Play & Stay was no exception, on July 16th the Monday before the week-end get away a mud slide closed the Mountainside golf course and there was no water at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Plan B got us moved to The Radium Resort, thanks to the people at both facilities. In addition to this act of nature nine of the gals were prevented from arriving on Friday night due to another mud slide and road closure just outside of Banff. Donna Woodman swears she will never stop in Canmore for lunch again!!! All’s well that ends well and it did, we had a wonderful time, good golf and warm weather.
I am sure there were many MOB’s this season Lois Gottselig got a hole in one at Lynx Ridge, hole #5. Congratulations. Lynn Stolarchuk was about an inch away from one at Dragons Head in Edmonton.Tracey Guigovaz had a birdie at McKenzie Meadows, on the Par 5, 9th hole. At the Calgary 55 plus golf Tournament at Heather Glen Golf Course – Gail Ennis got a Silver medal in her age category. Marielle Galibois will be competed in Nova Scotia after winning at the 55 Plus Summer Games in Fairview Alberta. Lorie Caron par’d every hole at McKenzie Meadows, Wendy White broke 100 for the 1st time and Kristy shot a 44 at Silver Wing. In addition, I believe Merina and Lorie won the Innisfail ladies Invitational, both of them shooting in the 80s a personal best for both I am sure. Are we a talented group or what?
Argentina offered us a collage of amazing experiences, incredible scenery and exciting adventures. Our first port of call was Buenos Aires a beautiful European-like city with colonial architecture, outdoor markets, sidewalk cafes and awesome shopping. It’s an elegant, seductive place with a ragged edge. In between the designer boutiques, ritzy neighborhoods and grand parks are unkempt streets and colorful neighborhoods like Bocca and many many dog walkers as well as their resulting waste. We rubbed shoulders with the formerly rich and famous in Recoleta’s cemetery, and saw where Evita is resting. We ate at a parrilla (steak restaurant), and could not believe the size of the portions. From Buenos Aires we flew to Bariloche Patagonia which hugs the shoreline of Lake Nahuel Huapi, in the middle of the national park of the same name, Bariloche has one of the most gorgeous settings imaginable and here we stayed at the Pestana Lodge a beautiful alpine boutique hotel set in the midst of the mountains and the Arelauquen Golf Course overlooking Lake Gutiérrez. It was a beautiful retreat. The township of Bariloche is nestled on the edge of lake Nahuel Huapi. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, quick-flowing streams and deep blue lakes, reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, but on a grander scale. We explored the lakes by boat, played golf and indulged in the numerous chocolate factories. Mendoza was next on the list, the centre of Argentina’s wine  country. A beautiful city with tree lined boulevard’s and numerous parks. We enjoyed our wine tours, shopping and eating at sidewalk cafés. Last but in no way least we experienced Iguaza Falls. Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazu River. It was a strenuous day touring the falls. We hiked, floated, climbed and jet boated under the falls. Looking back it was amazing  and even though the climb darn near killed me I would not have missed it for the world. A great variety of golf was included in our itinerary. We played the traditional Olivos Golf Course in Buenos Aires enjoying tree lined fairways and interesting caddies. A burrowing owl even hissed at me. In Patagonia the Arelauquen Golf Course was just outside our door and treated us to scenic mountain views and much fun. Llao Llao was an absolute delight, the breathtaking beauty made up for the difficult walk and interesting design. It was probably the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen playing golf. Club de Campo Mendoza was a picturesque course and Pillar in Buenos Aires though misty at the start was also very enjoyable. Our farewell dinner show was at Seňor Tango where we enjoyed fabulous three course meal accompanied by premium Argentinian wines and liquors. The amazing tango exhibition combining the finest of Argentina’s singers, traditional music and both modern and old style tango dancers. It was a fabulous way to end our trip.

They say “into every life a little rain must fall” but in 2013 Golfaround was flooded. In 2012 we launched a trip to The Emerald Isle which filled up very fast and in August, just 30 days before our departure we were informed that the company we had been dealing with went bankrupt, or as they say in Ireland “went into Liquidation. This came as a horrific shock as they were supposedly bonded, we had received our tickets and vouchers but nothing had been paid. As all of our clients had paid by credit card they were protected but Golfaround was not and lost over $140,000.00, wiping us out completely. Closing our doors was eminent but fortunately for us some of our clients, when they found out we were personally liable to the credit card company, stepped up and helped defray the loss. We will forever been thankful to them and because of this we, Golfaround, live to love another day and also to celebrate 20 fabulous years. Most of 2013 was spent getting our lives back and out of the red, they say thirteen is an unlucky number…yah think?

 

Marietta Portigal

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We were sad to learn of the sudden passing of Golfaround member Marietta Portigal. She had been a member for  10 years and made a number of friends while playing with Day League. “We met in our first set of lessons and had been friends and golfing buddies ever since.” Debbie P. Our condolences go out to her family and friends, she will be missed.

MOB’s (Moments of Brillance)

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We missed Hazel’s birdie last month on hole 8 at Lynx Ridge so want to recognize her this month.

July 5 was Joanne’s  “B” Day and what a nice couple of gifts, sunk a 30+ putt and had a very nice game.

Bev got her 1st Par at Livingstone Golf Course with the 9 hole day ladies.

Wendy birdied #12 at Woodside in Airdrie; chipping it in from the green, love those kind of shots. She also said “I won’t tell you about the rest of my game.”

We had the pleasure of playing with a couple of the Beginners at Cochrane, they are playing so well. Stephanie and Wanda were pounding those balls down the fairway and Wanda drained a long putt for Par on the 1st hole, how to set the stage.

Happy Canada Day

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Today lets look back and appreciate how far we have come, we have had opportunities, growth and prosperity. Lets celebrate the day with high spirits.

Mystery Bus Trip 2023

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We think the best thing about the Mystery Bus Trip is not knowing where you are going. Another great thing is getting into the theme and boy was this trip a wonderful example. When we left early Saturday morning, we only got a slight indication of how innovative our group was. We had some fancy headwear, cool duds and warrior paint. We were also very happy to meet our driver, Karen, a great gal who drives for Alberta Coach. We ambled down the highway heading South, those gals whose lottery choice was North were out of the running at this point, but many still had a chance.We enjoyed a light continental breakfast accompanied by mimosas. Finally, we arrived at our surprise destination, Crowsnest Pass Golf Club and the group was ecstatic, especially Nancy Reed-Roth as the head pro Jason is her cousin. This golf course offers an amazing golfing experience, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views in the heart of the Crowsnest pass. The golf course is challenging with many water hazards and well placed bunkers and of course the dreaded uneven lies, but our format made it fun for all. As we got ready to tee off the area was a hive of activity as the teams decorated their golf carts, wow what an effort, it was amazing. We had balloons, African of course, animals and more animals, bright African coloured drapes , flags, fringes and fruits. In addition one of the groups were in matching costumes, tutus included, great effort ladies.

Following our round we had a delicious meal in the beautiful new clubhouse and prizes were given out for the winners, the best dressed, the best carts, proximities and numerous door prizes. We thank all the members who assisted with the prizes, there were some wonderful donations which we really appreciate. A very tired but happy group got back on the bus and Karen got us home in record time. We had not done a Mystery trip since COVID, and it was sure worth waiting for. Thank everyone for your support it was a great day.