Dianne Hutton

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!

Thursday nights at the Dome have continued to be successful. Many members returned, and some new members joined in as well. It was so good to get to know them. Practice sessions lasted for about 45 minutes, accompanied and followed by social interactions. In addition to practicing, we also enjoyed beverages and food. Tom, Cory, Taylor and the team provided a variety of tasty food, which was plentiful. Michelle and Ashley did a great job attending  to the tables, setting them with place mats and water. Support from our members is appreciated, and the staff at Eaglequest and Fox Hollow have been very obliging. Attendance ranged from 15 to 35 people; on a particularly cold evening, only 6 brave souls participated. The specials will be available in April, but Golfaround will not be able to organize. They also offer Lunch and Breakfast specials which are also very good.

The surge in golf popularity and increased memberships brought about by the pandemic persists and we are again impacted by this change. The Winston’s members have voted for a new clubhouse and construction commences this year. There will not be availability for Golfaround to play here in 2025 as they are transitioning to privatization. Bearspaw and the Hamptons, both private golf course are still available to us however Mickelson National needs to be available to their members so will not be available this season. Unfortunately, Water Valley have implemented a significant pre booking fee per person that impacts our ability to play there so we have made the decision not to include them in our schedule.

Despite the challenges, the increase in golf’s popularity is a positive sign for the sport’s future. It brings new opportunities for growth and community engagement. We remain committed to providing the best golf experience for our members and look forward to a vibrant season ahead.

An Unforgettable Retreat in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains

Nestled in the spectacular Rocky Mountains and located within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation, St. Eugene Resort celebrates a unique history within a beautiful and rare setting. Whether it’s the dramatic alpine glow from Fisher Peak or the morning elk on our championship golf course, St. Eugene delights with exceptional resort experiences and warm, welcoming hospitality. to expect during the Play and Stay Weekend at this extraordinary location.

Upon arrival at St. Eugene Resort, you will be immediately struck by the serene beauty of the surroundings. The resort is situated in a secluded valley on the banks of the flowing St. Mary’s River, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting that promises relaxation and rejuvenation. The historic buildings of the resort tell the story of its past, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Ktunaxa Nation.

The accommodations at St. Eugene are designed to provide maximum comfort and luxury, each thoughtfully decorated to reflect the natural beauty of the area. The resort offers several dining options, each featuring fresh, local ingredients. Whether you are enjoying a casual meal at the 19th Hole Bar & Grill or a fine dining experience at the Fisher Peak Lounge, the culinary delights are sure to please even the most discerning palate.

The Les Furber-designed championship golf course at St. Eugene is a golfer’s paradise. The course is meticulously maintained and features a variety of challenges, from open links to rolling woodlands. The stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and the occasional sight of elk add to the unique golfing experience.

For those looking for a bit of excitement, the resort’s casino offers a variety of games, including slot machines, table games, lottery games, and even a pool table. The casino’s lively atmosphere provides a fun contrast to the serene surroundings of the resort, offering guests the best of both worlds.

To round off the weekend we will enjoy an unforgettable round of golf at Bootleg Gap,  known for its challenging layout and stunning views, Bootleg Gap offers a perfect finale to a weekend filled with exceptional experiences. The course is renowned for its dramatic elevation changes and pristine conditions, making it a favorite among golf enthusiasts.

The Play and Stay Weekend at St. Eugene Mission is more than just a getaway; it’s an immersion into a world of natural beauty, rich history, and exceptional hospitality. With its luxurious accommodations, diverse recreational activities, and stunning setting, St. Eugene Resort offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return.

Whether you’re an avid golfer, a history buff, or simply in need of a relaxing escape, this get-a-way promises to deliver an experience that exceeds all expectations. Registration is done on a first-come basis and roommate is required, please indicate who you’d like to room with — or if you are looking for a roommate, please advise Golfaround.  So pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and get ready to create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Details can be found on the website. We limit the group to 28 and please be aware that we do fill quickly. Registration for events will start March 10th 8:00am and is done by sending an e-mail to golf4u@golfaround.ca.

When we practice at either the dome or the range we should have a routine and be focused on what we want to achieve. Deliberate practice is the key to improvement, you should practice with a purpose. You should always stretch and warm up prior to hitting balls. Stretch your shoulders, back, legs and arms for several minutes before taking a club out of your bag. Loosening the body helps warm your muscles and lessen the chance of a swing-related injury. After stretching, take several practice swings with a 9 iron. Practice swings continue to loosen your body.

Next start by hitting a number of shots with your 9-iron, focusing on proper foot placement, hand placement on the grip, backswing and follow through. Avoid the temptation to race through shot after shot, approach each shot as though you’re playing on the golf course and the shot is important. Rushing yourself at the driving range can produce bad habits.

Move through your irons from high to low. Next, select a hybrid club if you have one and then your woods from high to low. Note your distance with each club; knowing this information helps you select the proper club when playing on a course. Most driving ranges have yardage markers set up at 50, 100, 150 and 200 yards. Use these markers as you hit each club. Aim for specific yard markers and try to place shots as close to the markers as possible. Having a very specific target will help you focus.

Hit some balls with your driver, noting the distance and trajectory of each shot. If you struggle hitting your driver, the dome or driving range is the ideal opportunity to improve your consistency.

If you are at a facility where there is a good short game practice area you should utilize this to improve your short game. If the area is limited or non-existent you can practice your chipping and pitching shots from the mats. When you have the opportunity to practice on a designated short game area take advantage of this,  most of the shots you take in a round of golf are shorter shots; spend adequate time practicing with these clubs. It is also very beneficial to practice hitting balls out of the sand and onto the green with your sand wedge if you can. Finally practice your putting on the practice green, even if the surface is not the best you can always perfect your putting stroke.

Core training will help us build rotational strength and flexibility, just what we need to get more powerful drives. Conditioned muscles in the mid section, lower back, hips and glutes stabilize the spine during your turn and help retain your posture through impact which increases power. If you don’t have a strong core you will compensate with your shoulders and arms and this can  result in injuries and swing flaws. The following exercises will improve both your swing and your waistline and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Toss the ball: Take your golf stance perpendicular to a cement or brick wall while holding a medicine ball. Rotate into a simulated back swing then rotate forward through the downswing releasing the ball into the wall. Perform two sets of 15  reps at the same speed as your golf swing.

Lift and Rotate: Lie on an exercise ball with your upper back and head supported, feet under your knees and hips lifted parallel with the floor. Holding a medicine ball or dumb bell (start with 5lbs and increase as you get stronger) extend your arms over your chest. Keeping your arms straight rotate your upper body to the right allowing the ball to move slightly to the left. Let the side of your right shoulder rest on the ball while keeping the hips lifted at all times. Rotate back to center and across to the left side. Perform two sets of 15 reps.

The 2025 golf season is almost here and we are looking forward to another fun year. As we leave 2024 behind, we will remember great memories of Luau on the Links and our Innisfail/Trochu Play & Stay, and having said that we are excited about the events we are planning for 2025. As we know from the past couple of years, the cost  of everything is definitely challenging and right now we are not planning international travel in 2025 but we will have a Mystery Bus Trip or Day Trip and a Play and Stay and a Wind Up.

I know everyone is looking forward to the golf season and all the fun things it will hold. Winter practice at the Eaglequest Golf Dome at the Fox Hollow Golf Course will start January 9th watch for the weekly e-mail sent to see if you would like to attend. As we prepare for another enjoyable year of golf the Yoga classes offered again this Spring can help prepare your body for a healthy, injury free season. Many of you have participated in these in the past and the feedback has always been very positive. We do hope to get a Launchpad event planned this Spring, where we can test our indoor skill once again and have some fun.

A Kick off Social is planned at the end of April to start the season off and we will be reintroducing a mandatory orientation for new members. COVID changed how we managed getting information to new members and it really is important that they know this ahead of time. They need to understand how Golfaround operates, how to book league, lesson management, and how to sign up for events. We feel that some early guidance will ensure a smooth introduction and we don’t want members to miss some of the opportunities offered and events and travel  fill fast.

The website has been updated and the existing members are able to register now. I am writing this on New Years Day and when I checked e-mail this afternoon guess what, there are 331 e-mails, I am sure some of these are “spam” LOL  We will open to new members Feb 1st and there are  early indoor lessons in  March so if you are interested you will need to register early. If you are new to Golfaround and want early lesson’s please contact us.

Happy New Year! Here’s to another year full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.