Gord’s Alberta Golf Notes
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2021-04-15
By GORD MONTGOMERY, Inside Golf
Those of us in Alberta who are hitting the links prior to Master’s Weekend know it’s going to be a great, and extended golf season. For the most part, almost every course in the province is now open, or opening soon, as the warm winter weather continues on. Other than courses quite a way up north, including Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie and area, it seem everyone has thrown their doors open for what looks like another banner year.
Speaking of crowded courses, it could be said of early-season Q-School hopefuls: “Many come but only a few leave …. as members of the McKenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada.” And this time around at one of the Q-School sites held at the Wigwam Resort Golf Course, in Litchfield Park, AZ., an Albertan stamped his passport for part of the upcoming season. Wil Bateman, from Edmonton, finished in a tie for fifth after he carded a -10 through 72 holes, in a field that included 102 hopefuls. Another Albertan competing, but finishing outside the line for earning tour status was Jamie Sadlowski who finished in a T-30. Bateman is now exempt through half the upcoming season, pending a reshuffle at that point. This was Bateman’s third attempt at gaining exempt status on this tour.
It’s taken a while, and while it may not be the exact thing, there are plans underway to bring Topgolf-style outlets into Calgary. As reported recently by Wes Gilbertson in the Calgary Sun, golf entrepreneur Barry Elhert, he of Mickelson National and the Windmill Golf Group, has stated the plan is to bring two such facilities to life. To be called LaunchPad Golf, the idea here is to enjoy swinging the sticks but not having to chase after stray shots, or any shots at all for that matter. Rather, participants aim at targets and score points based off their accuracy. One of the new outlets, scheduled to open sometime this year, will be at the Mickelson course while the other will be housed at Heritage Pointe G&CC. Meanwhile, in Edmonton, the big hope for this year is a heated, outdoor driving range, which puts the capital city somewhat behind Calgary’s curve.
Alberta Golf is once again teeing up its Recreational Series for those looking to play the game at a more relaxed competitive level. In this series of one-day tourneys, players of all skill abilities are welcome. The rec series will feature seven events including three stops at stunning mountain-style courses — Jasper Park Lodge, Banff Springs, and Stewart Creek. Other events will take place at Highwood, Sundre, Northern Bear, and Pine Hills. For more on registering, go to albertagolf.org.
Until next time, hit ‘em deep and straight and remember — three putts are bad. But four are worse! Enjoy the early start to the season.