Get ready for Spring!!!
Come visit us at the Edmonton show booth #210. Here is some ticket information and discounts if you buy in advance!!!!
General Admission: $16.50 for Adults ($11.50 in advance) Kids 18 & Under: FREE! |
The PGA of Alberta Golf Show returns to Edmonton (March 13/14) and Calgary (March 27/28).
Looking for some new clubs? The golf industry's top manufacturers will once again be on hand, showing their latest 2010 product on the Driving Range.
Need a pre-season lesson to make sure you start 2010 off right? Our CPGA Professionals will be on the Driving Range as well, offering free tips or 15-minute lessons for only a $10 donation to Junior Scholarships.
Want to find a fantastic deal on last year's clubs? Find clubs and clothes priced to sell at the Clearance Centre.
Bring the entire family down to the Golf Show. Whether you're looking to buy a membership, find somewhere new to play, book a vacation, or pick up your free Kids' Zone giveaway, there is something for everyone!
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW and SAVE $5 |
|
|
|
From the Golf Shop - Laura Witvoet
Welcome to a new season of golf at our fabulous Wolf Creek Golf Resort.
I can't tell you how excited I am about the upcoming season, not only because of my new role but also because of the new faces and events we have in store.
2010 will prove to be one of our most exciting years ever. Check out the Golf Shop ASAP if you thought I was kidding! Well, maybe you better give us a couple more weeks to really show it off!
Along with all of the new styles and equipment we have to get you and your golf game in shape, we'll have a couple of new faces for you to meet as well.
Talk about excitement, we're headed in a new direction and we're super happy to have you be a part of it!
The season is fast approaching! I have to get back to work!
See you soon!!
Laura
P.S. If you haven't paid your 2010 Membership dues make sure you do it before March 31st so our Director of Golf will pay the GST!
|
|
|
From the Culinary Side
With spring weather approaching fast, the culinary department is looking forward to the start of another exciting golf season. Over the winter we have been gearing up for our new Barney's Lounge Menu. We are proud to announce the influx of regional ingredients in many of our new menu items for the 2010 season. This menu will be available for viewing online shortly.
We would also like to take this time to remind everyone that our first themed event of the 2010 season is approaching fast. Join us for our annual ‘Easter Brunch' on Sunday April 4th. There will be two sittings available at 10:00 or 2:00 for your dining pleasure. Be sure to reserve your spot today as this event sells out quick. Check our website out for all our alternative themed event menus.
Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 4th
Sittings at 10:00 & 2:00
~
Carving Station
Roasted Herb Rubbed ‘AAA' Round of Beef
Fresh Horseradish & Jus Natural
~
Chipotle Rubbed Pork Loin with Apple Sauce
~
Seasonal Inspired Salads
Mixed Garden Greens
Classic Hearts of Romaine
Vinaigrette Slaw
Balsamic Mushroom & Vegetable
Georgia Citrus, Crab & Avocado
Asian Style Vermicelli
~
Cold Fare
Poached Atlantic Salmon
P&E Shrimp Cocktail
Select Pickled Items
~
From The Bakery
Assorted Fresh Dinner Rolls
Fresh Croissants & Muffins
Variety of Fruit Danish
~
Omelet Station
Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Asparagus, Onion Medley, Spinach, Mushrooms
Scallops, Shrimps, Ham and Select Cheeses
~
Pancake & French Toast Station
Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Peaches
Whip Cream & Chocolate Shavings
~
Hot Dishes
Alberta Beef Benny's & Scrambled Eggs
Peameal Bacon & Smoked Bacon
Maple & Traditional Bangers
Hash browns & Mini Duchess Potato
Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli Rose
Breaded Veal Coq au Vin
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Béchamel Sauce
Kids Mac & Cheese
Chefs Choice of Seasonal Vegetables
~
Decadent Desserts
Tri-Berry Ice Cream Crepes
Select Pastry Squares & Assorted Cream Pies
Adult $24.99 Children $14.99
Reservations Mandatory and Subject to Tax & Gratuity |
We would also like to remind those that Wolf Creek Golf Resort is a perfect destination for your Wedding or Special Event. Our unsurpassed attention to detail and first class food service create a night of total satisfaction. Wolf Creek's dedication to serving Central Alberta with an exceptional dining experience will remain a priority for the 2010 season. Prime dates are filling fast so contact us today to secure your date.
Once again, Thanks to all for your support in 2009 and we are looking forward to your patronage through the upcoming season.
|
|
From the Greens - Cameron Kusiek - Asst. Greens superintendent
#14 Old course |
The following article was re-produced through the greensmaster, a Canadian publication for the Golf Course Greens superdendants of Canada. Cameron Kusiek just recently received Future Superintendent of Canada award along with a tenure to work for one year at the Old course in St. Andrews. This article is about his experience and how it compares to Canadian golf.
A Wordly Experience
Like anyone who has been honoured to win the Future Superintendent of the Year Award, my first thought was "this can't be true." Once my heart rate slowed and I was able to sit back and look at what this award meant... I was left somewhat speechless. Both the CGSA and the Toro Company gave me the opportunity of a lifetimel one that I am truly grateful for and will treasure forever.
My tour of the UK began differently from previous award winners. Back in February 2008, I was fortunate enough to meet Gordon McKie, Head Greenkeeper of the Old Course at St.Andrews Links. The positive relationship that formed ultimately led me to a seasonal greenkeeping position on the Old Course in the summer of 2009. I began my five-month tenure at St.Andrews in May and working on the Old Course allowed me to see a new side of golf and confirm that the birthplace of golf is indeed a spectacular site!
While working at St.Andrews, opportunity and good fortune struck again; I was honoured with the Canadian Future Superintendent of the Year Award. Normal protocol usually has the award recipient begin their UK adventure the first weekend of October working at Kingsbarns Golf Links for the Dunhill Links Championship (European Tour event). I however was currently working on the Old Course for this tournament, Following my contract obligations for St.Andrews, I started my tour of UK golf courses, and what a tour it was. I managed to make approximately 2700 miles that took me through and around the Highlands, the east and west coasts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Dublin, northwest England, and London... 35 golf courses in all!
When talking about golf and the UL, links golf is normally the preferred discussion. But what is a 'links golf course'? A 'links golf course' refers to the type of soil and terrain on which it is built. The term "links" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word 'hlinc', meaning a ridge. Later it became known as any rough, grassy area between the sea and the land. True links soil is sandy because of its poor moisture retention, grasses tend to have short blades with long roots. The rough is often wispy, long grass which results in challenging lies. Links courses drain well and provide a very firm golfing surface, making them very popular amongst most serious golfers.
Now, I had worked on a Canadian "Links" course (Wolf Creek Golf Resort) for 8+ seasons in the heart of the Alberta prairies... if that's not an oxymoron then I don't know what is. The similarities were remarkable; sandy, rolling topography with natural headlands. However the biggest difference is the UK's approach to the ball and turf relationship. What they consider "firm" is in fact like a tabletop. Be careful what you wish for Canadians! They encourage the use of the natural topography into golf shots as opposed to the generic high-lofted shots. It is totally surreal playing a course and thinking about putting from 50 yards back in the fairway. What we must realize is that this type of maintenance is not realistic everywhere. A mild, humid, windy climate with grass species capable of withstanding such regimes permits this golf experience. Is this to say that here in Canada we cannot incorporate this style? Of course not, currently we have some great examples of this style.
In Canada, we are fortunate enough to have a wide range of golf courses due to the vastness of our country. Our immensity however leads to large distances between unique properties and the northern climate limits a majority of our courses to a 6-month season. Compare this to the UK. The entire area spans a latitude range north of our southern border, yet you can golf year round. Isn't it amazing what ocean currents can do! Its small geographic area means you are never more than a short day's travel from coast to coast. Coastal golf courses are therefore never that far apart (spoken as a true Canadian). A small area with ocean on four sides leads to 'links courses' everywhere and I do mean everywhere. East of Edinburgh in East Lothian you can golf a different course everyday for a month and travel less than 20 miles! Wow!
Links golf dominates the UK market, but that doesn't mean this is all they have to offer; quite the opposite. The unique landscape caters to a wide range of golf experiences (links, heathland, parkland) and during my visit I was fortunate enough to taste each style and see some of the most spectacular courses the UK has to offer. I can honestly say that each style has a place in my heart. Throughout my travels, I was able to talk with some incredible, knowledgeable individuals. The resounding message that consistently came through was the "sustainability" is not a new idea. It is something Superintendents and Head Greenkeepers have been doing for years. Perhaps my discussions with Ian Butcher, International Development Office for Elmwood College, and Peter McVicor, Head Greenkeeper of Hesketh Golf Club in Southport, England, resonated the most.
What does sustainability entail? First off, we must realize that sustainability has to do with more than just turf. "A sustainable golf course optimizes the playing quality of the course in harmony with the conservation of its natural environment under economically sound and socially responsible management." Sustainable development and management is fundamental to the future success of golf. Sustainability can only be achieved through the implementation of best practices. It is only as flexible as the single limiting factor in its definition unique to any specific site. More often than not, it comes down to environmental or economic considerations. What some may consider unsustainable may in fact actually be quite the sustainable for another situation.
So, what does 'best practices' mean? Turfgrass management on the golf course is all about producing playing surfaces. It means using sustainable turf, while recognizing economic and environmental concerns without sacrificing playing quality to a significant degree. Two golf courses I visited on this tour, Luffness New Golf Club and Castle Stuart Golf Links illustrate this concept. Luffness is a traditional, old golf club dating back to the 1860s. A truly astounding golf experience set in a vintage, rolling landscape with a magnificent fescue turf and unique shot selection yet it is one of the most minimalist sites I have ever seen. Castle Stuart on the other hand is a completely artificially constructed golf experience that incorporates the traditional natures of golf with stunning vistas successfully creating a breath-taking golf experience. Two courses with completely different origins, yet both striving to achieve a common objective...the best relationship between ball and turf.
Because every course is different, each has their own unique techniques to achieve this. Whether it is a difference in fertility or method of constructing a bunker, no two places are alike. Who is to say what is right or best? Each method suits the courses' individual style and setting. It is the same for staffing, watering regime, topdressing, and mowing height. Every place is different and you can't base your management off some other course. Continually educating the public to this affect will facilitate the message that we truly are custodians of the land and are here to facilitate the natural beauty of the landscape.
My experiences across the "pond" were at times beyond description. There is no doubt that I have learned a great deal about diversity and uniqueness of turf management. The global spectrum of golf is interesting, exciting and challenging. With golf entering the Olympic arena in 2016 it is my hope that "idea sharing" will become more commonplace in the years to come. It is my dream that golf will continue to be one of the great "ambassadors" of global cooperation and competition. After all, we all do this "Fore the Love of the Game". |
|
| contact us: wolf creek golf resort 403.783.6050 www.wolfcreekgolf.com |
|
|
|
|
| © Copyright - All Rights Reserved |
 |
|
