FROM THE DIRECTOR OF GOLF RYAN VOLD
Geological characteristics of Wolf Creek and Links Golf!!
There has been much said about Links golf and the characteristics surrounding such golf courses. Many courses advertise themselves as such a course however the proof is really in a lot of factors that are out of the control of a golf designer and to the whims of what nature gives us. A geological feature of links golf is dunes land and sandy wasteland. The true traditionalist would argue that you cannot be a true Links golf course unless you are seaside; however there are those that can argue that seaside is not always required when geological features can match what is desired.
In regards to Wolf Creek and its sandy dunes features are a bit of an anomaly for its location. Though these features are more common in Alberta than anywhere else in Canada it is still odd to see pockets of high dunsy hills tucked between parkland farm and ranchland. The Wolf Creek Dunes lie on what was once the basin of Glacial Lake Red Deer, a large shallow lake formed by the melting of continental glaciers, beginning at least 12,000 years ago. Water flowing from the melting glaciers deposited huge amounts of sand on the bottom of the lake, and as it dried out, a barren, flat area of sand was left behind. This surplus sand and a general lack of vegetation allowed for transverse (at right angles to wind direction) dunes to form. Over time these dunes changed into "blowout" dunes because vegetation anchored some areas while other sections were blown downwind.
When Rod Whitman pioneered his design of Wolf Creek in the early 80's he took into consideration all and more of these factors to create great Links golf course. There is no true definition on how Links golf should look or play but most purists would argue the following features are important;
- The land should be sandy with lots of natural dunes.
- Most Links courses are fairly treeless but where trees survive they should be natural and not planted.
- Most Links courses take a minimalist approach in regards to earth moving, nature designs many of the features based on the land and surrounding area.
- The land should be located in an area that receives a fair amount of wind.
- All roughs are natural and not irrigated and this means natural from the beginning when first established.
- Many original Links courses were designed with an inward and out word nine to take advantage of different wind conditions.
- The course will play hard and fast most of the time depending on weather and wind conditions.
- The fairways allow the golfer to play the ground game from 100 yards out; the designer will leave run-up areas through the green or openings for these types of shots.
- Many true links use push up greens with native sand used for both the greens and bunkers.
- Wasteland areas and blowout bunkers are left native and unkempt.
- Roughs are seeded with grasses that are native to sandy soil and can withstand drought conditions; they mature through natural growth without artificial watering.
- Greens can take on several different looks & sizes but for the most part they will have large swales and undulations that match the surrounding land.
- Bunkering should have many natural features including in most cases a very rugged, jagged look that depicts a natural formation that flows with the land.
- Cart paths are usually not accepted in true links however in North America it is a necessity in many places. These paths should not be obtrusive to the flow of the hole and kept away of site lines whenever possible.
- All true Links are walking courses; though carts can be used they usually take a secondary role in order to not destroy the natural vegetation or turf conditions.
- A Links course may have a brown tinge to it in the fairways and greens. Being totally green is not a necessity or a requirement. To create the firmness in the fairways and greens over watering is often frowned upon.
- Fairways should flow with the natural contours of the land, giving the golfer different lies to navigate the course.
These are just a few of the characteristics that a true Links course would have. It can be debated that some of these conditions are unattainable this day and age because of land availability and quality, but for the most part a good designer understands these characteristics and can follow through. Rod Whitman has always been considered a traditionalist and minimalist in his designs, though some land predicates more earth moving, for the most part he will keep to his beliefs. Wolf Creek, Rod Whitman's first golf design could be considered one big experiment in links golf that has evolved over time.
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FROM THE GOLF SHOP - HEAD PROFESSIONAL LAURA WITVOET
 Summer is finally here and it's time to get serious about our golf games. No matter what kind of gear you are looking for our Golf Shop has it.
My choice from the Golf Shop this month is a pair of Tifosi sunglasses. Choose a styling pair of transition lenses that get darker as the sun gets brighter or choose a style with interchangeable lenses so you always have the right lens for the day. It's important to protect your eyes from those harmful UV rays so stop by the Shop and I will find a pair that's just right for you. Tifosi glasses are on sale for 25% off.
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Chris' choice from the Shop is clothing from Travis Mathew. This is one of the newest most fashionable lines in golf right now so if you are looking to be hip and in style be sure to check out Chris' choice of Travis Mathew. Enjoy 15% off as well.
Andrew's choice this month is Adidas Golf Shoes. We have several styles from Tour 360's, to Tour 360-4.0, check out our Adidas line for your style and price point. Take an additional 15% off any Adidas Golf Shoe.
Dillon's choice of the month from the Golf Shop is a Name Brand Hat. Choose from our wide selection of Taylor Made, Titleist, Cleveland, Puma and Oakley and find the one that's right for you. Take an additional 30% off and thank Dillon for that! |
 Last but not least, Lee's choice from the Shop this month is none other than our Greg Norman collection. This is one of the finest manufactured garments you will find. Check out the many different styles and colors and enjoy 15% off both Men's and Ladies lines.
We are also offering 15% off our Abacus, Tail and Antigua Ladies lines so be sure and stop in soon for the best selection.
Stop by your Golf Shop and let one of our highly trained professionals help you choose your gear. We look forward to seeing you!
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FROM THE CULINARY DEPARTMENT - EXECUTIVE CHEF MICHAEL CARD
With the golf season in full swing the staff of the culinary department would like to thank those who attended our Fathers day Brunch. Now that July is here we would like to remind everyone of our upcoming special events.
'East meets West' Lobster Night is back. Wolf Creek will be hosting our annual Lobster Fest on July 9th. This event is one of the highlights of the Special event listing Featuring all the Classic culinary treats from the East and West Coast. We will travel abroad and bring you only the freshest quality ingredients Canada has to offer.
Tickets are selling fast, To avoid disappointment contact Joely@wolfcreekgolf.com
FROM THE EAST
Boiled Atlantic Lobster Clarified Butter
FROM THE WEST
Herb Rubbed 'AAA' Alberta Prime Rib
Horseradish & Coq au Vin Sauce
SEASONAL INSPIRED SALADS
Mixed Garden Greens & Assorted Dressings
Classic Hearts of Romaine
Sesame Soy Seaweed
Cilantro Shrimp & Watermelon
Antipasto Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Crab and Tri color Rotini
Maritime Creamy Coleslaw
ON THE BARBEQUE
Grilled Citrus Calamari Fans
Herb and Garlic Shrimp Skewer
COLD FARE
Poached Atlantic Salmon
Village & Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
Snap & Eat Crab Legs
Select Pickled Items
FROM THE BAKERY
Garlic Toast
FLAMBE
Traditional Creole Shrimp
Bay Scallops with Dill & Pinenut Pesto
EAST AND WEST HOT DISHES
Cowboy Sausage on Sweet Taters
Western Style Baked Beans
Penne Marinara au Gratin
Woodland Mushroom Tortellini
Baked New Zealand Green Shell Mussels with Herb Compound Butter
P.E.I Mussels with Fennel Cream
Rosemary Roasted Potato Wedges
Seasonal Inspired Vegetables
DECADENT DESSERTS
Homemade Flambéed Baked Alaskans
Select Desert Squares |
Every Saturday Night is Prime Rib Night in Barney lounge. Available at 4 - 10 we will have slow roasted 'AAA' Alberta Prime Rib, Chef's Choice of Potato, Medley of Vegetables and Yorkshire pudding. Wolf Cut $18 Barney Cut $22.
Keep us in mind when hosting a Special Event or Wedding. Our culinary department strives on bringing you the best in quality, service and attention for all of your special event needs. We can work with any budget to give you and your guests an unforgettable night of fine food and hospitality. |
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FROM THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR - CATHY WIANCKO
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OLD COURSE
JULY 5 ~ Alberta Furniture Group
JULY 6 ~ Enbridge
JULY 10 ~ McFarland Group
JULY 10 ~ Hnatiuk Open
JULY 10 ~ Doyle Group
JULY 11 ~ McEwan Cup
JULY 11 ~ Hnatiuk Open
JULY 12 ~ K-Rock
JULY 15 ~ AR Thomson
JULY 24 ~ Ploosz Group
JULY 30 ~ Calgary Sun
JULY 31 ~ Alta Steel |
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LINKS COURSE:
JULY 3 ~ Draper Stag
JULY 9 ~ McFarland Group
JULY 10 ~ McEwan Cup
JULY 17 ~ Pepsi Shotgun
JULY 24 ~ Jeffrey Group
JULY 25 ~ Ploosz Group
JULY 28 ~ Capacity Tank Lines
JULY 29 ~ Calgary Sun
JULY 31 ~ Calgary Sun |
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| contact us: wolf creek golf resort 403.783.6050 www.wolfcreekgolf.com |
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