Trevor Brees tees off for his first round of the season on the hole No. 1 at Connaught Golf Clu,b while he is joined on the tee box by Justin Young.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
The News checked in with the city’s three full-length local courses to get an update on the start of the golf season and current conditions heading into spring.
Desert Blume Golf Course
Staff at Desert Blume say the golf course is in great condition coming out of winter and into the spring as the grass is starting to green up and maintenance crews have been busy cutting away dead grass around the holes.
“We’re looking really good and really excited about how things are progressing.” says Trevor Ellermand, owner and general manager. “It should be by all accounts with our conditions a great year for us moving forward.”
Ellerman says the beginning of April presented some weather challenges that kept the course from opening full time but says that’s all changed now and the weather is optimal for golf, and players have been eager to get back on the course.
“Now things have really taken off and are really ramping up and people are coming out in their shorts and T-shirts,” says Ellerman. “So it’s always an exciting time of the year and good weather like this just adds to it.”
Connaught Golf Club
Staff at Connaught are reporting some of the best spring green conditions they have had in 15 years and the course itself is in great shape for this time of the year. This year the course is reporting high numbers of golfers in both their nightly men’s and ladies leagues.
Head pro Brain Oliphant says they have more than 100 players in their ladies league, up from last year, and around 40 new players in their men’s league.
“Everybody is gung ho to play golf and Connaught is always in great shape,” says Oliphant. “Our greens probably came through the winter the best they have.”
Oliphant says they have experienced a large number of bookings from golfers ready to shake off the winter rust.
“The start of the season is really the best part because everyone has had a long winter,” says Oliphant. “We’re always excited in the spring because that’s our busiest time.”
Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club
The winter treated Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club well as staff are reporting significantly less ice damage than previous seasons, and say tee boxes, fairways and greens are in very good condition.
“It’s a fun place to work when you have a sunny day at the golf course in April,” says Cam Jacques, general manager. “Because people are so excited, they are out for their first round. Golfers really get the bug and there’s a lot of smiles.”
Like Connaught, Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club is also reporting an increase in league players this season as the ladies league is full and men’s league is up 30 players from last season.
“People are really happy with the way the golf course is,” says Jacques. “Everyone likes to see green versus brown. There was a lot more brown last year.”
Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club will be hosting club demos for players this weekend.
All three courses the News spoke with also acknowledged conditions may change heading into summer, and water restrictions are likely to come into effect.
