The City of Calgary Golf Courses Newsletter Volume 11, Number 2, August 2009
New Shaganappi holes ‘amazing’
The Shaganappi Front 9 reopens for play
next April. When it does, golfers are in for
a pleasant surprise.
“I’m confident after players get through
the first three holes, that they’re going
to say, ‘Wow, that turned out pretty
well,’” says Terry Boldt, Golf Course
Operations manager.
“Things are looking amazing,” adds Greg
Shymanski, Golf Course Operations co-
ordinator. “People will be taken aback by
the quality of Numbers 1, 2 and 3, the
revised set of holes.”
As Shaganappi players know, The Front 9
was closed this season. Renovations to the
course were made to accommodate the The No. 1 hole at Shaganappi now features a peninsula-style green
widening of Bow Trail and construction
of the new West LRT line that will run
along the course’s southern border. golf, surrounded by water and a beautiful Chip shots: When the greens were
rock-face wall. No. 2 is now longer than removed at Shaganappi this year, some of
Players and Golf Course Operations it was, with a dogleg and water coming the sod was taken for use at Richmond
made the best of a challenging situation. into play. And No. 3, has been converted Green. Richmond is currently closed
The Valley 9 and the Back 9 of the into a par 3 from a par 4. It too has water. for upgrades to City of Calgary water
18-hole course served this season as services infrastructure. The nine-hole
separate nine-hole courses. Meanwhile Players will notice something else –
course is scheduled to reopen in 2011…
play increased at other courses, including the trees. To make room for the LRT
Detailed design work is being done that
McCall Lake. alignment, about 400 trees were moved
will see the 12th and 18th fairways at
and re-planted. Mostly spruce and poplar,
McCall Lake restored. The height of the
“It’s been a success story,” Boldt says. they add to the re-designed holes’ beauty
“I’m pleased with the way everything’s fairways will be raised with new drainage
and provide more safety by protecting
turned out.” and sod installed.
players from errant shots.
City officials knew some time ago that “It basically looks like the tees and
when West LRT began, the course would fairways are cut out of a forest the way INSIDE:
likely require modifications. Plans were these trees have been transplanted,” says
made well in advance. Newis Wilson Shymanski who was on site each week to Junior and family golf enjoys
Golf Course Architects handled this assess the work. He notes that the No. 6 eventful year ................................... 2
season’s design changes. Bill Newis also hole on the Valley 9 has a new green as Pre-set drill ..................................... 3
led the renovation to the 27-hole facility well, while extra work was done to the
from 1997 to 2002. fairway pond on the Front 9’s No. 7 hole. Golf friendship is
one for the ages ............................. 4
When golfers tee it up next season, they’ll Construction was scheduled to finish
see a shortened par 4 first hole that near the end of August. No play will take Online bookings are on the
features a peninsula-style green. It’s target place on the Front 9 until next spring. upswing at The City of Calgary ........ 6
calgary.ca/golf | call 3-1-1
Junior and family golf enjoys eventful year
This golf season began with great Opportunities included the junior skills each spring. This season, eight schools
excitement over The City’s junior and competition at McCall Lake. It was free and 160 students took part.
family golf programs. Now, as summer
These City-run programs are supported
winds down, the reviews are coming in. three hours, about 100 kids in three age
through the fundraising efforts of
groups competed in skills challenges
It’s been a rewarding year, says April Focus Corporation and the Calgary
that included putting, chipping, driving
Tanner, Golf Course Operations Booster Club.
and irons. Competitors enjoyed a free
marketing specialist.
hotdog lunch and plans are in the works The City also provided a new, three-day
“We have offered a number of new things for next season. golf camp to teach the fundamentals.
that overall we’re really excited about. Offered to eight youngsters, it sold out
As part of the junior skills competition,
The response from the public has been quickly. The camp was doubled to 16
Golf Course Operations, through The
exactly what we hoped for, and more.” youngsters (the maximum staff could
City’s Fee Assistance Program, brought
accommodate). It too sold out and had
The year’s highlights include: about 40 youngsters to McCall Lake on
a waiting list.
the Go2 Fun Bus. The bus picked up the
Take A Kid To The Course Week. youth and later took them back to their “The camp’s gone really well,” Sima
northeast community. says, noting registration was evenly split
lessons to youth with the Boys and between eight girls and eight boys. “I see
“It was great to see those kids coming out,”
Girls Clubs of Calgary and Big Brothers it as a program that will expand rapidly
and Sisters of Calgary and area. in the future.”
specialist. “A lot of them had never been
to a course. Their eyes were wide open. Many young players also took home
girls and boys, ages 10 to 14. We sent them off with some free passes
as part of our sponsorship program so subsidy programs or in tournaments and
clubs that The City uses as prizes for they can come back with their parents.” competitions. As an incentive, The City
juniors. also offered a free set (6-iron, 8-iron,
The City also extended its reach to more
wedge, 7-wood) to any junior purchasing
Golf Course Operations his year marketed youth, working with the Boys and Girls
a junior punchcard. Sales were up 50 per
its programs in a new way, Tanner says. Club and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
cent over last year.
All the special events and great deals In August, about 60 kids from these two
were packaged through brochures, flyers organizations went to McCall Lake for Meanwhile, youth and family classes
and the Web so families and children golf lessons. Then, on another day, they continue to grow in popularity. Limited
could do “one-stop shopping.” played the Par 3 course. to three family members (e.g. two parents,
one child or two children and one adult)
Turnout for the events and programs, and “We’re looking at areas where youth are
the classes continue to have waiting
the increase in subsidized activities, was already coming together as a group and
lists even though more classes have
wonderfully satisfying. offer the program to them,” Sima says.
been added.
“Any opportunity that we can provide The two days were free to the kids. The
“It’s a big indication that family is
families with to get out and make it outings are an extension of a school
important,” Sima says. “People really
affordable and fun, I think we’ve done a program that brings junior high and
want to recreate together.”
really good job,” Tanner says. some senior high kids to McCall Lake
Link to our links...
Log on to calgary.ca/golf and make The City of Calgary Golf
website your place to go for all your golf information needs.
so much more!
calgary.ca/golf | call 3-1-1
PAGE 2 ON COURSE – AUGUST 2009
Pre-set drill
By Terry Carter
Here is a great drill to help you hit the in your hand should now be perfectly Visit nationalgolfacademy.ca to see a
ball straighter. aligned with the target club. video of this drill. Click tips and videos
and click the pre-set drill.
Step 1: Lay down a target club if you Step 3: From this “pre-set position,”
like. Take your normal set-up. make a normal swing by first taking your Terry Carter
club back to the top position. Director of Instruction
Step 2: Rotate your forearms and cock
National Golf Academy
your wrists so the club is now directly Step 4: And make sure you follow
403-605-4653
over your toe line and the toe of the club through to your target.
is pointed straight up. Be sure not to swing
This drill ensures that the clubface is in the
your arms back. Your hands should still
correct position in the backswing. With
be directly in front of your belly button.
practice you will hit the ball straighter
If you’ve put a target club down, the club
then ever before.
1 2 3 4
REGISTER FOR YOUR GOLF
CUSTOMER CARD
Register for a Golf Customer Card allowing you to book,
HOW TO REGISTER:
confirm, or modify tee times up to four days in advance
online or by phone. Registration is easy and it’s FREE! 1. Call the Recreation Centre, Monday to
Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday –
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 403-268-3800 or press 1.
you are not required to register again.
2. Register online at calgary.ca/golf – please
ensure that you complete all the required
fields and indicate that you want to be
a valid credit card.
“activated for golf.”
For more information on Golf Customer Cards and
Any incomplete information will delay processing.
how to register visit calgary.ca/golf.
The registration process may take up to five
business days, so register early.
Link to our Links at calgary.ca/golf
ON COURSE – AUGUST 2009 PAGE 3
Golf friendship is one for the ages
Bill Harder and Doug Davis shook “When sports gets in your blood you can’t
hands for the first time 24 years ago when get it out of you,” Bill says. “I wish I could
they met on the No. 1 tee at the McCall still be out there.”
Lake golf course. They’d meet often after
As for their enduring friendship, Bill, who
that – playing perhaps 1,000 times on
possesses a vice-like grip, says they just
City courses.
liked each other from the first moment
Over the years they shared many jokes, they shook hands.
talked about family and walked untold
“We always did things together,” Bill says.
miles, enjoying each other’s company.
“That’s the way we were. And we’re still
But times change. Bill, now 92, is at it.”
physically unable to play on a regular Doug Davis, left, and Bill Harder
golf course. He can still chip and putt,
however, or take a few swings on a
driving range. So every Thursday the boys
have a standing date. 2009 Hole-In-One Club Members
“I pick Bill up at the nursing home and
we’ll go for a drive,” says Doug, a youthful Congratulations to the following individuals who are officially members of The City of
86- year-old. “Sometimes it’s putting at
the golf dome, or going to the driving inadvertently missed anyone on this list.
range. It’s something we both enjoy.”
Name Golf Course Hole#
Their story represents everything Confederation 6
that’s good about golf. At its best, the Pam Bolokoski Confederation 8
sport centres on friendship, fun and Gordon Kelso Confederation 6
competition. It’s a game for all ages.
Neil Higgins Confederation 6
Bill and Doug met after they’d retired. Dylan Evans Lakeview 6
Ironically, both had worked for the Leon Luker Lakeview 6
Hudson’s Bay Company but never knew Lakeview 5
each other. They connected at McCall Brad Fowler Lakeview 4
Lake through two other Bay retirees and David Stewart Maple Ridge 6
they formed a regular foursome.
Ryan Hanley Maple Ridge 3
Doug, who still enjoys a busy lifestyle Maple Ridge 6
with his wife Barbara, had worked in Don Babush Maple Ridge 6
merchandising and travelled across Maple Ridge 3
Canada. Bill was in customer service. Maple Ridge 6
“He was Mr. Fix-it,” Doug says. “If a Scott Suchan Maple Ridge 6
Bay customer had a problem with Robert Davidson Maple Ridge 6
something they’d bought, Bill would go
Maple Ridge 8
out and take care of it. He was a natural
Elaine Haman Maple Ridge 8
with machinery.”
Peter Dolynny McCall 18 4
Bill, widowed a decade ago, was also a Kirk Miller McCall 18 7
natural with a golf club. Everybody knew Darius Taheri McCall 18 2
him, Doug says. Good players, they Ron Sonier McCall 18 4
shared a passion for competition, and
David Pettie McCall 18 17
played in City senior tournaments. They
McCall 18 3
usually shot in the 80s and sometimes in
the 70s. Devin Heintzman McCall Lake Par 3 8
McCall Lake Par 3 4
Bill only stopped playing on regular Heinz Bigalke McCall Lake Par 3 5
courses two years ago. A top baseball Andrea Prozniak McCall Lake Par 3 3
player and swimmer in his youth, his
McCall Lake Par 3 4
dad introduced him to golf more than 75
Sheldon Steinke Shaganappi Back 9 16
years ago.
PAGE 4 ON COURSE – AUGUST 2009
Course Policies Other News
Check In, Cancellations and ANNUAL SURVEY BEING CONDUCTED (Aug. 10 – Sept. 11)
No-Show Policies: Golf Course Operations annually conducts customer surveys during the
months of August/September. We value your feedback and input about your
Check In: experiences at the courses. These surveys provide valuable information
that helps us better understand your needs, while evaluating our current
At The City of Calgary Golf Courses there is products and service delivery. Survey forms are available in each clubhouse,
a high demand for the limited number of tee online at calgary.ca/golf and from the Guest Services Representative
times available. at the first tee. All completed surveys will be eligible for a draw prize of
All golfers must check in with the starter $200 in Golf Greenbucks.
In accordance with Section 32(c) of the Freedom of Privacy and Protection
tee time otherwise, the time will be given to Act, the information gathered through this survey is confidential and
collected solely for statistical analysis as it relates to The City of Calgary and
Golf Course Operations.
Cancellations and Modifications
LATE DAY 9’S
Don’t have time for 18 holes? Try Late Day 9’s at Maple Ridge and McCall
to the number of players in your group are Lake 18, which immediately follow the last 18 hole tee time.
accepted via the reservation system phone
or online any time up to one (1) day prior to
your scheduled tee time.
the number of players you are required to
contact the golf course directly a minimum
of one (1) hour prior to your scheduled
tee time. FROST DELAYS FRUSTRATING FOR EVERYONE
In Calgary, frost delays are a reality of golf in the spring and fall. Everyone,
No-Shows & Penalties: including the golfer, the starters, and the maintenance crew who fall behind in
their work feel this frustration. Golfers should be aware that frost is detrimental
to playing conditions and the survival of the specialized turf on a golf course.
fail to honour your tee time reservation. Be
The leaf blade of the plant is seriously damaged merely by walking on it.
change please cancel or reduce the number The Golf Course Superintendent has the responsibility to protect the turf and
of players in your group in advance so that provide acceptable playing conditions. During frost periods, course conditions
others have a chance to play. are monitored very closely so play can begin as soon as reasonably possible.
Please know that the Starters are not permitted to allow golfers on the course
until directed by the Superintendent.
While we all wait patiently for frost to lift, you too can help preserve playing
conditions. Please stay off practice putting greens and other turf until notified
that it is safe to do so. Your co-operation and patience is greatly appreciated.
suspension of booking privileges for
14 days. FALL TEE TIMES
Tee time availability is limited in late September and October. Due to a
up to and including suspension of booking combination of reduced daylight hours and the risk of seasonal frost delays,
privileges for the remainder of the the golf courses will operate on a first come first served basis in the early
golf season. morning hours.
First Come, First Served Hours:
Golf Course Marshal Authority
Sept. 8 – 13 Course opening to 8:23 a.m.
Sept. 14 – 27 Course opening to 8:53 a.m.
control speed of play and enforce all facility
Sept. 28 – Oct. 11 Course opening to 9:23 a.m.
policies and procedures.
For additional hours of operation Link to our Links at calgary.ca/golf
are authorized to control speed of play by
requesting that players maintain the daily 2009 COURSE CLOSURES
pace (i.e. skip a hole). The City of Calgary Golf Course closures will vary according to demand,
For a more comprehensive listing of golf course
weather and course conditions.
policies please visit calgary.ca/golf or refer to
our 2009 brochure.
and Confederation Park will close late October (weather permitting).
PAGE 5 ON COURSE – AUGUST 2009
2010 Winter Golf Lessons Tee it up and try it
out in 2009!
ADULT PROGRAMS
Adult Beginner Family 8-12 yrs
Take a Kid to the Course Week
Indoor Instruction including basic A great way to spend time with
golf skills, use of clubs, etiquette, family, this adult/child indoor
annual Take A Kid to the Course Week July
analysis of grip, stance, swing program includes instruction on
and tips on what to look for when basic golf skills, use of clubs, rules
golfed for free during this week.
purchasing equipment. A great way and etiquette, etc. Participants will
to prepare for the upcoming season! also learn the fundamentals of grip,
Student Instructor ratio is 8:1 for stance, posture, and the swing. than 4,000 boys and girls have taken advantage
regular classes and 6:1 for low ratio Student Instructor ratio 6:1. of this opportunity and have golf for free at
classes. Ladies only classes also these two City of Calgary Golf Courses.
offered. After School 10-14 yrs and Junior
Weekend 6-9 yrs
Adult Intermediate
Focus is on the golf swing through
For graduates of Beginner classes, or various drills in an indoor setting.
for participants who have had lessons Learn proper grip, posture, and The First Annual Junior Skills
in the past, this indoor program is stance to create an effective swing. Competition
great to get your game to another Rules and etiquette will also be
level. Instruction will review basic covered. Clubs provided if needed. The results are in from the first annual Junior
fundamentals, swing mechanics, Student Instructor ratio 6:1. Skills Competition July 11th held at McCall Lake.
irons and woods, the driver, etc. The FREE event consisted of:
More information available in the
Winter Recreation Program guide or
Student Instructor ratio 6:1. Ladies
online at calgary.ca/golf in late Fall.
only classes also offered.
and beginner junior golfers (drives, iron
shots, putting, chipping)
LESSONS: PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Professional CPGA certified instructors are available to help fine-tune
your game. For more information on Private, Group and Semi-Private
lessons at McCall Lake, Confederation Park and Shaganappi Point
contact:
Terry Carter Golf Academy 403-605-GOLF (4653)
nationalgolfacademy.ca
Jeremy Lee and Jennifer Tokarek.
Family Golf at McCall Par 3
Online bookings are on the Golf is a great family activity that is affordable
upswing at The City of Calgary. of four can golf anytime for just $30 including
This season, as of mid-August, 45 per cent of all tee time reservations
were made online. Last year, 30 per cent of bookings were made via wanting to work on their short game.
the Web.
*Family of four:
At three courses – the two 9s at Shaganappi and the McCall Lake Par 3
– more than half of the bookings are now being made online.
“There’s definitely a transition happening with golfers,” says Lisa Lanctot,
reduced to $26 if all four players have their
Golf Course Operations business development co-ordinator. “I believe
own set of golf clubs and bags.
the convenience of the Web and the ease of use is contributing to people
using it.”
Lanctot says the data also shows that people are increasingly using the
online booking system to confirm and cancel tee times.
ON COURSE – AUGUST 2009 PAGE 6