By Sam Donnelly
For Ponoka News
Ponoka area golf courses are seeing a great turnout as the golfing season begins in Alberta. Ponoka Golf Club and Wolf Creek Golf Resort opened their doors at the start of April.
The Ponoka Golf Club opened on April 25. According to Ryan Moore, head professional at the Ponoka Golf Course, business has been good when the weather allows for it.
He said that the course weathered very well over the winter, with the green set to look beautiful as soon as the indecisive Alberta weather moves into summer.
According to Moore, the 18-hole course has seen a boom during the pandemic with long-time golfers and first-timers taking to the course.
“People are chomping at the bit,” said Moore.
Memberships show that both the long-time golfers and the newcomers have both come back for the new season. He said that his hope for the season is that both groups of golfers will stick with the sport and continue to play.
Coming to the Ponoka Golf Course on June 10 is the 3 Par Extravaganza fundraiser event in which 200 golfers will take to the course for the benefit of the Wolf Creek Youth Foundation, Rising Sun Clubhouse and the Ponoka Golf Club.
As of April 28, the 200 openings for golfers have been filled, but the Ponoka Golf Club is always looking for volunteers to help with the event. Moore said they need approximately 60 volunteers.
Moore added those interested in swing dancing lessons should pay attention to the Ponoka Golf Club’s social media for updates.
The Wolf Creek Golf Resort had its own issues opening in the early spring, with snow and rain making it harder to open.
Ryan Vold, the owner of Wolf Creek, said that the late start has been difficult, however, acknowledged that fluctuating weather is something we all have to deal with in this part of Alberta.
Despite the weather, attendance at the golf course has been great.
“People are flocking out like crazy to go golf,” said Vold, adding he expects to have a great year.
Wolf Creek has two 18-hole golf courses. The first course has opened and the second will open later in May.
According to Vold, the Wolf Creek will play host to some provincial and national events this season including the All Nations Cup, a tournament for golfers of First Nations ancestry, in the last week of July.
There is also a Mother’s Day brunch happening at the course starting at 8:30 am on May 8.
More information about the Wolf Creek Golf Resort and future events can be found on their or social media channels.