Jim Boomer stood atop the hill overlooking the nearly ready Innisfail Golf Club course with his club in hand.
Taking one swing, he looks back and smiles.
“That feels good, a little stiff though,” said Boomer, the club's professional. “A few more swings and I will be ready for a round.”
Boomer noted the course, which has its origins 90 years ago in 1924, is in “the best shape we've ever been in except for the mouse and vole tunnels around the shrubs.”
Club manager Darren Black agreed.
“With the winter coming in so quick, and so little frost over the winter, our greens, tees and fairways are in exceptional shape,” said Black. “There will be some work being done on the greens, mowing and cleaning them up from moose and deer droppings, and we do have to take a closer look at the rodent damage too.”
He added there were several deer who made their home on the 27-hole course and three moose who wintered in the area who left evidence of their residence.
“We are hosting a club-only event, the Icebreaker on May 4 that will be an 18-hole tourney to open the golf season with league play starting soon thereafter,” said Black. “The shooting range will be open on April 26 for club members and members of the public unless we have another weather surprise.”
All 27 holes are projected to be ready for play by the end of May.
Black added club and green fees have not changed over last year's rates and he expects another busy season.
“With our type of course, and calibre of course maintenance, we are seeing a high number of golfers from around the province,” said Boomer. “We have been rated as the second best conditioned course in Alberta by Score Golf Ranking and one of the top five courses in Alberta.”
Boomer said the Innisfail Golf Club has a long and enviable history. It was formed in 1924 with only nine holes, which the club operated on until 1986 when nine more were opened bringing the course to an 18-hole facility. Nine more holes were opened up in 2006 when Boomer came on as head professional.
“There is so much golf history around here,” said Boomer. “The original nine-hole course had sand greens and sheep kept the course grass trimmed. Over time, the club moved from sand to grass greens and gradually improved the course. We should be fully upgraded in five years. This year we will be hosting two Alberta PGA events, one in spring and one in the fall that recognizes our efforts to provide a professional quality course.”
For more information on the golf club and upcoming tournaments go to www.innisfailgolf.ca or call 403-227-3444.
