This article outlines a variety of activities offered by some golf courses during the winter months. For your safety and to help protect course conditions, please confirm directly with any facility you plan to visit. Some courses are open exclusively to members, while others may not permit the activities listed below. Always check in advance before attending.

While parts of Alberta are experiencing what feels like an early return to spring, winter conditions will remain for at least another month. This naturally raises the question: what takes place at a golf course during the winter season?

Many member-based golf clubs do not simply close their doors at the end of the season and reopen once the snow melts. Although courses often shut down over the holidays, clubs frequently maintain a variety of indoor and outdoor offerings throughout the winter. Below is a look at some of the most common winter activities available at golf courses as we await the official arrival of spring.

Restaurants and Events

Throughout the winter, many clubs continue operating their restaurants with modified hours and seasonal menus. Members—and in some cases the public—may still enjoy dine-in service, takeout options, or casual gatherings, similar to the summer experience. Availability varies by facility, so it is important to confirm hours and access directly with your club.

In addition, some clubs host a range of private and club events during the winter months, including orientations, weddings, and other special functions.

Simulators

In recent years, demand for indoor golf facilities has increased significantly. Simulators, indoor driving ranges, and similar facilities have grown in popularity, offering golfers the opportunity to practice and play year-round. Many private golf clubs have provided simulator access to members for years, allowing them to continue lessons, practice sessions, or casual rounds with friends throughout the off-season.

Some clubs have expanded their infrastructure to meet this growing demand. For example, Cottonwood Golf & Country Club has added new facilities to better accommodate indoor golf programming.

Find An Indoor Facility

Winter Golf

Winter golf remains a lesser-known but viable option when weather conditions permit. In southern Alberta communities such as Calgary, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat, select courses may open for limited periods during mild weather.

These rounds are typically modified to preserve course conditions ahead of the regular season. Players can expect temporary greens, reduced green fees, limited food and beverage services, no warm-up facilities, mandatory use of mats provided by the course, and no power carts. In Calgary, for example, two courses recently opened for a one-week window during favourable conditions.

CTV NEWS Article: Calgarians Embrace the warm weather

City of Calgary Winter Golfing Information

Cross Country Skiing or Walking Paths

It is not uncommon to see activity on golf courses during the winter, particularly in residential communities where homes border fairways. Many clubs permit members to access the property for walking or cross-country skiing. Policies vary by facility, and it is essential to confirm permitted use before accessing the course.

In the Edmonton area, the Broadmoor Golf Course serves as a strong example of a course that accommodates winter recreation. Similarly, City of Edmonton facilities such as Riverside Golf Course and Victoria Golf Course, as well as select City of Calgary courses, are used for cross-country skiing during the winter months.

Anyone interested in utilizing a golf course for winter recreation should contact the facility in advance and follow all posted guidelines to help protect course conditions.

The Broadmoor Cross Country Skiing

City of Edmonton Cross Country Skiing

City of Calgary Cross Country Skiing

Skating and Curling

While more specialized, some golf courses create outdoor ice surfaces to allow members to skate, play shinny, or even curl. A number of clubs also operate indoor curling rinks that may be open to the public, providing golfers with an opportunity to stay active during the winter season.

When accessing outdoor ice surfaces in particular, it is especially important to confirm conditions and safety guidelines directly with the course before participating.

City of Edmonton SKATING

INglewood Golf & Curling Club

To mark Black History Month, we highlight several Black, Alberta-based organizations that are using golf as a platform to strengthen communities, foster inclusion, and create meaningful impact.

Golf has historically faced perceptions of exclusivity; however, the sport has evolved significantly in recent years and continues to grow as a more accessible and welcoming game. Across Alberta, organizations are demonstrating how golf can serve as a powerful vehicle for connection, philanthropy, and cultural celebration. The following examples showcase groups that are making a tangible difference through the game.

Information and images for this story were sourced exclusively from official websites and social media accounts, as we were unable to make contact with the associations at the time of writing.

Zambezi Golf

Zambezi Golf is a Calgary-based social group comprised of local businesses and individuals of African heritage. The organization is driven by a mission to bridge generational and cultural gaps among business leaders in Alberta.
Its name is inspired by the Zambezi River—the fourth-longest river in Africa—which connects Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. As a point of convergence for these four countries, the river symbolizes unity and collaboration, reflecting the group’s goal of bringing together cultures, networks, and professional relationships.
What began as a single event has grown into a series of initiatives, including two international events scheduled for 2026. Its flagship event, the annual Zambezi Golf Tournament, remains focused on fundraising in support of African History Studies. Proceeds are directed specifically to African Studies within the Department of History at the University of Calgary, supporting Ph.D.-level research on African history topics.

ZAMBEZI GOLF WEBSITE

African Canadian Golfers Club

The African Canadian Golfers Club (ACGC), based in Airdrie, is an association that leverages golf events to give back to the community and support those in need. The club’s vision is to cultivate a diverse community of like-minded golfers. Its mission is to use golf as a vehicle to bridge gaps, build understanding among communities, and create opportunities to give back to society.

ACGC hosts a variety of tournaments and programming throughout the season, including a one-day Battle of Alberta tournament, Single Match Play competition, Spousal Golf Training, a Ryder Cup-style tournament, and a season-long FedEx-format competition.
Its marquee event, the ACGC Open Championship, is a charity tournament that has been running for 13 years. Proceeds from the event support the Calgary Community Kitchen Program (CCKP). Since partnering with CCKP, the organization has raised more than $85,000. The Calgary Community Kitchen Program focuses on supporting marginalized Calgarians through a self-empowerment model designed to address food insecurity and related challenges.

ACGC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP REGISTRATION PAGE

Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary

The Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1993 with the goal of uniting, empowering, and uplifting Nigerians living in Calgary and surrounding communities.
The association offers a wide range of programs and initiatives, including cultural celebrations, youth mentorship, networking opportunities, and community service drives. Among its signature events is its annual charity golf tournament.

The tournament brings together members, sponsors, and partner organizations in support of charitable causes aligned with the association’s mission. Most recently, proceeds were directed to the African Cancer Support Group, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis.

NCAC Homepage

Collectively, these organizations demonstrate how golf can extend far beyond the fairways. Through community-building, fundraising, and cultural connection, they are helping shape a more inclusive and impactful future for the game in Alberta.

As our foursome approaches the 17th tee our jaws collectively drop as the amazing scene unfolds. To our left and right massive columns of chiselled rock fold into the sea and waves explode on the shore below. Beyond the rocks, the dazzling Sea of Cortez shimmers and melts away to the creamy horizon. And one hundred and fifty yards from our perch a thin wedge of green hangs on top of a 200-foot cliff. For ten minutes, it seems, we saunter around the tee taking selfies and group shots like there’s no tomorrow.  

Mexico is home to a phenomenal collection of golf courses. And the Baja California Peninsula – that thin, ragged run of land that extends from Tijuana in the north to Los Cabos on the southern tip – easily boasts the best collection of courses in the country. And many of the best ones have been built in the past ten years or so. To top it off, some of the prettiest – and deadliest! – golf holes I’ve ever seen are on the Baja.    

            While the southern tip (the Los Cabos area) alone has over a dozen fantastic desert-meets-sea courses, there are other places to play that, seemingly, fall somewhat under the radar.  Yes, these unheralded outposts may not have the quantity of courses that are found in Los Cabos, but the quality is certainly on a similar level. Case in point: Danzante Bay. 

            With its charming and historic cobblestone downtown, Loreto is a fascinating little tourist-friendly outpost. (Westjet has seasonal direct flights to Loreto from Calgary.) And, situated approximately twenty minutes south of this seaport, the TPC Danzante Bay golf course is, for good reason, a fast-rising star on the Mexican golf scene. The course was designed by talented architect, Rees Jones, and the routing is outstanding. The course wanders along arroyos and blasts through sun-roasted valleys lined with striking rock formations. And, although the seaside moments (there are two) are highlights, it’s exciting from start to finish.

            “The golf course was done in stages and it took us close to five years to establish the final routing at Danzante Bay,” said Rees Jones during a recent phone conversation. (The course opened on all 18 holes in 2017.) “All of the par-3s are strong. But yes, it’s the 17th that rightfully gets the most attention.” Similar to many of the great short par-3s in the world – the 12th at Augusta National, the 7th at Pebble Beach, and the 4th at Banff Springs, for example – the target on the 17th is small and the consequences for a miss are severe. But the setting and the views are absolutely amazing.  

And it’s this striking natural beauty, these high-stakes moments, that make the golf on the Baja California Peninsula stand-out. The warm-and-salty sea, the rocky cacti-peppered slopes, the beautiful beaches; these certainly are trademarks of this region.  

            Roughly four hundred kilometres south of Loreto is where you’ll find the capital and largest city of Baja California Sur, La Paz, which is another under-the-radar destination that golfers should know about. Highlights here include a beautiful downtown core tucked along the baby-blue La Paz Bay, a 5-km long waterfront walkway, wonderful beaches, and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and taquerias that specialize in fresh, locally-caught seafood. 

            The Gary Player-designed El Cortés Golf Club at the CostaBaja Resort & Spa is the first course you’ll want to book. The course starts high on a windswept bluff overlooking the sea and then plunges to the ocean for the bulk of the round. El Cortés scores high marks for its amazing vistas, numerous perched tees, and beautiful shaping and bunkering. 

            The seaside drama is certainly also the name of the game down the road in Los Cabos. And the new kid on the block, the Solmar Golf Links, could be the poster child for by-the-sea swings. This Greg Norman-designed layout has a number of incredible holes that are completely encased in bone-white sand dunes that run along the shore. Complete with an island green hole, a driveable par-4, and firm-and-fast turf conditions, this is a course that you definitely don’t want to miss.  

Unquestionably, the tourist strip between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is home to the most notable string of golf courses in all of Mexico. In total, there are about a dozen courses that won’t disappoint. (But brace yourself: you’ll pay for your golf experience! Golf isn’t cheap in Los Cabos. Think $250USD-ish per round in winter.) 

Similar to Solmar, the Dunes Course at nearby Diamante is an awesome adventure through towering sand dunes. The course, which was designed by Davis Love III and his brother, Mark Love, opened in 2010. It’s an amazing links golf experience that is consistently recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 Courses in the World. The “wow” factor here – thanks to the eye-popping dunescapes – is one of the highest I’ve ever encountered. And if I had to choose just one course to play on the Baja, this would be it.  

The Diamante development (like Solmar Golf Links, it’s located on the Pacific side of Los Cabos) also includes the Tiger Woods-designed El Cardonal Course – an inland desert track that has plenty of strategic options – as well as the 12-hole Oasis Short Course, which was also designed by Woods. And interestingly, a third Tiger course, the ultra-exclusive Legends, is currently in construction. 

The catch? Diamante is a private resort and residential development. Basically, the only way to get access to the golf courses is to receive an invite from a member, buy yourself a big shack on the beach (that will cost you) or book a short-term stay at a property in the development.

Diamante Dunes Rental Properties

Although there are a handful of ultra-exclusive golf-and-beach hideouts in Los Cabos – Chileno Bay, Querencia, El Dorado, and Twin Dolphin are prime examples – there are plenty of accessible courses as well. 

Quivira, for example, is yet another seaside campaign with a couple of breathtaking cliff-side stretches. The course, which also features the most scenic seaside practice area in Mexico, was designed by Jack Nicklaus. (And another Nicklaus design in the sprawling community of Quivira has just broken ground.) With cliff-top comfort stations, do-or-die par-3s along the wave-smashed shore, and plenty of elevation change, this is seaside golf on steroids. It’s a highly memorable and unique golf experience. 

On my last visit to Los Cabos (in early December, 2023), I stayed at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifico, an all-inclusive resort in the fast-growing Quivira development. It’s a stunning adults-only resort with a gorgeous private beach and wonderful pools, the award-winning Armonia spa, an excellent quintet of restaurants, free shuttle service to the golf course and their sister properties, and much more. It’s a fabulous tucked-away oasis and it makes for an exceptional homebase for your golf adventures in Los Cabos.    

Of course, if you’re a fan of Nicklaus-designed courses you’ve got even more golf in these parts that will test your talento. Puerto Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo, and Palmilla are all noteworthy Nicklaus creations that serve up sweet by-the-sea golf complete with fresh-taco comfort stations (a Los Cabos trademark) and upscale ambiance.  

True, this “upscale” aspect will take a heavy toll on your peso pile. But your hard-earned money will get you something on the Baja. Tacos, beer, and birdies, for example. And, of course, life-long memories of playing some of the most spectacular golf holes in the world. Buena fortuna, amigos!  

As a parent, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching your child succeed. For Jennifer Tse, that joy runs especially deep as her 13-year-old daughter, Rachel Adamis, has become an exceptional young golfer — winning 11 stops on the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour in 2025. But there’s far more to Rachel’s story than her talent on the course.

“Rachel started golfing when she was 3 years old, she was in her first Junior Golf camp at the Derrick Club.  The first time she hit her golf ball with a putter and the ball moved 15 feet, she was so excited.  Rachel started jumping up and down and cheering.  She was hooked from that moment on.  Since then, she would always ask to do more golf camps and classes.“

Since those early days, golf has meant more to Rachel than just competition. “Golf has provided Rachel the opportunity to make new friends,” Jennifer explains. “She can talk about golf all the time, and her golf friends are just as excited to join in.” Beyond the friendships, Rachel loves the peaceful views and the sense of calm she finds on every new course she visits.

What began as a fun family activity has grown into something transformative. Golf has taught Rachel valuable life lessons, and just like life, there are both good and bad moments, the key is to keep moving forward.

“Rachel has high functioning Autism.  She has difficulties interacting with people and making friends.  Golf has helped Rachel navigate life challenges through her disability by providing her opportunities to meet like-minded people so she can work on her communication and socialization skills.“

When Rachel first played on the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour in 2024, she was shy and rarely spoke to the other girls. Fast forward to 2025, and she’s not only a top competitor but also a social spark — regularly coming home with new friends and planning get-togethers outside of golf.

“Rachel’s autism provides her the strength of Hyperfocus.  During golf tournaments, Rachel can focus so hard and tune out all other stimuli allowing her to golf better than her handicap.  This Hyperfocus also gives Rachel Nerves of Steel.  She is even more confident when she plays tournaments and thrives under pressure.“

For Jennifer, the greatest reward isn’t just Rachel’s victories — it’s watching her daughter blossom socially and emotionally through golf.

“Rachel met her best friend Nha Truong at the Edmonton Golf Association Junior Golf Tournament in July 2025.  Watching the girls holding hands and skipping down the fairway during the golf tournament just melted my heart.“

Rachel’s excellence on the course continued this past September at the Alberta All Abilities Championship, an event created in 2023 to give golfers with disabilities a chance to compete and connect. Rachel shot her two best rounds of the year — including breaking 80 for the first time — and finished second in the Net Division.

But golf’s impact reaches even deeper for Rachel and her family. In 2021, Rachel’s father passed away from cancer, a devastating loss for the family. In addition to the confidence it has built for Rachel, it became a tool to help the family bond through additional challenges.

“Rachel was heartbroken when her dad died of cancer in 2021.  Her dad used to drive her in a power cart at the Derrick club and watch her golf.  Their favorite hole was the water hole. Late in the evening when the course was quiet, the two of them would try to hit as many balls as possible over the water. After the passing of her father, Rachel wanted to golf more, and golfing kept us busy and focused. It helped us both mourn our loss and allowed us bonding time to strengthen our relationship.“

Rachel’s twin brother Maxim lives with severe autism and following their father’s death had to move into a group home due to safety concerns. Yet golf has continued to bring the family together. 

“Golf has been so therapeutic for Rachel and our family.  Golfing outside and being in nature has helped ground us and eased our grieving. The Derrick Club has been so accommodating to our family.  Maxim, with his Autism service dog Jefferson, will walk with us on the golf course at The Derrick Club when Rachel is playing practice rounds.  Golfing is one of the few activities the twins can share and be safe together.”

Rachel’s dedication to the game is evident. She now practices every day with her best friend, Nha. “Rachel went from a 40 Handicap Index in June 2024 to an 11.9 in September 2025,” Jennifer proudly shares. “Her confidence has grown so much — she’s no longer shy and often does a little ‘happy dance’ after hitting a great shot.”

The staff and members at The Derrick Golf & Winter Club have been an incredible support system. “The course has become a second home,” Jennifer says. “Everyone goes out of their way to interact with Rachel. Many of the female members invite her to play, and she was even asked to play in the club’s Solheim Cup — where she contributed 11 of a possible 12 points for her team.”

One of Rachel’s biggest mentors has been Adam Werbicki, who has coached her since she first started golfing. He’s become a father figure and an instrumental part of Rachel’s development, both on and off the course.

It takes a village to raise a child, and Rachel’s village is full of champions. Her former teacher, Mrs. Tara Jones, at George P. Nicholson Elementary School, supported her passion by setting up a chipping net at recess and even attending her tournaments.

Now at Vimy Ridge School, Rachel is thriving in their Elite Program, which allows her to train with Coach Werbicki up to five times a week. This year, she’ll join the school’s Junior High Golf Program.

As a single mom, Jennifer admits that balancing work and Rachel’s golf schedule is challenging, but she’s grateful for the help of Rachel’s grandfather, Kevin Morris, who often drives Rachel to practices and tournaments.

While Rachel and Jennifer have been forced to navigate some difficult challenges in life, the two of them are grateful for all that golf has provided this star junior. The friends, the self-confidence, the growth, and a haven. Most importantly, golf has provided them a bond forged through hardship and given Jennifer a lifetime of happy moments, capped off with the knowledge that golf has helped Rachel with the life skills to be an independent and confident young woman. 

Halloween may have come and gone, but Alberta’s golf courses are never short on ghost stories. One of the most haunting belongs to the Edmonton Country Club — the province’s oldest private golf club, established in 1896. Over its long and storied history, the club has witnessed it all: moves, renovations, robberies, and even murder.

Among those who once worked within its walls was Phyllis Carter, a dedicated cook who was in her first season at the club. But her life — and her marriage to Reginald Carter — would take a dark and tragic turn, forever tying her spirit to the very place she served so faithfully.

To this day, staff and guests alike have seen, heard, and felt the presence of spirits through the clubhouse after dark. Some say it’s nothing more than old stories… but others swear that Phyllis and Reginald Carter still walk the grounds.

Read on to uncover the chilling true story that left its mark on the Edmonton Country Club, from the club’s 125^th anniversary publication.

The Story

In 1952, the club was still on the outskirts of the city, with employees often spending extended periods before heading back home. That was the case with Phyllis Carter, who was working in her first season as a cook at the club, having come to Canada from Essex, England, in 1951. Given the club’s proximity to the city, Carter lived in the staff quarters near the main clubhouse. Carter’s 18-year-old daughter also worked at the club.

On the morning of Friday, August 22, Carter’s husband, Reginald, a construction worker, appeared unannounced at the club, which was quiet. What led Reginald to head to the club is unclear; newspaper accounts provide no details as to his motive. Rumours at the club suggested he may have been concerned his wife was having an affair with the groundskeeper. Regardless, what played out after his arrival was shocking and generated headlines.

Thomas Molyneaux, the club’s head professional, saw Reginald there in the morning. Not that this was out of the ordinary-Reginald was known to visit his wife occasionally. Reginald stood by his car near the club gates and waved at Molyneaux as he walked towards the clubhouse.

Phyllis Carter had already been working for several hours by this point, having served breakfast to the staff before heading back to the clubhouse for more provisions.

The police contended Reginald Carter confronted his wife in the clubhouse, stabbing and strangling her. No one at the club was aware of what was happening, according to accounts. Later that morning, Molyneaux walked over the bridge that connected the tee to the 18th green, and saw a noose hanging on the bridge, but nothing else. Strangely, he doesn’t appear to have made much of this discovery, and it apparently didn’t concern him. 

However, around noon, Peter Stiksma, who worked on the grounds crew, found Phyllis’s body. The Edmonton Journal accounts suggest there were two murder scenes— one in the kitchen, and one in a bedroom located nearby, indicating Phyllis may have tried to evade her husband. The paper said she was discovered “fully clothed,” with a butcher knife in her back and a sweater knotted around her neck. Frank O’Rourke, who also worked in course maintenance, saw the noose tied to the bridge, and unlike Molyneaux he was concerned enough to investigate, where he found a body in the ravine below, which police had difficulty getting down to remove. In all, it was a horrible scene.

Putting the situation together, it would appear Reginald confronted his wife, murdered her, and then, feeling remorseful, hanged himself on the bridge. However, Reginald had used a rope that was far too long in his suicide and was decapitated by the force of having dropped so far, which explains why there was a noose on the bridge, but no body. “The daughter, who spent Thursday night in the city with a sister, was informed of the tragedy when she returned to the club at noon Friday,” the paper reported. 

An obituary in the Edmonton Journal noted the couple were survived by four children. The murder of Phyllis Carter created one of the great legends at the club: that her ghost continues to haunt the clubhouse to this day. 

The Haunting

For decades after her death – right up until the time of writing of this book (2021) – staff and the occasional guest have been frightened by an apparition that many feel resides in the clubhouse. Those who have experienced the ghost say there’s a common thread -the presence is a woman in proximity to the kitchen. 

On a chilly fall evening in 2003, Matthew Walker was busy with a small drywall job in the dining room. Everyone was gone for the day, and the radio was his only companion. Matthew had his back to the dining room as he worked, when he suddenly felt someone looking over his shoulder. He turned to see who it was this late in the evening. But no one was present, and he resumed his work until the same feeling came over him once again, only more strongly.

He quickly turned. But again, no one was there. He turned off the radio and began to listen, determining there were “chopping” sounds coming from the kitchen. Then he suffered something he had only read about in books – he was paralyzed by a shooting sensation up his spine and back of the neck. Instead of finding out who was in the kitchen, he backed away, grabbed his gear, and went home. 

Matthew finished the wall the next day when there were plenty of people around. He looked in the kitchen with the General Manager Brad Pinnell to see what machine could make that sound and nothing fit. But Brad took Matthew seriously, as he’d had his own experience the year before. 

In the spring of 2002, Brad and a server were the first to arrive for the day. With fresh coffee prepared, Brad went to grab a cup. He chatted amiably with the waitress about the day’s duties, all while doctoring his brew. The dining doors were wide open, and as Brad fixed his coffee and kept up his chatter, a woman walked past in the dining room. Grabbing his coffee and stirring as he went, Brad followed the woman into the dining room. But when he finally looked up, no one was there. Brad stood in confusion, gaping at the empty scene in front of him. Just then from behind him, the waitress entered the dining room. “The hair stood up on the back of my neck,” he said. It was a feeling Brad had never before experienced. He wondered who that woman had been.

The figure made itself known to many staffers over the years, including Assistant Manager Shirley Chalmers, who began work at the club in 1984. She was often alone in the office late in the evening, and during her first year on the job, she’d often hear chopping sounds from the kitchen or footsteps in the upstairs of the clubhouse, even though no other employees were working. For about five months, Shirley was the only occupant in the office when one fall evening she heard the unmistakeable banging sounds of someone sitting at the empty metal desk.

The experience unnerved her and she simply went home. But the issue continued and after one such experience, she approached General Manager Leo Blindenbach to ask what the cause of the noise might be. Blindenbach told her employees had often encountered what they felt was a ghost in the clubhouse, but it didn’t appear to have any hostile intent. Interestingly, that settled Chalmers’s nerves, and she was no longer bothered by the strange noises in the clubhouse. However, Phyllis might not be the only ghost that haunts the clubhouse. 

On at least two separate occasions, wedding guests walking out on the bridge in the evening have told of seeing a headless body floating over the bridge. The visions have come with feelings of anger and despair. 

In the fall of 2012, Beth Baker and a co-worker were working in the Snack Shack when they were spooked so badly, they had to flee. The music they were listening to began skipping songs and they heard a voice, apparently in mid-air, saying words they couldn’t decipher, leading the pair to run to the safety of the clubhouse. 

Their experience isn’t unique; the staff working in the building at the end of the bridge often feel they are being watched, and many times locked doors swing open on their own. A few times, books fell off shelves, or the paper towels would unravel by themselves. Baker said her worst scare was at closing time on a calm Sunday evening in the fall. She heard the banging of the wooden table that was leaning against the back of one of the coolers.

Knowing it couldn’t make a sound without something moving it, Beth went to text her coworker about this latest ghostly incident. As she grabbed her phone, she felt someone blowing on her face. She sprinted outside, extremely shaken by the incident. After composing herself she went back to continue the closing up but felt the mood in the shack was angry and she was not welcome. She had to get someone from the clubhouse to help her conclude her tasks. 

There are many stories of this nature and without records, it’s difficult to know when they began. But most people feel it’s related to the Carter deaths. A longstanding club surely has its ghosts, but in the case of Edmonton Country Club, they seem all too real.

Edmonton Country Club’s Full 125th Anniversary Publication

Edmonton’s Danny Sahl is making a living in professional golf — just not the way he originally planned. He is presently earning his money not by swinging clubs but by carrying them. Now don’t take that the wrong way. He can still play well, and he has high aspirations regarding that, but for now he’s content working as a professional caddie rather than as a professional golfer.

Sahl did become a playing professional in 2001 after a sterling junior career in Alberta, which included the 1995 Juvenile Boys Championship and 5 appearances as part of Team Alberta. But on the PGA Tour Canada, he found the winner’s circle only once, in 2011, at the Syncrude Boreal Open in Fort McMurray. Overall on that tour, Sahl had one runner-up finish and accumulated seven top-10 finishes as he fought to climb to the top.

While he didn’t make it to that level as a player, Sahl, who’s easily identified on the course by his mid-calf black socks and black-frame eyeglasses, made it to the top by carrying clubs. As such he’s done exceptionally well as Corey Conners’ caddie. Prior to that, the Albertan also lugged the sticks for PGA players Ben Curtis, Mike Weir and Vijay Singh

Speaking after Round 2 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions at the outstanding 7,700 yard Plantation Course on Maui, the first words out of Sahl’s mouth were, “Yeah, it’s a tough walk but a beautiful one!”

In fact, his pay cheques are also likely considered beautiful as Conners has earned approximately $13M (US) since he and Sahl joined forces in 2021, a sum which the caddie takes a percentage of.

“Corey’s my guy. I’ve learned a lot of golf from Mike Weir and Vijay Singh and now Corey. I think my knowledge with my experience has helped Corey out, I think a lot, with what I know. We have similar games, so it was easy for me to work with him. We both went to Kent State (University where they played for the Flashes). We had the same college coach, so it’s a nice connection that way.”

Speaking to the reason for him changing from being a playing pro to a carrying pro, Sahl commented, “I just ran out of resources to keep going. I still had it in me when I started out with Mike Weir. I got into a couple of events,” but the income from his finishes back then weren’t enough to keep the dream alive at that time. “I had the opportunity to caddie, and you know what? I wasn’t doing great as a pro, especially with what these guys do. Right now, I’ve been on the bag for 20 years and I still work on my game as hard as ever.”

He continued, “For me, this is the next best thing. You’re still around the guys at the highest level. I always wanted to be out here on the PGA TOUR. Unfortunately, I’m on the other side, but hey, I’m in the thick of things.”

While Sahl, now 45, has made a good living working for Conners and others, he wants to get back into the swing of things himself. Thus, he’s set his goal to make the grade on the Champions Tour when he turns 50. He noted that caddying has helped him improve his game by observing others who play at the top level.

“I just love the game. I study it. I watch everybody. I’ve got a good eye for the game. The swing, what the trends are. You’re practicing at the highest level. I’m not hitting the shot but I’m still seeing it,” and for him, the dream of moving from carrying to swinging remains high on his to-do list.

After playing one of the most underrated golf courses in the province (hint: it was just outside Stettler and it was called Pheasantback), my four-man posse plunked itself down on the beautiful outdoor patio, ordered a pint, and watched the western sky explode in red-orange fire. We tallied scores, we laughed, we ate, we quenched our thirst. It was a perfect day of golf. Capped off, of course, with an amazing patio experience. 

Not surprisingly, given the spectacular natural beauty of our province, the quality of the golf courses we have here, and the fact that the vast majority of golfers cherish post-round nourishment, there is no shortage of pristine patios at Alberta golf courses.  

As long as the wind is down and the temperature is decent, you can bet that the outdoor patio at your friendly neighbourhood golf course will be bustling. After all, the season is relatively short in these parts. And those idyllic summer days are at a premium. You gotta take advantage when the going is good! Definitely don’t have to twist my arm. 

While the patio at Pheasantback – especially when those prairie sunsets offer a breathtaking show! – is certainly a gem, there are numerous others sprinkled throughout Wild Rose Country. From Lethbridge to Fort Mac, Medicine Hat to Banff, great patios are par for the course. Here are a few more that rate high on my list. (Disclaimer: I readily admit that there are many more that should be included here. Hopefully I’ll get to those…soon!) 

Crowsnest Pass Golf Club – The spectacular mountain golf experience at the refurbished Crowsnest Pass Golf Club is no longer a secret! And the awesome new clubhouse, perfectly situated on the ridge overlooking the course and the snow-dipped mountains, is the appropriate way to cap off the day. 

Kananaskis Country Golf Course – Regardless of which course you play at the storied Kananaskis Country GC (my favourite is Kidd), a “session” on the patio is required. Perched above the course on the bench, the towering ramparts of Mt. Lorette and Mt. Kidd looming overhead, this is, unquestionably, one of the most scenic patios in the entire golf world.  

Priddis Greens GC – Just fifteen minutes west of Calgary, the private Priddis Greens GC, which is right on the doorstep of Kananaskis Country, is bordered by unspoiled forests and stunning natural scenes. And the view from the wraparound patio is the ideal place to soak them all in. 

Fort McMurray Golf Club – It’s a fact: neither fire nor flood can keep the fabulous Fort McMurray Golf Club down for long! The stunning new timber-framed clubhouse at this resilient club is anchored by The Bear & Buffalo, which has to be in the running for one of the best golf course restaurants in the country. And, yes, the massive patio is pure perfection. 

Desert Blume Golf Club – The sneaky-good Desert Blume GC in the sun-soaked city of Medicine Hat is always a treat to play. And the spacious clubhouse, which features the largest patio in town, serves up tasty food (thanks to the talents of Executive Chef, Brent Donkin) and delicious views of the golf course, the coulee, and Seven Person’s Creek. 

Blackhawk Golf Club – Routed along the pine-covered banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the exceptional course at Blackhawk, a masterpiece by Alberta architect Rod Whitman, is rightfully regarded as one of the top private clubs in the country. And the amazing clubhouse patio overlooking the pristine valley? Yes, that’s absolutely upper-tier as well. 

            Obviously, with over 300 golf courses in Alberta, I’ve just scratched the surface here. And I’d conclude with this: with good friends, good food, good drinks, and good weather, any patio in our province is perfect!

Unforgettable. Amazing. These are the two words that Brian and Jim Russell came up with when they were asked how they felt about playing in the 2025 Alberta Men’s Senior Championship together. Brian and Jim are one of, if not the first, father-son duo to play in the Men’s Senior Championship at the same time. “It’s amazing that we’re both healthy and able to compete in events such as the Alberta Men’s Senior Championship” remarked Jim Russell, the father figure in the Russell family. 

Brian Russell is the new guy on the Alberta Senior circuit, only turning 55 as of last November, but he is no stranger to this colorful group of characters as Jim, his father, is an accomplished amateur golfer in the Alberta Golf landscape. When asked about how players reacted at finding out their relation, he mentions getting a kick out of the puzzled looks on their faces as they did the math, and the continued looks when they find out how many years Jim has been playing. 

“I had previously met some of the guys, but this was a whole different animal. It was great hearing the stories of events past and learning about some of the Alberta Golf legends and what they are like off the course.  I felt very welcomed.” – Brian

Brian got into golf because of his dad and started by hitting around fields with a cut down 3 iron, putter, and a 7 iron that had blue electrical tape for grips. The course came when he was about 10 years old. In junior high, his family moved to the states and he was fortunate to play on the Junior High School team for Grades 7,8, and 9. Since the early start, Brian has become an accomplished golfer playing in a variety of provincial and regional tournaments before making the jump to the Senior event this past July.

The elder Russell had a similar start in the game, as he was playing with his friend a few houses down when the friend’s dad suggested they play golf. There he was given a 6 iron, a beat-up ball, and spent his time bashing the ball around Connaught Golf Club in Medicine Hat. Since that start, Jim has gone on to win the 2019 Men’s Mid-Master, make two Alberta Men’s Senior Interprovincial Teams, and won the 2011 Alberta Men’s Senior Championship. Jim has become a household name in Alberta amateur golf. He recently returned to the scene after some health troubles and in his first appearance back, he made the cut!

The Russell’s share more than just blood, but a playing style. “We have a similar game.  Nothing spectacular and the kind of rounds playing partners just shake their heads and say “that didn’t look like a 72” remarks Brian before adding “We both have very self-taught, natural swings which tends to get us into trouble at times”.  

When we’re playing together, nothing really changes. I’m a bit quieter both on and off the course.  I enjoy hearing the stories he always has at the ready, and not a round goes by without learning something from him, either about the game or outside the game. – Brian

When it comes to competition, we are always hoping the other does well.  Our mutual love and respect for the game of golf does tend to strengthen the bond between us. – Jim

How did the idea to both play in the Men’s Senior come together? It has been a plan for a few years the two Russell’s explain. “We first started talking about it loosely a couple of years ago and really planning it about a year ago” explains the younger Russell. Jim mentions that this has been a dream of his for a few years now and how grateful he is that his own game was fit for the challenge of the provincial championship. After the two men cleared their own hurdles, the stage was set for 2025 to be the year. 

The experience? Nothing short of a dream. The two men got to cheer for one another in their free time, as their tee times were separated by just a few groups. Jim talks about the privilege of having his son watch him tee off first and then getting his own chance to watch his son compete at the same event after he finished. 

Now that the goal of playing a provincial championship together has been met, what’s next? The father-son duo has their attention on the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship in Nova Scotia from September 9-12. As of writing this, both players are on the pending list and already have their flights booked. If they don’t get in, the golf trip of a lifetime awaits them as they’ll journey to the East Coast to play some unforgettable courses like Cabot Cape Breton, Cabot Cliffs, and maybe even Le Portage Golf Club. 

Either away, another unforgettable and amazing journey awaits this duo come the fall golf season. 

Alberta Golf (Ma-Me-O Beach) – The Black Bull Golf Resort in Ma-Me-O Beach, south of Edmonton, has been operated by one family for 3 generations and is currently the only fully female owned and run golf course in Alberta. The course is currently owned by Judy Wylie and her daughter Patricia O’Connor.

Judy, Patricia and Cathy

The course opened in 1971 with Patricia’s grandfather and uncle as the co-owners. Judy became the sole owner in 1998 with Patricia coming on board as co-owner in 2009.

“I think that’s something to hang your hat on for sure,” O’Connor admitted. “To be a solely female owned and operated course with the largest leagues in the area that other courses have emulated is a great feeling.”

The Black Bull is a busy place with men’s and ladies leagues with 100 players each and 4 generations of the family have been involved. Patricia has 2 daughters who work at the course and her sister Cathy has 4 daughters.

“She’s a teacher by trade and teaches in the area during the school year and she works at the club in the summer and we’d be lost without her,” O’Connor admitted. “My Sister Cathy has 4 daughters, 2 are quite little but the other 2 daughters have worked at the club as well. And my uncle’s son and daughter have also worked here. It truly is a family affair.”

O’Connor takes great pride in the country atmosphere they’ve created.

“The coffee pot is always on, we typically know people’s names and they’re always greeted with a welcoming smile and how you feel is more important than how you look.”

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH CO-OWNER PATRICIA O’CONNOR

O’Connor and her extended family all live within seconds of the course.

“All anyone needs to do to discover why we are in love with Black Bull is either be out first thing in the morning which I personally never am, I’m not a morning person,” O’Connor admitted. “I like to come late at night when you have the place all to yourself, there is something so peaceful and so beautiful and you have it to yourself.”

The rest of time the place is very busy and very affordable.

There’s a senior special every Tuesday and Thursday for aged 50 and over which gets you 18 holes with a cart for $45. And the most expensive time on weekends with a cart is still only $90.

There are 7 new tee box options now after the course went through the re-rating process with Alberta Golf and helped introduce some combo tees.

‘For the people who were traditionally intimidated by Black Bull and it’s difficulty and tightness there are now 7 different yardage combinations,” O’Connor said. “That’s made it a little easier and more female friendly as well. “

Quite a few members are from Edmonton and Calgary, some from Red Deer. It’s known as a tournament course that hosts a lot of scrambles but mostly it’s known for being one of the toughest tracks in Alberta.

“The Black Bull can give you a real butt kicking,” O’Connor said. “Anyone who thinks they’re tough enough to tame the bull and wants a true challenge should come here.”

Alberta Golf (Lethbridge) – The 113^th Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship is being held this week at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort in Lethbridge. It’s the first time since 1993 that Paradise Canyon has been the host and the only player in the field to play in both events is 67-year-old David Schultz of Calgary. Schultz is the recent winner of the 2023 and 2024 Alberta Men’s Super Senior Championship and he also won the 2024 Alberta Men’s Senior Championship to qualify for this event. What did Schultz think when Paradise Canyon was announced as the host for this event in 2025?

“I wasn’t thinking too much until I won the Alberta Men’s Senior Championship and I got an exemption,” Schultz explained. “I thought why not, I’ll give it one last farewell tour and play with the kids and see what happens.”

Stepping on the property this week, and shooting a tidy 3-under par 68 in a practice round, Schultz didn’t think much had changed with the dramatic layout in the canyons.

“It was a beautiful place, we came down here in 1993 knowing it was a couple years old and it was great, a beautiful golf course. We had a lot of fun, a lot of good play that week,” Schultz explained. “I shot 70 on the final day to sneak into 2^nd place but no one was catching Darryl James who blew the field away that week and won by 7 strokes. To be the only player in the field coming back here after 32 years, I’m really enjoying it.”

In 1993 no one was catching Darryl James for the title, but there were 3 more spots on the Willingdon Cup for Team Alberta up for grabs. Schultz came 2^nd and made the team along with Keith Whitecotton. Home course player Jamie Freel outdueled the likes of Harold Pasechnik and 64-year-old legend Bob Wylie to make the team.

“Coming in 2^nd to make the Willingdon Cup team was a thrill,” Schultz said. “Myself, Darryl James, Keith Whitecotton and Jamie Freel went to Victoria and won the Willingdon Cup so it was a great year.”

David and his wife Karen will be celebrating their 40^th wedding anniversary this November. Karen is David’s caddie this week and almost every week the past 40 years except at Paradise Canyon in 1993 when their kids were very young.

“Oh it’s great to have that support, it’s good she still puts up with me, I’m not always the best on a golf course like any golfer,” Schultz admitted. “We’ve had a lot of good trips together, we’ve travelled the world, I’ve played so many tournaments and she’s always caddied so it’s been a lot of fun.”

Karen had a front row seat to David shooting an even par 71 in round 1 and says she always loves being the caddie and watching great golf.

“David’s 71 today was solid and outplaying some of the young kids? I think that’s fun and to be honest fairly normal,” Karen chuckled. “I like the ups and downs of it all, I think it’s just fun to watch, it’s exciting, I like watching all the good players play,”

 Jesse Galvon, Ryan Werre and David Schultz

Turns out Schultz is indeed hanging in with the kids just fine, shooting an opening round even par 71. An amazing story that can only be topped if he somehow shoots his age of 67 in round 2.

“It was solid, I made a couple good up and downs, had one lucky break on 18,” Schultz said. “Could have made a couple more putts, but overall pretty solid. The ball and the course don’t know how old I am.”

As for how Schultz’s game has changed over the past 32 years?

“I don’t hit it like the kids but I know where it’s going,” Schultz said. “I’m probably straighter now than I’ve ever been in my career which certainly helps, and I still have the competitive urge, it’s a lot of fun.”

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH DAVID AND KAREN SCHULTZ