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.”