There’s a simple theory as a golfer in this part of Alberta. If the sun is shining, and the ground is dry enough, hit the links regardless of the temperature.
Officials at Boulder Creek Golf Course held onto this theory even as the ground had a complete snow covering and the thermometer was well below freezing.
As is typical in the wild weather changes of the Calgary area, it switched on a dime in late March and suddenly spring was sprung.
That meant the Boulder Creek staff sprang out of their chairs and got to work, getting the course open on March 25, going from bleak winter to golfing in a matter of three days.
“When I see the sun, I go play golf,” said Boulder Creek executive director of golf David Robinson. “You have to take advantage of it.
“Two weeks before we opened it was minus-20 but we had two or three days there where it was hot and windy and suddenly the snow started to go. Usually we can see it coming a bit quicker than we did this year.
“We’re obviously thrilled we made the decision we did. We opened and haven’t looked back since. We were fortunate to get that early start.”
A year ago, when this area went through a mild winter and an off-the-charts warm February, Boulder Creek opened its fairways on March 10, which was the earliest date the links were operational in its history.
This spring is the second-earliest opening, and this is the third straight year it was March when the first ball was teed off.
“We anticipate opening somewhere between April 1 and 15,” Robinson said. “If we can get open before that it’s great.
“The course wintered really well. The greens are better than they’ve ever been. We’re definitely on our way so to speak. It’s been good to start in March three years in a row.”
With the great shape the course is in, there is some more good news for those who want to hit the links as frequently as possible this summer.
“The most exciting thing that is happening this year is a season’s pass to Boulder Creek,” Robinson said. “It’s a good opportunity for Langdon residents to get out and play a ton of golf.
“It’s what all the talk is about this year. We have a lot of activities for junior golf and a family membership, kind of like an evening membership for four family members. It’s pretty exciting.”
If a golfer was out at Boulder Creek when it was a new course on the Calgary golfing landscape and haven’t returned since, Robinson suggests now is the time to give it another chance. Over the years, the course has matured nicely and offers an more enjoyable day out than ever before.
“When we opened, it wasn’t in very good shape, back in 2008 and 2009,” Robinson said. “Now the greens are immaculate. It’s fantastic. The fairways are healthy and the rough is going great.
“The course plays well now, completely different from when it first opened. A lot of people will come out and they played it six or seven years ago and they can’t believe the difference.
“There are a lot of birdies to be found out there. The greens are so smooth. This early in the year they are putting very, very well. We’re thrilled with the condition. Our superintendent Dave Harms has done an awesome job.”
