By Gord Montgomery
If ever there was a time to test your skills against an Alberta golf course that set the standards for upscale designs back in the 1980s, it’s now. You see, The Wolf is back. in great shape. and ready to take you on.
Speaking to how the old Course, plus its sister, The Links Course, wintered, and how they have improved from the past few years, General Manager Jim Boomer began: “Both courses wintered really well,” he said. The original layout, which played host to the Canadian Tour for 13 years, was constructed in 1984, while its younger sister came about in two stages, with nine holes opening in 1990 and the second in 2010. All 36 holes were designed by famed Alberta golf architect Rod Whitman, who also designed Cabot Links, Cabot Revelstoke and many more.
As for what faces golfers here, they’ll fund a mixture of forced carries, some challenging terrain, and rolling greens all of which have those taking on the challenge of chasing par making use of every club in their bag – several times over.
In regard to the Old Course and its revitalization, Boomer said, “Mostly we got a new pump in the creek, a proper fertilizer program going, so we feel we are just so much further ahead. The Wolf of the past is back! You’ll find those kinds of conditions already,” but be aware that a links-oriented course is a rougher cut than a country-club layout.
What players face on the original track is an old-school links layout which winds through the priarie setting. “What they’ll find is when the original Wolf was built, there were smaller greens,” than today’s putting surfaces as well as plenty of rough. “This course plays a little shorter (than the other 18) but naturally with the smaller greens it’s a good challenge,” on this par-70 layout that is ‘only’ 5,700 yards off the Blue tees, and under 5,000 from the forward boxes.
Asked about the trepidation some may have in taking on the Old Course for the first time given its reputation and characteristics, Boomer explained that people should relish that challenge, especially now that it’s back in prime condition.
“I think because it’s a special challenge they should come. They shouldn’t think of it as something that’s really daunting. I think you might not play to your handicap the first time you see it because of the type of challenge it is. We really hope people embrace the challenge.”
Swinging over to the Links Course which is a par-71 and longer at just a shade over 6,200 yards from the Silver/Blue combo tees, he commented, “This is a good golf course, too. The new course is more wide open,” but does include hazards like pot bunkers and natural grasses. “The younger guys can hit the driver a lot more there. And, the greens are a lot bigger. Of the two courses, if we were going to host an event championship, we’d likely host it on The Links.”
As for the other amenities at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort, now under the management of Golf North, there have been extensive renovations to the clubhouse. While the original building is still in use, it has been upgraded significantly making post-game reminiscing much more enjoyable.
“The clubhouse has had a complete re-do< the GM said. “We’ve now got a rooftop patio. The deck off of Barney’s Lounge has now been expanded. It’s got an astro-turf surface and has really been a nice addition. On top of that, the renovation has continued. We’re just getting to the point where we’re going to be showing off the whole place. We’ve got a new kitchen, the full-service pro shop has been completely renovated. Downstairs, which used to be just offices and washrooms it is now going to have a walk-in snack den for the Old Course,” and that should be completed by the end of May. “Before, you to just a window where you stuck your head in. Now, you open a door, walk in, and have some selection.”
In closing, Boomer noted that the Play Golf Canada special green fee rates are applicable to all 36 holes here. “We’re wide open to this being for both courses,” he ended, inviting one and all to come take on the challenges presented by two golf courses that are great designs and well worth checking out.