Michigan Golf Journal October 2020

31 October 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com Jerry kind of downplayed it, talking about a small nine, and it didn’t sound like a big deal. And we both quickly found out it was a bigger project than he predicted, and the site was fantastic.” The new Silver Course sits near the Gold Course (est. 1992) on the north side of the road that splits the property. They will be bundled as one 18, and the current Blue and White Courses will be bundled as a second 18. The original Red Course will be used mostly for a stand-alone 9 that’s popular with the older crowd and beginners but can be added to any mix. A huge newer open-air pavilion can seat 200 people for outings and weddings. A key feature of the new 9 is a ravine that splits the property, where Hole 6 plays over it – a par 3 with a rock wall fronting the green. Hundreds of tall pines provide another visual wow factor. “At one point it’s about 30 feet deep, with a creek running through it,” head pro Jeff Thiessen said of the ravine. Most property owners and golfers would think that 36 holes at one location is plenty. “It made sense for us to develop it,” Thiessen said. “We need more inventory.” Thiessen said they have 1,400 league players at Saskatoon, and it is not unusual to have 400-500 golfers per day on weekends. “It will be great for the patrons – a new menu item if you will,” Albanese said. “I’m not sure even Saskatoon realized what a wonderful piece of property they had, and the quality of a golf course that could come from it. It’s kind of like someone thinking they were buying a Chevy and it ended up being a Cadillac. “There’s a little bit of a budget constraint, but because of the site you don’t need a lot of money to make this great. It’s really fantastic, and we’re going to do some cool stuff with the bunkers, making them different than any of the other bunkers on their existing 36 holes. This nine will have an entirely different flavor than the 36 holes they have had in play.” Grass seed was planted this fall and was well underway growing in during mid- September on about 85 percent of the new 9. The course will play to about 3,400 yards. MGJ More info at: https ://www. saskatoongolf.com/ Gold Course Hole 2 in play