KAMSACK — The Kamsack Comprehensive Institute is believed to be the only high school in Saskatchewan to have its own computerized golf simulation equipment.
It’s a setup of a computer and screen that allows one to play virtual golf, said Zac Fedorak, a teacher at KCI, who has been playing golf on outdoor courses for about 20 years and will be the main instructor of students using the new equipment.
With this equipment, one can play golf all year, Fedorak said. “It’s very accurate and quite realistic.”
“This is a big deal,” added Jordan ven der Buhs, another teacher at the school. “As people hear about it, they want to play it.”
The equipment has been set up in a former storage room off the school’s gym No. 2, which has now been dubbed the golf room. In addition to the computer equipment, the room contains a durable screen of about 12 feet by eight feet and a pad from which one hits regular golf balls using regular clubs.
Also in the room is a rack for holding golf bags that was recently made in the school’s shop class.
“Hit as many shots as you want, whenever you want: no restrictions, no limits,” says the webpage of the Uneekor EYE XO equipment the school purchased.
“Watch your ball flight in stunning detail, track every shot, and focus on the numbers that matter most.
“Whether you’re perfecting your swing or just hitting leisurely, (the equipment) gives you that luxury,” the webpage says. “The Uneekor EYE XO series golf launch monitor is designed for those who demand the best of the best to obtain the next level of their game without the complexities that come with this difficult but rewarding sport.”
The school acquired the equipment this spring and will put it to full use by autumn, Fedorak said.
Plans are to offer students in Grades 10 to 12 the opportunity to earn a full credit in golf, and it will be used as an extracurricular activity for students in all grades.
“This equipment provides access to 150,000 golf courses on which the students can play,” he said. “Or, you can upload your own course.”
Golfing has been a going concern at KCI, where a golf team has participated in the district competition each autumn and the team has qualified to advance to the provincial competitions the past four years, he explained. In the spring, the school has offered a junior golf program, which allows teams to qualify to advance to the district level.
Using the equipment, Fedorak has developed a curriculum that has been sent to the minister of education for approval, and once approved, it will be used by other schools in the province, ven der Bohs said.
To help pay for the equipment, the In Good Taste fourth annual BBQ Bash being held at the Madge Lake Golf Course on June 6 will be a “golf and grill fundraiser,” Fedorak said.
The event is limited to 80 golfers in 20 teams playing four-person scramble and 150 persons at the supper, which will feature an assortment of barbecued meats.
Golfing will begin at 4 p.m. and the barbecue platter supper at 7:30 p.m. in a tent at the golf course’s parking lot.
The event will include a silent auction and a 50/50 lottery draw.
Sponsors of the event include Luxe and Mane beauty lounge, Prairie Soil Services, Nykolaishen Farms Inc., The Smoker Broker and the KCI Spartans.
Golfers may pre-register as a single or as a team by calling the school or by emailing [email protected].
