Melfort golf course seeks $1M for new irrigation system

MELFORT — The Melfort Golf and Country Club is seeking financial support from the City of Melfort to replace its aging irrigation system. 

Club president Chris Corbett told city officials the current system, which serves all 18 holes of the course, is at the end of its lifespan. 

“The irrigation system, a critical part of a successful golf course, is at the end of its lifespan. We are fortunate as it has lasted longer than forecasted,” Corbett said during the city’s governance and priorities committee meeting on July 30. 

Corbett said replacing the system — including the pump house and piping throughout the course — will cost more than $1 million. 

“Our research indicates the total cost will be just over $1 million. As you can imagine, this is beyond our financial capacity.” 

Corbett said the club plans to launch a fundraising campaign in 2025 to begin raising funds for the project. 

“The combination of grants, fundraising and savings will be our path to success,” he said. 

Currently, the project is ineligible for funding through the City of Melfort’s Community Sport Facility Grant. However, Rob Lok, the city’s director of community services, has submitted a recommendation to council to amend the policy to allow irrigation systems to qualify for funding. 

“The intention of the grant policy is to provide some opportunity to offset those additional costs,” Lok said in his report. 

The request is expected to return to the next regular city council meeting for a decision. 

The Melfort Golf and Country Club, established in 1924, is a key recreational facility for the city, hosting numerous tournaments, junior golf programs and regional events annually.