TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club is making an all-out effort to attract new faces to their 18-hole track, which features a large clubhouse and pro-shop facility that could, and should, be enjoyed.
One event that general manager and head professional Brian Dueck hopes will bring in at least a few curiosity seekers, is a Golf 101 event slated for July 14 that will be exactly what first-time visitors to the course can appreciate.
It's a free outing that will focus just a little bit on the actual game, but will more importantly introduce newcomers, especially adult newcomers, to the great game of golf without the intimidation factor.
The second program the club is touting this summer - one that is familiar, but with more tweaks and wrinkles, is the one directed at junior golfers. Associate professional and golf shop manager, Amanda Minchin is directing traffic for this summer project.
The Golf 101 concept began with a brainstorming session that included Dueck and Minchin as they bounced around the topic of getting more people on the Woodlawn course.
"We talked about how some people might feel intimidated because they think we're too formal or a little too tied up in protocol, so they might try a little golf at some other course, instead, or just don't bother. They're scared to come here," said Dueck. "We figured we needed an ice-breaker and what better way to do that than to extend an open invitation, make it free of any charges, include a drink in the clubhouse, and some free golf balls. It's at least a $65 package, but we're willing to go there just so people can find out about us, check us out without any pressure," Dueck added.
"So, if a person is a first-time ever visitor to Woodlawn, well, on July 14, we'll meet them in the parking lot, show them how to check in at the pro-shop, show them the driving range and putting greens, play a couple of holes with other novice golfers, teach them a few protocol things and we won't be worrying about details such as taking sand on a practice swing in the trap, or how to replace divots. It's for people who have never had anyone show them around the game of golf and they didn't know who to ask. So here we are. We're inviting first-timers to come out for some fun, hit the ball and if it goes sideways, who cares?"
Dueck went on to note that even if the newbies find it a bit nerve wracking to stand up on the first-tee box for the first time, they won't have to. "Play it from mid-fairway and make mistakes. This won't be a golf clinic, but more about what to do and how to get going," Dueck said. "Ask all the questions you want."
The fun stuff begins at 7 p.m., after work on the 14th, and it will be nothing but informal all the way. Anyone interested in the mini-adventure for first-time golfers is simply asked to phone the clubhouse at 306-634-2017 and let them know you'll probably be there. Anyone else who shows up that night won't be turned away either.
"I don't know if we'll have four people or 40 people. Naturally we'd like 40 or 50, but any number is OK with us," said Dueck, and naturally the event is aligned for both men and women.
"All we'll be selling that night is the idea of golf and the social part of the game and the people. Nobody is going to judge at all. Nobody out here is that good that they're on TV playing for big bucks. Graham DeLaet is the only guy from around here who is doing that. All the rest are just out here for the game and the socializing," Dueck said.
If the event turns out to be popular, they might try it again next year.
When it comes to the junior program and attracting the kids to the game, well, Minchin has some plans.
A summer league for young people begins July 2 with a round of Monkey Golf that features youngsters playing nine holes of golf using just three clubs. Most Wednesday mornings during the summer will attract the young golfers who are willing to go nine holes. The games are free of additional charges for members and $25 for non-members.
"The junior program here is rebuilding following the 2011 flood," said Minchin. "We have 61 junior members, a lot of them in that eight to 11-year-old age group."
The Junior Club Championship will be held July 15 and 16.
There are a few promising young players now emerging from the ranks, too, including 13-year-old Jace Carlisle who is showing some promise.
"We're hosting the Summer Games here in 2016, so we hope to reach out to some kids who are showing some additional potential," said Minchin, who also pointed out that did not exclude junior shot-makers who just want to enjoy the game while building some basic skills.
The Rondeau Cup, that focuses on the rules of the game while promoting family participation, always meets with success at the course.
Minchin said she has discovered over the three years she has been intimately involved in the program that the young kids love to play with the older kids.
"This tournament gives them the opportunity to do that without any pressure."
Jace is the only Estevan representative taking on the provincial golf circuit this summer but he, along with promising female golfer, 11-year-old Bailey Farr, will be heading to Deer Valley's golf course near Regina July 7-10 to join Minchin who is one of the guest instructors for a junior clinic there.
Juniors also get an additional opportunity to play a few pressure-free rounds every Saturday and Sunday evenings after 7:30.
"They can play for free, as long as they have a parent or adult with them. They won't need to bring clubs, we'll provide them. They'll get to learn a few rules and some golf etiquette while playing two, three, four holes whatever they can get in before dark," said Minchin.
The junior golf season will have a fun semi wrap-up on Sept. 7 with a parent-child tournament.
The junior golf program generally attracts youngsters once they reach the age of six or seven and their junior eligibility ends when they reach the age of 18.
"I'm also running a Girls' Club this year for young female golfers. We'll probably have an alternate shots tournament later this summer. I'm trying to boost interest in this game among the young females in this area," Minchin said.
"More than anything, we want to get more people out here at Woodlawn and we want them to have fun with golf," said Dueck in conclusion.
