The idea, which came to fruition last year, was raised two years ago as the new Deer Park Golf Club (DPGC) was formed comprising representation from the Deer Park Men's Club, Women's Club, Seniors' Club and season pass holders. The primary purpose of the new club is to assist communication and to facilitate fundraising projects aimed at course improvements.
The new club will operate as a non- profit organization governed by a 10 member volunteer board.
In addition to fundraising for course improvements, the DPGC hopes to organize regular events at the municipal golf course such as socials, clean-up nights and work bees to help with course maintenance and help enhance course appearance, lists club chairperson Bruce Thurston.
The club recently made a submission to city council proposing an annual one day Par 3 Golf Tournament, slated for July 15 this year, as a major fundraising event. It is further proposed that the tournament become an annual event. The plan is to hold a clean-up work bee prior to the event.
As the Par 3 event proposes to raise funds for course improvements, the DPGC requested that the city waive the regular green fees for tournament.
In approaching city council with their proposal, the DPGC listed the following benefits to the city owned course:
Similar to the men's club annual open tournament, the proceeds from the Par 3 event would be invested into course improvements.
The event would market and promote the tournament outside of the city which would attract golfers from outside of the Yorkton area.
The course improvements provided by the tournament would make Deer Park more attractive which will, in turn, bring in more golfers.
In settling on potential course improvements, the club surveyed current members. Many worthy projects were identified including the trenching of holes 8, 9 and 10 which would involve cleaning up the creek and/or developing a water project. Improving washrooms was another suggested project.
Any proposed improvements would only be undertaken with full consultation and approval of city council, Thurston states.
"I look forward to a great golf year," Thurston closes.
