With sunshine, mild temperatures, and winter behind us (hopefully), golf season in Central Alberta is off to an early start — and courses are already filling up.
Both Lacombe Golf and Country Club and Gull Lake Golf Course are reporting high traffic and strong excitement as they kick off the 2025 season ahead of schedule.
Lacombe Golf and Country Club prepares for 100th anniversary
The driving range at Lacombe Golf and Country Club is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the 18-hole course scheduled to open on Friday, April 18.
“We’re probably about 10 days earlier compared to what a standard year would be,” said Weston Gillett, head golf professional. “But really, anything for us in April is a bonus.”
The early opening sets the stage for a major milestone: the club’s 100th anniversary.
“The golf course wintered really well,” noted Gillett.
A full calendar of centennial events is planned, including a Community Day on June 25 that’s open to everyone.
“You can golf for $19.25 and [it’ll] be open to everybody,” said Gillett.
A shareholder-only gala weekend will follow, complete with a black-and-white formal evening and tournament. Even club events will have a historical spin, with “some close to the pin stuff with golf clubs from 1925.”
Inside the clubhouse, members and visitors will also notice a fresh new look.
“Our restaurant has seen a pretty big facelift,” Gillett said. “It's going to be a big difference from what we’ve had in the past.”
The club’s season-opening tournament is the Men’s and Ladies Stag and Stagette, a fun, social event.
“It’s kind of a meet and greet event to kick off the year,” said Gillett. “You register as just a single golfer… you’re guaranteed to have five other people in your group.”
Lacombe is also offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal for young adult members.
Gull Lake Golf Course already in full swing
Just west of Lacombe, Gull Lake Golf Course opened its gates this week and has already seen a strong response from local golfers.
“Honestly, it’s been very good,” said owner Eamon McCann, adding the greens are beautiful condition.
McCann said the course, typically open near the end of April, got an early jump this year.
Despite being a nine-hole, par-3 course, Gull Lake has a reputation for being both fun and challenging.
The course also features a small driving area for irons and hybrids, an active pro shop, and a custom-built brick-and-stucco clubhouse designed by McCann himself.
“It’s beautiful,” he said. “The inside of the clubhouse is gorgeous.”
Gull Lake Golf Course runs a full slate of leagues and junior programs, including the Men’s League on Tuesday nights, Ladies League Tuesday mornings, Senior mornings on Wednesdays, Mixed League Thursday nights, and a junior program on weekends, with instructors from Calgary.
“Our junior program is one of the best in Alberta,” McCann said.
Memberships are available now, and the course will once again host its annual Pro-Am and charity fundraiser later this summer.
A promising season ahead
With courses opening earlier than expected and programs already underway, it’s shaping up to be a busy golf season across the region.
“People are coming in like crazy,” said McCann.
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