Things are under way at the Minnewasta Golf and Country Club, and the the head professional/general manager couldn't be more excited to welcome everyone to the course.
"It's been so nice to get going," Greg Hesom says with a smile. "Everyone always is asking leading up to opening, obviously being in Manitoba it's hard to give an answer, the weather being what it is, you don't want to open too early but we are now and everyone is pretty happy."
Hesom says the course is in gorgeous shape despite a bit of a weirder winter. "These days, it seems like you go through a bit of a melt, snow, ice cycle in winter and that always gives some concerns but our greens have come through really good. No winter kill on them at all. We're really happy with the way they've come through and once we get some good rain, they will be in beautiful shape and earlier on than usual."
There have been some beautiful golf days of late, Hesom jokes it's been a little windy but that's not all bad, "gives some guys an excuse," he says with a laugh. "We've had great reviews, everyone is pleased with how things are from tee to green. The greens are a little slower than some would like, we just need a couple of weeks of good growth and they'll be up to speed. They are running true and we've had a lot of positive comments, which is always nice to hear."
Golfers love to travel and Hesom says for those that have not been to Minnewasta, they are in for some very unique surprises. "I think the thing that makes us stand out from other courses is we have elevation change. I think they did a great job of laying the course out and taking advantage of all the elevation changes. I think of hole 4 and hole 8, our two par 3's on the front nine, with the tee boxes elevated, you're looking down over the course. You see trees and all the way through the Pembina Valley, it's beautiful and unique. There's undulation on the greens as well. Everyone that comes here for the first time is kind of blown away with all the ups and downs on a course in Manitoba, it gives us a big, unique feature and we're so proud of it. It's a truly stunning place."
Another point of pride for Hesom is that all skill levels are able to come and enjoy the course. "It's not overly long but you do have to place your ball fairly well. We have four set of tee boxes so anyone at any skill level can come out and enjoy themselves. I will say to anyone coming out, practice your putting. We have the ups and downs on the greens, it makes for great fun, you can use your imagination when it comes to getting your ball to the hole."
The group at Minnewasta makes sure all guests feel like high end golfers while also feeling like they're part of the family. "Obviously, it all starts with the grounds crew, we have a dedicated team that really cares and puts in the efforts without the big budget some of the city courses have," Hesom says very proudly. "They put a ton of time in making the course what it is. We also have Santa Lucia here, obviously we're without our clubhouse again, but we do have a snack shack and tent set up in the parking lot, along with the beverage cart service, they're fantastic, we have some great girls running that. Our pro shop takes pride in welcoming people, we have 74 power carts to get you up and down the hills. Our staff is really incredible and they can't wait to welcome people from around Manitoba to our place."
Having a mix of longtime members and brand new guests means the world to Hesom. "We're looking forward to seeing our familiar faces back, we have our leagues going again this year but to see new faces, it shows that people really want to come and see what we have here. The more people that come out and play, the more it builds through word of mouth. We encourage everyone to come out and we can't wait to see you."
For more on tee times, directions and more, check out their website, Minnewasta Golf & Country Club