Course History...
In the summer of 1990, Wendy Borne,
Recreation Director of McCreary at the time, took a survey of what the
residents of McCreary and area felt were priorities for facilities in
McCreary. The number one response was a golf course. A number of
interested people were brought together and work began to see if it was
feasible.
In 1991 one quarter section of land adjacent
to Riding Mountain National Park was purchased from William Rose for the
golf course. Land ownership was divided and an agreement was signed by
three groups, the Village of McCreary (Mayor Alec Hanson), RM of McCreary
(Reeve Bill Floyde), and McCreary Golf Course (President Rick Lisowski). A
$50,000 Community Places grant was received to help with construction of
the golf course. Town and rural residents were canvassed for financial
support. Russ Olson, professional golf course architect from Sechelt,
British Columbia, donated his time and expertise in the design of the
course including drawings and advice on course construction.
In 1992 the land was cultivated, cosmetic
ponds and reservoir were dug. Over 2,000 trees were planted, grass seed
purchased, greens and tee boxes were started under the direction of
Project Manager Noel Cantin and many volunteers. Peter Code built the
bridge between holes #3 and #4 and donated the material for the bridge.
Peter also donated and moved a garage onto the site to be used as a
machine shed. Many town and rural residents donated time, money, material
and equipment throughout the construction phase.
In 1993, a $25,000 Manitoba Community
Services grant was received for irrigation of tees and greens. With the
help of Ful Flo Winnipeg, most of the irrigation was installed by
volunteers. Noel Cantin and volunteers roughed in the tees and greens
along with the aid of the municipal grader. Brian McCutcheon of Neepawa
did most of the shaping and contouring of the tees and greens. Pembina
Landscaping was brought in to do some of the finishing on some greens as
well as the seeding of the greens. In the fall of 1994, play was allowed
with some temporary greens in place.
On July 8, 1995, the grand opening
tournament took place with 131 golfers participating. Les Skinner was the
first greens keeper. There had been many problems in 1994 and 1995 with
the elk damaging the course. Many attempts were made to discourage the
elk. Finally with he help of a government grant, the whole quarter section
was fenced. Along the North and West side a special large game electric
fence was installed. An 8 ft. game fence was installed on the south and
east side in early November 1995 when nearly 1 ft. of snow fell. The
fencing of the course has been an effective and necessary step in making our
course what it is today.
Letter contributed by:
Mr. Rick Lisowski
Past-President
