Win one of two FREE Perdue Oasis Savings Passport!

Perdue Oasis Golf and RV Resort near Saskatoon is giving away 2 Savings Passport with more than $700 in savings. The new high-end 20-hole facility features membership privileges without the high cost and no tee time restrictions. To win, MORE >>

Sweet Stay-n-Play packages

Are you getting better?

Skins coming to the West

	What's the greatest sin in golf? Cheating? Not raking a sandtrap? Sandbagging? Cursing? Talking on your cell phone? Putting out of turn? Talking too much? Not replacing your divot? View results

Golf course roundup 2006

Bunkershots back at it

Greatest game ever played

Young amateur golfer Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf -- HOLES, I ROBOT) has nothing but talent and a seemingly impossible dream to challenge the world's greatest player, his idol Harry Vardon. Soon, with the help of his spunky 10-year-old caddy Eddie, Francis boldly breaks down all barriers with a thrilling display of unrivaled drive, skill, and heart...and challenges the golf pro for the U.S. Open Championship!

It's a story of courage, passion and of the greatest sports hero you probably never heard of. Larry Link said it was as good as Seabiscuit. The Today Show reported it was "masterful." MUCH MORE>>

Candle Lake, a northern beauty

Amen Corner

"I've never been to Heaven, and thinkin' back on my life, I probably won't get a chance. I guess the Masters is as close as I'm going to get."
- Fuzzy Zoeller

Sask Landing Golf Resort,
a prairie work of art

A couple of years ago. the new championship track at Saskatchewan Landing opened a half-hour north of Swift Current to rave reviews and since then has been quietly building its reputation. It lies along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker, one of the largest lakes in the province and a startling discovery when you come off the seemingly endless prairie.

At 7,000 yards off the tips, Saskatchewan Landing Golf Resort links-style is unique in the province, resembling a desert or native prairie course such as those in Arizona. With average size greens, natural rough and blooming cacti, shotmakers will use every club in the bag.

"It's a beautiful site for a golf course overlooking a large lake and valley with abundant wildlife and flowers," says Ken Skibsted, head pro and manager at the facility. "At 7,000 yards, there's plenty of challenge for golfers."

The course is located in a provincial park with sandy beaches, 250 campsites, a boat launch, hiking trails and a cottage subdivision. "There's a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere at Saskatchewan Landing," says Skibsted. "It caters to people on holidays who want to have fun and lay back."

The secret to scoring - there's plenty of water to keep the fairways and greens well-conditioned - at Saskatchewan Landing is to stay on the fairway. While there are no trees, there's plenty of bush and gnarly rough to negotiate. It's usually wise just to hit back to the fairway rather than go for the hero shot, especially if winds are at play in the valley.

At 5-6,000-square-feet, the greens are medium to large in size. While they are gently rolling, they can be quick on the stimpmeter. The greens conditions are some of the best in the province, says Skibsted.

If I were to chose a few signature holes, the 12th, 4th and 18th, come to mind: The par-3, 12 th is a short club across a natural grass coulee to a well-protected green. Sand hills and sand traps are buttressed with railway ties. The 540-yard, uphill dogleg 4th needs three solid shots to reach the green, if you manage to stay on the fairway. From the vantage point at the top, you will need to pause a moment to enjoy the panorama. Finally, the 18th is a classic risk-reward challenge along Lake Deifenbaker. While this par 4, measures only 329-yards off the whites, the first shot needs to hit a landing area about 210 yards along a narrow fairway.

The 19th hole consists of a clubhouse, pro-shop and lounge overlooking the lake. There's a pleasant deck to conduct a post-mortem on your pars (and triple bogeys). There's also a driving range, putting green and lessons available from a CPGA professional.

This summer, there's a full slate of tournaments planned including a $150,000 Tournament of Aces that will be attracting golfers from around the province.

Saskatchewan Landing can be found just east off Highway 4, off a good blacktop road. Just prior to crossing the lake you will find a provincial interpretive centre that focuses on local history and the environment. There are also hiking trails, teepee rings and a professional mini golf to enjoy in the area. By the way, woolly mammoths were found in the area and are incorporated in the club's logo.

Tee times, phone (306) 375-2233.www.sasklandinggolfresort.com

Around Saskatchewan links

Graham Coulter of Regina-based Prairie Links Golf reports that Madge Lake Golf Resort joins Deer Valley Golf and Estates and Riverbreaks Golf Resort under the company's management umbrella...Betty Metzler is the new manager at Katepwa Beach Golf Club replacing Steve Knapp who is now at Tor Hill Golf Course in Regina...You can watch the progress of the new casino at Dakota Dunes Golf Resort south of Saskatoon on a web cam.

Taxpayers bail out Regent Park

An administration report found that rounds have declined from 9,157 in 2001, to 3,800 in 2004 and to 2,073 last year. The course was closed for several weeks however during a civic workers strike. The report went on to say $180,000 to $225,000 was needed to upgrade the greens and conclude the course should be closed and golfers go elsewhere.

Meanwhile, members of the parks and community services have recommended to council that $15,000 be spent on one-time maintenance to improve the course and extend its hours. In 2005, the course had an annual operating deficit of $75,000. On Apr. 25, council decided to bail out the golf course and extend its hours of operation.

Golf real estate, a hot commodity

Aging baby boomers in Saskatchewan are retiring and they want to golf in the morning, afternoon and night. Increasingly, they are choosing to live in an affordable golf course community where they can practice their passion at their doorstep.

From the native prairie, links-style courses of southern Saskatchewan, to the majestic boreal forest and lake area of the North, there's a venue for everyone. With summer days away, now is the perfect time to check out real estate opportunities at such hotspots as Candle Lake Golf Resort, Northern Meadows Golf Resort, Elk Ridge Resort and Harbor Golf Club and Resort.

All eyes will be on the newly expanded Candle Lake Golf Resort in May, when the four- season facility opens to the public for the first time. While it's the epitome of scenic, unspoiled Northern Saskatchewan, its beauty is more than skin deep. Located 77 km northeast of Prince Albert, it's carved out of the beautiful boreal forest.

"The golf course lots are great value," says Rick Rumberger who operates the course with his wife Linda. Last summer, a subdivision adjacent to Candle Lake resort opened and quickly sold 74 of the 80 building lots.

The large lots - ranging from 90 by 120 feet wide and 120 to 130 feet deep - sell for $55,000 to $130,000. A townhouse condo project plus a suite project overlooking the lake are also in the planning stages. Considering the proximity to the lake and the golf course, the lots and units are a bargain compared to something in Alberta or British Columbia. www.candlelakegolfresort.com/homes.html

In northwest Saskatchewan, lots at the newly expanded Northern Meadows Golf Resort are selling briskly especially to Albertans, says owner-operator Ken Olan.

"The value-added aspect of Northern Meadows can't be compared to what's available in Alberta or B.C.," says Olan who estimates 99 per cent of his buyers are from Alberta. A golf course home will cost under $200,000 compared to as much as $500,000 elsewhere.

There are several drawing cards to the Northern Meadows facility beside the affordable cost. It's located only 60 km to the Alberta border. It's next to Meadow Lake Provincial Park, the province's largest provincial park. It features prime fishing and boating at 30 nearby quality lakes. It's full-length championship course opens later this summer.

Phase one and two of the project are now sold, but 14 of the 55 lots in Phase three are still available at $38,000 to $43,000. Once the project is complete there will be 93 lots in total. If a client want, the facility will also act as a general contractor for a home, says Olan. www.northernmeadows.com/

Located one hour north of Prince Albert on #2 highway, adjacent to Prince Albert National Park and 5 minutes from Waskesiu townsite, Elk Ridge Resort is one of Saskatchewan's premier recreation and residential developments. Aside from a championship course, nearby attractions include Waskesiu Golf Club, the numerous services in and around Waskesiu itself, and winter attractions.

"Above all Elk Ridge Resort offers you an unparalleled 27-hole golf course," says Debra Kuzbik, director of resort sales. There are seven townhouse-style condos for sale at an average $300,000 and 10 more are in the planning stage.

The Elk Ridge Estates is the dream home center of Elk Ridge Resort. Each of the approximately 80 remaining ¼ to ¾ acre lots are fully serviced including street lighting and paved roadways. Lots range from $75,000 to $100,000.

Elk Ridge is close to Prince Albert and Saskatoon and a spectacular national park. The four-season facility is very affordable when compared to similar high-end properties in British Columbia, Alberta, the United States or elsewhere, says Kuzbik. www.elkridgeresort.com/investments.html

In southwest Saskatchewan, Harbor Golf Club and Resort at Elbow offers an easily accessible cottage/home subdivision and a premium lot development, says operator Rick Jukes.

"It's all about location, location, location," says Jukes. "Eight five per cent of the province lives within 2 ½ hours of Harbor and 60% within an hour and a half. There's a quality golf course, and some of the best sailing and fishing in the province."

At $15,000 to $25,000, nine of the 18 lots in the first phase of the project are sold to date by Lakeside RV Park Ltd. These are full service lots with the exception of septic. Another 35 premium, full-service lots are under development along the lake, marina and golf course.

Harbor is also in the early development stages of developing an attractive mineral spa and condo project with up to 160 condos. See www.harborgolfclub.com

For more info on golf real estate opportunities in Saskatchewan, see www.saskgolfer.com/realestate.php

Ease into new season

As a golfer you must allow yourself to become "used to" golfing again. No one that has not jogged for 5 or 6 months would expect to go out and run a marathon their first time back jogging. So, why do golfers run out and hit more golf balls in 15 minutes than they would in an entire round? Remember when you play golf, in the 4.5 hours that you may be out there, you will only hit about 25 - 30 full swing shots, 25 - 40 less than full swing shots, pitches and chips and about 30 - 40 putts. This is why many people have trouble at the start of the season. They don't take the time to let their bodies get used to golfing again.

This year go to the range an start by hitting 30 half to 3/4 swing 9 irons or pitching wedges in about 30 minutes. Yes, about a minute per ball. Yes take your time. Science has proven that the memory of a skill isn't established until after the practice stops and it takes 6 hours for the brain (cerebellum) to actually consolidate any skill you are working on. With this in mind, try taking your time at the start of the season working your way into the swing. Go to the range every day for a short but structured practice session. Pick one thing to work on and then the next day check to see how the brain and body have done over night and then move into something else.

Through a practice session, you will remember best what happens first in the session, 2nd best what happens at the end least what happens in the middle. Also do not practice two similar skills together. The brain will tend to get them mixed up and neither will be remembered correctly.

Take your time starting out the season. We know that the season is short in Saskatchewan but it is just starting and now is the time to help your game the most. Seek out a golf professional to help with your game and put the proper time and effort in at this time of year and you should see an improvement over past seasons. Don't rush yourself at the start or you will spend all season trying to catch up to your partners. MORE PRO TIPS >>

By Kerry Schofield, Wascana Country Club, One of Canada's "Top 50" Golf Instructors, 2004 CPGA of Saskatchewan - Teacher of the Year.

Why join a local golf club?

To many avid golfers their home course becomes their home away from home. What happens at the golf club often creates a bond between you, the club and the other members.

So what are some of the advantages of being a member of your local golf course? Here are 10 great reasons to be a member.

1. Participate in club functions and tournaments.

2. Many membership courses have reciprocal agreements with other clubs to save you money. Plus, save by being a member instead of paying regular green fee rates.

3. Receive personalized instruction with the local golf professional and his support staff on everything from course playability to properly fitting your golf clubs.

4. Members often receive pro shop discounts, preferred member pricing and other golf-related benefits.

5. Members really get to know their local golf course and find out the best way to play it.

6. Develop a real camaraderie and friendly competition with other club members.

7. Receive playing tips from other members on the subtleties of the local course.

Perspectives on Golf

Golf! You hit down to make the ball go up. You swing left and the ball goes right. The lowest score wins. And on top of that, the winner buys the drinks.

"I wish I could play my normal game...just once."

"Golf is harder than baseball. In golf, you have to play your foul balls."

If you find you do not mind playing golf in the rain, the snow, even during a hurricane, here's a valuable tip: your life is in trouble.

Golfers who try to make everything perfect before taking the shot rarely make a perfect shot.

The term "mulligan" is really a contraction of the phrase "maul it again."

A "gimme" can best be defined as an agreement between two golfers ... neither of whom can putt very well.

An interesting thing about golf is that no matter how badly you play; it is always possible to get worse.

Golf's a hard game to figure. One day you'll go out and slice it and shank it, hit into all the traps and miss every green. The next day you go out and for no reason at all you really stink. Golf is the only sport where the most feared opponent is you.

Golf is like marriage: If you take yourself too seriously, it won't work, and both are expensive.

The best wood in most amateurs' bags is the pencil.

To some golfers, the greatest handicap is the inability to add correctly.

If you find yourself pleased that you locate more balls in the rough than you actually have lost, your focus is totally wrong and your personality might not be right for golf ...

Why is it twice as difficult to hit a ball over water than sand?

"The greatest sound in golf is the Woosh, Woosh, Woosh, of your opponent's club as he hurls it across the fairway.

Consumer Reports reviews balls

For starters, it’s important to fit your ball to your skill level: The 2-piece ball is best for beginners and intermediate players, the 3-piece ball for more experienced players and the 4-piece ball for stronger players.

It recommends for experts and high-rated players, the 3-piece Nike One Black. For most of us, the Nike Power Distance Super Soft (Also Best Buy of all balls rated), and for slow swingers, the Titliest DT So Lo. For complete recommendations, ratings, overview, anatomy of a golf ball and test methodology see MORE >>

Junior competitions set

The first stop in the series is the Finora Classic at Moon Lake Golf Club in Saskatoon on May 6th and 7th. On June 3rd and 4th the MJT stops at North Battleford Golf Club for the ACT-UCT Junior Classic. The third and final stop is July 4th and 5th at The Willows Golf Club, the 5th annual MJT-CPGA of Saskatchewan Junior Championship www.maplejt.com

Win Free Golf, 2 for 1, and 50% Off Green Fees!

The Tee-Off Frequent Player Program is the most respected golf discount program in Canada. Order the 2006 edition of Tee Off for Manitoba and Saskatchewan and receive a free annual subscription to Score Golf Magazine. Also, win one of two copies of the play and save golf program guide valued at $39.95. Enter the contest now. MORE >>