This season was a “challenging” year for the Royal Regina Golf Club (RRGC) but there was some highlights and a historic tournament will write another chapter for the province’s oldest course next summer.
RRGC General Manager Dean Brown said, like most courses in the southern half of the province the past season was plagued with poor weather and tough conditions. Brown said with the Royal Regina being a private member club the green fees were there, but other departments of the club were hit hard.
“We aren’t quite at risk like a daily fee club because there are prepaid memberships so from that standpoint that revenue is fixed, and you are okay that way. The daily sales, the food and beverage sales, all that stuff you count on, that takes a hit when you drop 4,000 to 5,000 rounds because of weather. It’s such a short season, you don’t get it back in the fall,” Brown said.
In late September the RRGC hosted the eighth Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame induction gala. Brown and Royal Regina member Kirk McGregor were members of the induction class. Brown said the induction was a memorable night for them and the club.
“For me it was, I know Kirk had his hip replaced and didn’t play much golf this year but for both of us that was a great honour and a lot of fun. I think for both of us it was the highlight of the year for sure,” he said.
The club is turning their focus to 2019 and has locked down hosting a monumental event for Golf Saskatchewan. The 100th Senior Men’s and Mid-Master’s Championship will be played at the course along with the 56 Saskatchewan Senior Women’s Championship. The course hosted the 100th Amateur Men’s Championship as well. Brown said the RRGC is honoured to welcome the province’s top senior players.
“Our golf course is a good fit for that with our demographic,” he said. “Getting it in it’s 100th anniversary and being the oldest club in the province is a cool thing, it seemed like a good match so we’re excited to get it.”
The announcement that the Royal Regina was hosting the event was made during this past season’s senior tournament at Golf Kenosee. The participants playing that event were buzzing following the news. Brown said that’s great to hear players are excited for the historic championship.
“We’ve heard it from a lot of our members too that say they are going to play that haven’t in the past. I’m excited for it, it should be a fun week,” he said.
The course layout will play well for both the men and women according to Brown. He said the RRGC amenities will be well received by the players as well.
“We have one of the best chefs in the city here, they will get treated to a dinner or two and some breakfasts, it will be a good event. The golf course will be a challenge for the players. The women will get the shorter tee, but they still have the same amount of trouble. The weather will dictate how thick the rough and that can be a little more of a challenge for the ladies,” he said.
The provincial championships will run from Aug. 6 – 8. Registration will be open in April.
National spots will be on the line in both championships, the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Senior Championship will take place in Osoyoos, British Columbia. The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will be held at Cedar Brae Golf Club in Scarborough. Ontario.