Snow golf hitting the frozen links

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Golf Club is helping members keep their game on par this winter by offering snow golf.

The game was offered at the club’s front nine in the lead-up to Christmas. Instead of a golf ball, snow golfers use a tennis ball, which stays on top of the snow and the bright colour makes it easily seen. The pin is marked by a flag drilled into the ground, like a temporary green.

“It’s just like late season golf,” said Matthew Link, the club’s PGA of Canada associate golf professional.

Except for the white stuff. But many have not been deterred by the winter weather, as the course has been busy, said Link. “It’s been really well received by everyone.”

The idea for snow golf came from Brian Bassen, the club’s general manager, who noticed a group playing frisbee golf in town despite the snow. From there, a plan to provide snow golf was devised and carried out, explained Link.

Snow golf takes a bit of a different approach to the game. Most players use only their driver, and because the tennis ball is more susceptible to the wind, the best approach to hitting into the wind is having a low trajectory shot.

This is the first time the Strathmore Golf Club has offered snow golf. The club will look to offer it again in the new year, said Link. “If we get another chinook and some nice weather, we’ll definitely bring it back.”