Local residents Ross and Karen Green and Faye Fidder hit the ceremonial opening tee shots as the Fort McMurray Golf Club officially expanded to 27 holes effective May 14.
Instead of “front nine” and “back nine” the two original nines will be called Big River and Black Bear. The brand new nine will be called Fox Tail.
“Fox Tail has a different feel from the other 18 holes, but it’s a nice complement,” said Ross. “I really liked it. It was challenging, but fun.”
Dennis Warr, the president of the board at the Fort McMurray Golf Club, and a member of the construction and planning committee that led the project, was on hand to cut the ribbon.
“This has been an incredible experience,” said Warr. “Hats off to our golf course staff, our members, and our committee for seeing this massive project through.”
Construction on the new Fox Tail was complete in 2014, and last season was supposed to be the course’s first year as a 27-hole facility, but the wildfire delayed the opening.
“We were expected to open Fox Tail toward the end of May last year, but after the evacuation left the course untended for several weeks, the management team and board felt the best thing to do for the long-term health of the nine holes was to let it recover,” says Warr. “You can imagine how excited everyone is to actually be able to play the course now. It’s a great day for golfers in Fort McMurray.”
The Golf Club will now turn its attention to rebuilding its clubhouse, snack-shack, and maintenance facility, all of which were destroyed or damaged beyond repair by the wildfire.
“We have lots of work to do, but we have lots to offer everyone,” says Michael Gillan, General Manager. “Our restaurant is fully open, our top-notch driving range has been upgraded and of course, we now have 27 beautiful holes of golf for all to enjoy.”
To view rates, course amenities and much more, visit Fort McMurray Golf Club or check them out on Facebook.
Dale Mitchell, Irv Brewer, Leroy Van Wieren, Jeff Hacior and Richard Dahlseide are also recognized for their tireless efforts as part of the expansion committee.
