Can Lethbridge be the hub of golf in southern Alberta?

“I think it could be (a hub for golf). I think what’s really important is that you have such a diverse range of golf courses that are (in Lethbridge) and you have, you know, a training centre like Evergreen, which I was really impressed with some of the technology they’re trying to (use to) bring the young golfers into the game,” he said.

“Then you have places like Paradise Canyon and of course the Lethbridge Country Club, which I had the opportunity to play. (They) are both individual, but both fantastic (in their own right). I’m excited to come back down again and play some of the other courses in the area.”

In Lethbridge specifically, golf enthusiasts can hit the fairways at the aforementioned Lethbridge Country Club, Paradise Canyon, Evergreen Golf Centre as well as the Henderson Lake Golf Club and Bridge Valley Golf Course.

Cunningham said hosting an event like the Canadian Junior Girls Championship is not only huge for the Lethbridge Country Club, but the region as a whole.

“It’s a real honour for any city to actually be able to get a national championship. For Lethbridge to pick up this particular one with the young ladies, who are extremely talented, to come down to Lethbridge – I think it will put Lethbridge on the map as a great venue for any type of championship,” he remarked.

“You know, you’ve got the Mackenzie Tour that plays over at Paradise Canyon, which is regarded by many of the golfers as one of the finer golf courses that they play on the circuit.”

He said a tournament like this week’s brings in some of the country’s (and world’s) top golfers to the area. He added that any golf enthusiast should check out some of the action.

“I think that a lot of people, when they watch the young ladies and their discipline and abilities, it’s great for whatever type of golfer you are – a high handicap or a low handicap, man (or) woman – they’re just very impressive,” he said.

“I think that the opportunity to go to a tournament like that should not be missed. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for many. Just go out and see it and the venue… (the Lethbridge Country Club), it’s a beautiful spot.”

A GREAT VISIT

Cunningham said he was invited to visit the Lethbridge area by Tourism Lethbridge and SteepleJAC Athletics.

“SteepleJAC (has) a scoring system that they’ve developed so they had asked me to come down, along with Tourism Lethbridge, to take a look at what the golf scene was and to get an idea of what Lethbridge had to offer for golfers who are venturing into the area.”

He said overall, he was really impressed during his trip, and not just by the golf scene.

“What really enthused me about (Lethbridge) was the youths, 25 to 40-year-old individuals who are entrepreneurs that are starting up things like craft beer, the restaurants and coffee shops,” he said.

“That’s very exciting because a lot of times – I know Lethbridge is not a small community, (it’s) the third largest, I believe, in Alberta, but a lot of people end up leaving and go to bigger cities. I’m finding the people that I’ve met are very enthused about the city, with the potential of the city. I love the downtown area, all the little shops, so there was a lot besides the golf.”

The Lethbridge Country Club hosts the Canadian Junior Girls Championship all week long. The tournament wraps up on Friday, August 2. The winner will receive an exemption into the 2020 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

by Justin Goulet

Can Lethbridge be the hub of golf in southern Alberta?

What's Happening