Pheasantback Golf and RV Estates has been a fixture in the Stettler golfing community since it first opened in 1995, and last year, the course received a shout-out from a high-profile source that had a big impact on their business.
Global News changed the game for the golf course when it ranked Pheasantback among their top five hidden gems in Alberta on their Sept. 2, 2016 Calgary morning news program,
“It was an awesome plug from them,” commented Pheasantback manager Colby Squires. “We got a lot of action out of that.”
This year, the new golf course managers, Squires and his partner Sherri Kuefler are hoping to build on that momentum.
“We’ve got a lot of cool things planned for the place and we’re taking it in a different direction,” said Squires.
One big draw that Global News noted was Pheasantback’s new golf carts, which have been newly purchased two years ago.
“They all have GPS touch screen monitors on them, which is really popular with a lot of golfers,” Squires noted.
Another new development that Squires is excited about is the restaurant and patio, now managed by Jeannie Wright, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, and which will also host a Sunday brunch every week, starting with the Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 14.
Pheasantback is unique in that it’s the only 18-hole facility in the region, which means that it attracts a lot of tournaments.
This summer, the course will be hosting the First Annual Stettler Oil and Gas Industry Charity Classic on June 16.
This will be a cash-only tournament, and the winning teams will be able to donate half of their prize money to the local charity of their choice.
Also coming up on June 21 is the Ted Connor Memorial tournament.
This tournament is organized through the Rotary Club, and “has been a fixture in the community for several years now,” according to Squires.
While changes are on the way for the golf club, Squires noted that green fees and memberships will not be among the changes this year.
“We decided this year to keep the green fees and membership fees the same as last year because we realize that things are tight out there,” he said.
Before taking over as manager, Squires was already well acquainted with Pheasantback.
“I golfed at the course for many years,” he said.
It was a desire to keep the course running strong thatmotivated Squires to step intothe managerial role.
“The course is such a great thing to have in the local community,” Squires commented. “We just want to see it do well.”
Squires had hoped to see the course open last Friday, April 14, but the weather delayed those plans.
As long as the weather cooperates, Squires is hoping to see the course open for the year this Thursday, April 20.
Once the course opens up for the year, it will be open “from sun up to sun down seven days a week,” said Squires.
Golfers can keep an eye on the Pheasantback Golf and RV Estates website or Facebook page for up-to-date information on opening times and upcoming events.