Terry James won’t likely have to wait much longer.
The man who currently owns the course record at Niakwa Country Club, thanks to a sparkling 4-under 68 he carded in May, is just over a year away from experiencing an opportunity of a lifetime.
“To play in a Canadian Amateur at my home track would be an absolute dream come true for sure,” said James, who is expected to be part of the field when Niakwa and Elmhurst host the 2011 Canadian Men’s Amateur golf championship. “I know we’ve had one here before, in 1974 but I wasn’t born yet. For me, I’ve played in a couple of Canadian juniors, a couple of Canadian mid-amateurs but I’ve never played in a Canadian Amateur. Having been to national events, it turns out being an important event, not only for the golf course but for the whole community.”
The 2010 men’s amateur in London, Ont. will be the first to feature the expanded field of 240 and that number continues in 2011.
Each player in the 2011 field will play one of the first two rounds at Niakwa and the other at Elmhurst, but those who survive the cut will play the final 36 holes at Niakwa.
During the past five years, Niakwa has invested nearly $3 million to incorporate many important course changes that have it looking good heading into the 2011 Canadian Men’s Amateur.
“It feels pretty good to see the project completed,” said Niakwa Country Club president Rob Sproule.
Aside from excellent improvements to the drainage system between 2005 and 2007, the course has been lengthened by roughly 300 yards, bunkers were rebuilt (42) and added (11) and three new bent-grass greens were constructed (holes six, 11 and 12) and opened in late May (roughly two weeks ahead of schedule).
“It’s interesting because golf has really changed over the last 10 years because of the advancement of technology,” said James. “Everybody wants to hit the ball a long ways. I was really growing up during that period and I went from playing a very difficult golf course when I was young to playing an easier golf course, though a beautiful golf course. It kind of became a driver and wedge-in type game.
“I really appreciate the efforts the membership’s made because the course absolutely needed it, with the state that golf is in today. It’s a completely different game. Now it’s a much more difficult golf course.”
The end result is that the Stanley Thompson-designed track is in fine form, as we witnessed during a visit on Thursday.
Despite all of the recent precipitation, playing conditions were nearly ideal, the greens were rolling true and the drainage system was doing its job as there were no real wet spots anywhere to be found.
“With the rain this year, the course is lush and the drainage has made a huge difference,” said Sproule. “Unless there’s a flood, the course is playable. We haven’t had to restrict cart usage or play on the course once this year. If there’s an inch or two of rain, you’re still on the course the next day and the conditions are outstanding.”
Later this summer, Niakwa hosts the premiers of Canada, along with charity tournaments for former Winnipeg Jets star Dale Hawerchuk and former Manitoba Moose forward Lee Goren.
“Having these events raises the profile of the club,” said Sproule, noting that the 2011 tournament will require 340 volunteers.
http://www.winnipegsun.com/sports/golf/2010/06/24/14508721.html
