Sparwood Golf Course will be revamped and ready to go next spring thanks to a $100,000 donation from Teck.
The donation was given after a plea was made in August from the golf course for help. The golf course had been running for a couple of decades without any major upgrades to the clubhouse and things were beginning to fall apart.
Last year, seeing a decline in membership and the lack of having a kitchen, really hurt the club. "We have been barely keeping our heads above water," says Sparwood Golf Club Society member Duane Allen.
"We love the course and we know that the golf course is an appreciated and integral part of the community," he says.
With advice from Teck, a business plan was established where the funds donated would help the club make irrigation and other repairs, get a greens mower, and get much needed kitchen equipment that will help them to again have a fully operational kitchen. At the moment, it is unsure whether it will be ran by the society or leased, but having a full kitchen was noted to be a very important part of the plan. "Teck helped us come up with a strategy that will see the golf course become sustainable, and continue to keep going," says Allen.
"Teck understands and appreciates this golf course," says Cal McDougall, Teck Land Administrator and Community Relations. "We know everyone can use it, it helps attract new people to the community, and it is important to have one in the community. That is why we knew we must help," he says.
"We are really looking forward to starting off fresh next season," says Allen. "We will have the repairs done, have a new greens mower and not be in any debt," Allen notes.
The Sparwood Golf Club Society is a not-for-profit society.