Camrose Golf Course boasts stellar conditions and a head pro with supreme dedication to the sport
by Danielle Cameron
The Camrose Golf Course has an impressive history—and the future is looking bright. This year the course opened early, greeting golfers with splendid greens that rivalled those of any top-of-the-line course throughout Canada.
“We're off to a great start,” said Bill Penny, CPGA pro and manager of the course. “We opened around the 17th of April, which is really early for us—two weeks earlier than the last two years—and what a difference. It opened in pristine conditions and we've been busy right from the get-go—membership is up.”
h3. The first choice in golf destinations
The course has been improving steadily since its origin in 1922, and despite the challenging economic times we live in, it continues to get better every year.
“It's had a few facelifts over the years,” said Penny, “but this year in particular the greens are as good as anywhere in the country. It really came through the winter well and couldn't be better. We have roughly 350 annual pass holders and probably 150 junior pass holders.”
Golfers who visit this facility can relax and grab a bite to eat at the Gallery—a full-service restaurant that caters for weddings, corporate events and tournaments, to name a few. Penny also owns an on-site pro shop that features a range of equipment, and offers club storage. The course will be hosting the upcoming McLennan Ross Sun Junior Golf Tournament on July 22, 2010.
h3. A pro with passion
Penny has been a CPGA member since 1970, and has never faltered in his devotion to the sport. His wife joins him at the pro shop and is involved regularly in its operation. Somehow amidst all the other activities at the club, Penny finds time to teach aspiring golfers the tricks of the trade.
“I'm actually doing golf lessons for about six communities,” he said, “smaller communities like Daysland, Forestburg, Viking and Bashaw—so I keep pretty busy teaching. I'm the only master golf professional in Alberta that's a general manager, I think. I've been at it a long time.”
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