I met Terry Donald on my first visit to Sagebrush in the fall of 2009. Although I hadn't planned on heading to the interior of British Columbia to check out what was certainly at the time one of the most talked about courses on this forum, but at the urging of several other panelists I decided to schedule a visit to see what all the hoopla was about. Terry enthusiastically welcomed me upon my arrival, making me feel quite at home and providing reassurance that my cross continent journey was one I wouldn’t soon forget.
Terry was my escort that day and, although he didn’t play, he coached me shot by shot on my first go around at Sagebrush providing invaluable guidance on how to play certain holes, certain preferable shots, and most importantly recounting many rich and intriguing stories of how Sagebrush came to be one of Canada’s greatest golf experiences. With two hours to go before dinner, I continued my Sagebrush orientation with another quick 18 while Terry went up to the Hideout to impart his legendary hospitality on the dozen or so other guests visiting that day. As a so called “rater”, we are tasked with evaluating a golf course – not the facility, the people, or the service received. But to discuss Sagebrush without mentioning the unique experience provided by the “Hideout” and in particular their incredibly charismatic team is like debating the importance of Augusta National without consideration for the intangibles that make Augusta, well Augusta.
A great evening of superb food, hospitality, and many laughs culminated in a Non-Regional membership for this golfer. Although Terry encouraged me to call him in the morning should a slightly more sober Ontario resident come to the realization that a golf membership - 2500 miles and three time zones away – wasn’t all that practical. I didn’t regret it then, and haven’t since, despite only visiting five times during my brief membership. I’ll never forget my first Sagebrush experience and Terry Donald. He is a central figure in those memories. And although he probably had countless similar experiences entertaining new and prospect members, we shared a special moment that fall day on the 4th green that you can see for yourself in the photo galleries section on Sagebrush’s website
http://www.sagebrushclub.com/main.html (General Pictures, 7th photo across). Thanks for the memories Terry.
Andrew