The Canadian Sand Hills

[George Freeman]

Wow 

http://www.integrativegolfdesigns.com/blog/

[Ben Malach]

Yeah the site is really impressive. I was talking with Riley and Dan right after this trip. They were really excited about the possibilities for the site and his photos were great. I think Trev turned them on to it after happening upon these dunes on a trip with his wife. The major draw back is the fact that they are almost in the middle of no where. If people think Cabot is out of the way then this is even more so.


For undeveloped sand dunes in Canada. There are a few sites in southern Alberta and some in central Alberta along the border with Saskatchewan. But due to the price of oil right now I doubt that these sites will be developed any time soon. I also have heard rumors and murmurs about some sand ridges around Kingston and Ottawa that could have potential. I also know that there is some sand features in Southern Ontario but have yet to see them yet.


I hope that one of these sites gets developed by the right people and Canada gets it's Sand Hills moment. Sooner rather than later.

[Pat Burke]

Area south of Saskatoon Looks incredible.
I went with a student to the Canadian Tour event there,
And couldn't believe the land I passed going to the casino/course


The course built didn't take advantage very well imo,
But the miles of land just begged for some great golf!!!

[Frank M]

I hope that one of these sites gets developed by the right people and Canada gets it's Sand Hills moment. Sooner rather than later.

I'd say the chances of a Sand Hills location in Southern Ontario are zero due to severe government restrictions. I've searched almost the entire southern part of the province for a sand hills type site and it's like banging your head against the wall every time. It's not to say it will never happen, but I'd be hard pressed to come up with a situation where it could.

In regards to central Canada, it would also be very difficult and the feasibility would be pretty much nonexistent. We found a site in southern Saskatchewan about 10 years ago 1.5 hours from a somewhat major city that is spectacular, but again, the viability of such a location was and continues to not be strong enough unless someone wants to go in there and just create there own private playground.

[Ian Mackenzie]

Where is this?
It's amazing.


Alberta or Saskatchewan?
North, Central or near US border?

[Tyler Kearns]

Manitoba.  Nearly everything in Canada is relatively close to the US border.


TK

[Jim Nugent]

How long is the golf season there? 

[Tyler Kearns]

How long is the golf season there?

The golf season in the Canadian prairies typically starts in mid-April and runs until the end of October.


TK

[Ben Malach]

Tyler:


If it's any thing like southern Alberta where I grew up. The season starts late April if the snow is off till Mid October at the latest. With the course not being in great shape till mid June and peaking in late August and early September.

[Tom_Doak]

Same golf season as northern Michigan ... but a heck of a lot fewer people within 5 hours' driving distance.

[Tyler Kearns]

Tyler:


If it's any thing like southern Alberta where I grew up. The season starts late April if the snow is off till Mid October at the latest. With the course not being in great shape till mid June and peaking in late August and early September.

Ben,


Obviously winter can linger longer than we like and often comes sooner than expected, but here in Winnipeg starting golf April 15th or shortly thereafter is pretty normal and golf courses are hitting prime condition earlier and earlier every year.  I am proud to bring guests out to my club 4-6 weeks after opening.  The private clubs close down after the 3rd week in October, but the public tracks remain open another week or so later if the weather allows them to squeeze in more rounds. 


Calgary is 2,600 feet higher in elevation than Winnipeg and the fall frost is about 2 weeks earlier which I suspect shortens the Alberta golf season in comparison with Manitoba.


Tyler

[Tyler Kearns]

Same golf season as northern Michigan ... but a heck of a lot fewer people within 5 hours' driving distance.

Tom,


It is a pretty long hike to the Canadian Sandhills - but the Nebraska Sandhills aren't exactly easy to get to either.  The closest major centre is Winnipeg (725,000) at about 1.5 hours, following by Regina & Saskatoon (4-6 hours) and then Minneapolis (8 hours).


TK

[JC Urbina]

Tyler,


I was given a tour of some really interesting dunes land just north and east of Winnipeg.  Next time I am up there, I would be happy to show you the sand. Could be some really interesting golf laid out in that area.
 


It would be a lot of fun to see what could be made of that landform.

[Tom_Doak]

It is a pretty long hike to the Canadian Sandhills - but the Nebraska Sandhills aren't exactly easy to get to either.  The closest major centre is Winnipeg (725,000) at about 1.5 hours, following by Regina & Saskatoon (4-6 hours) and then Minneapolis (8 hours).

Well, Winnipeg is bigger than I thought.  That would help a lot.


But, as an investor of sorts in two golf courses in the sand hills of NE Colorado and Nebraska, I would advise you not to use any of those courses as a basis for a pitch to potential investors.  Developing a course out there would likely be a labor of love.

[Tyler Kearns]

Tyler,


I was given a tour of some really interesting dunes land just north and east of Winnipeg.  Next time I am up there, I would be happy to show you the sand. Could be some really interesting golf laid out in that area.
 


It would be a lot of fun to see what could be made of that landform.

Jim,


I suspect you saw Elmhurst & Pine Ridge will on said tour, there is definitely some good land close to the city!  Be sure to contact me next time your in Winnipeg, congrats on the St. Charles gig!


Tyler