Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/309816
Six kilometres north of Cranbrook, Shadow Mountain is located on a 580-acre site that features 3.5 kilometres of frontage along the St. Mary River... a stretch of water world-famous for its fly fishing. And now it is famous for something else–the spectacular Shadow Mountain Golf Course. In the original search for a course architect, the then owners at Shadow Mountain were very careful in selecting someone they felt shared their dream and philosophy in working with the natural landscape and not someone, they said, that would BY BRYAN OUTRAM COURSE PROFILE 44 come in and "build" a golf course by moving a lot of material constructing false features. With those criteria, picking Canadian Wayne Carleton was an easy decision. He was on site throughout construction and grow-in, tweaking things here and there. Somewhat unusually, he has also been very involved in the design of the residential development. "Shadow Mountain is one of the most intriguing properties for golf that I have had the pleasure to work on in Canada," said Carleton. "The routing takes the golfer on an adventure across this diverse landscape of rolling forested sand dunes and mountainous terrain. No expense was spared in preserving the natural character of this wonderful site, letting the land dictate the design and thus allowing us to create some of the most memorable golf holes you will ever have the privilege of playing." Since completion, the facility has undergone some significant changes highlighted by a new owner. The golf course was purchased by Denille Industries, a gas and oil company out of Edmonton that was looking to diversify its operations. Norm Chauvette, GM and Chief Financial Officer, said the decision to buy the course came out of the interest and awareness of Denille Industries' owner. Said Chauvette, "The owner of our company has been golfing that course for probably two or three years. When there was an opportunity to purchase it, he said, 'You know what, that's a great opportunity to be the owner of a world class golf course.'" The purchase, at this point, is only for the golf course . Chauvette said another group purchased the development lands around it. He said Denille Industries has expressed interest in taking some pieces of the property, but negotiations are ongoing. There will be no need, however, for golfers to do any negotiating here... the prices and deals are exceptional. Weekday specials at Shadow Mountain include their Tuesday Ladies Night for $45 and Thursday Men's Night for $50, which include golf with cart, range balls, dinner and prizes. Also Sunday is Family Night (after 4pm) where juniors play for free with two paying adults at $99. 2014 Season Passes are also available for 5 - 30 games ranging from $399 to $1,799. Visit shadowmountain.ca for more information. IMAGE CREDIT / COURTESY FACTILITY