Inside Golf Inc.

Spring 2012

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NEW COURSE PROFILE Edmonton's Secret To Be Unveiled While everyone apparently knows a new 27-hole gem is about to be unleashed in northeast Edmonton, no one seems to know much about what's coming down the line. And no one, particularly the new head pro at The Quarry Golf Club, is saying much about the layout – at least not yet. Taylor Scinski explained recently that the owners of the new facility want it to be a total surprise for the golfing public when its doors open and as such, are hesitant to release any information so as to not build up expectations of golfers. That being said, Scinski suggests this track is going to be worth the wait. Resort) for the past six years and I'm really looking forward to being part of The Quarry for a long time. Now that it's become reality, it's pretty good." While the pro is happy to share his thoughts about moving up in the world – and this could be one of the fastest job promotions ever– he is mum on what his new course is going to offer. "The course is looking awesome. It wintered incredibly well and we're opening early to mid-June" although with the early arrival of spring and a mild winter in Edmonton, many other courses are talking about April openings. "I'm really excited," said Scinski, who was actually named first as the new course's associate pro and then became its head pro with the sudden resignation of Jeff Cuthbertson, who is moving into a golf-related sales position with TaylorMade-adidas. "It's been quick," he continued of his rapid rise. "I finished my Class A at the start of the new year here and moving on is really exciting. I've been at Cougar (Creek Golf "We just want to give it six weeks or so of good heavy growth so we can make sure when it comes time to open everyone can have a good time out there on a good golf course," explained Scinski. To begin, only two- thirds of the course will open with the remaining nine holes likely coming on-stream next spring. However it is expected the driving range will open in mid- April should the weather continue to be mild. Given this is a new property it will be handled with care to begin with. As such, The Quarry likely won't be flooded with weekend warriors, and weekday wannabes taking a heavy toll on the new grass. "Right now, our plan is to not have FAST FACTS: 18 holes will be fully operational in the 2012 season with the following nine opening in the 2013 season. This incredible new facility has an impressive practice area with two large putting greens, a chipping green, a fairway bunker area, and three levels of grass tees on the driving range. The Quarry will provide a state-of-the-art clubhouse and golf shop, which is set to begin construction in the 2012 season. Rates: 18 Holes... Projected rate is $85. This rate includes powercart, practice balls, and bottle of water. Punch Cards will be available. Visit www.thequarryedmonton.com any full-field events this year," the pro noted. "That will lessen any damage this year. Tournaments can really beat it up. Nothing against those events but when you get that many people out there (at once), it's a lot of wear and tear on the golf course. "We want to give it a year, let it fully mature before we hit it as hard as we possibly can. We'll have full tee sheets (each) day but not see any ill effects from players being out there for a day." All of that being said, the information well suddenly ran dry about what's coming at Edmonton-area golfers with this product. "We're going to have to get people to come down and see it," Scinski hedged. "What I will tell you is the property will blow anyone's mind. We're very excited about opening it and when people come they'll see something the Edmonton market doesn't have. It's something very unique. It's an incredible challenge of golf but it can also cater to people who are just beginning." What little info Inside Golf did find out, despite some major whining for more details, was the name of the nines and the yardage for each. IronStone will play to 3,838 yards down to 2,500 on the long nine; the Granite will range from 3,735 yards down to 2,516 and the Slate is set up at 3,753 yards down to 2,581 yards. "It's long, I'll tell you that," said Scinski about the hush-hush surrounding things. "I'm not so sure it's a secret; we just really want people to come down there and check it out for themselves. There's been some buzz and hype about it. Words really can't describe the golf course. Once you get down there, you'll see that for yourself. "The other reason we're not releasing much information is that people can hype it up as much as they like and that's awesome. This facility is something very unique. It's an incredible piece of property and the last thing on our minds is anyone being disappointed when they come down there – that will not happen." The Quarry is located just off the Manning Freeway and 167 St. in northeast Edmonton and once it opens, the secrecy may be gone but the buzz is certain to continue about what this great new course offers the golfing public. About the writer: Gord Montgomery is the sports editor of two weekly newspapers in the Edmonton area and is a member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. He has written for Inside Golf for the past four years with the majority of his coverage in north and central Alberta. He can be reached at noraltagolf@gmail.com

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