Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/130253
iG1304--proof 5/9/13 9:01 AM Page 1 Cont'd From Previous Page at just below 7,200 yards which is plenty long given its makeup, both That doesn't mean golfers will be in the superintendent and architect harm's way however. "They've had agreed. The front nine will play to a their run but they'll soon realize that yardage of 3,577 from the tips they're not going to be as welcome dropping down to 2,786 from the in those areas and will stay off to the forward deck. perimeters. I'm sure it's just a function As Bissonnette noted "They put a few of time," Puddicombe declared of bunkers, but not a lot," as the trees changing the wildlife behaviour. are the main source of protection. For Bissonnette, this is his first 'from "The greens average just over 6,000 the ground up' golf course experience, square feet, nothing overly big. They're although he's well versed in working not overly contoured." at courses in this part of the province Asked about how this course compares having spent several years at both of to others his company has constructed, the courses in Fort McMurray. He like RedTail Landing in Edmonton and noted a major obstacle he faced was the highly-acclaimed Coal Creek near a shortage of power in the summer Tofield, Puddicombe said there are a of 2011 when a massive wildfire couple of similarity in the design but ravaged the town of Slave Lake, not the look. After all, RedTail is a 120km to the east, but still close links style with few trees while Coal enough to Wabasca to cause Creek has small trees and bush. problems. Set in the M.D. of Opportunity, the area is advertised as "100% Wild," and Eagle Point GC is going to fit right in. That fire knocked down the electrical supply to the M.D. of Opportunity meaning the irrigation pumps at the newly seeded golf course didn't work. For the superintendent, that was a sizeable headache. "The grass was coming up real nice, quick, but then I didn't have any water so it took a while to get that sorted out. I was surprised how long the grass held out (without the water it needs to get a good foothold). Now, there are just a few things to tweak but it's fine." As for the course itself, it isn't one of those new 'bomb's away' styles of over 7,800 yards with lots of surprises to trick it up. Eagle Point maxes out 74 "I guess the similarities would be the size of the greens and tees and the flavour, the feel of the golf course, he noted. "For the most part though, Eagle Point is just such a different piece of property. We're over 7,000 yards and we could have stretched it even farther, but we thought, 'What's the point?' especially for that market." The M.D.'s View The market Puddicombe was referring to is resident-based simply because of where Eagle Point is situated. Located three hours north of Edmonton, this beauty isn't being constructed to bolster tourist traffic, Continued On Next Page SPECIAL EAGLE POINT GOLF CLUB FEATURE