Sparwood Bringing in the golf champions PGA champion Fred Couples is lending his name to the area by TANYA LAING MOORE
SWINGING THROUGH TOWN: Fred Couples is lending his name to the design of the new Whiskeyjack golf resort in Sparwood. —photo by Tanya Laing Moore
PGA champion Fred Couples was on hand June 9th at the new Whiskeyjack golf resort development in Sparwood to lend his name to the project and design. Couples spoke of his appreciation for all the region has to offer in terms of scenery and potential for the course.
“This is a great community but not (known for) golf,” said Couples. “But that’s really not the point. The point is the property and that’s spectacular. I try not to do anything that is not going to be—in my mind—spectacular. This is an area that, when we’re done, will have some unbelievable water features; it will be very playable for the people and it will be absolutely beautiful.”
Couples said Whiskeyjack will present something for every level of player; it will be demanding on some shots and easy on others. He also said the weather will provide very lush conditions that will be appreciated by all players.
“When you play it, I think you’ll have a lot of fun,” said Couples. “Everyone says that, but here, while you’re hitting, you can be looking at the Continental Divide and all these beautiful mountainsides and some great, great views.”
Couples said the nearby mine will not detract from the scenery; most of the holes are being designed so as to mask the smokestacks.
Couples promised that he would be visiting the course several times during and following the construction of the project. He anticipates returning to the site next in September and is planning other visits to check the progress of the course.
Couples was pleased to have his name associated with the project and he joins other prestigious PGA champions-turned-designers who have lent their efforts and names to courses in the southeast Kootenay and nearby Montana; among these celebrities are Gary Player, Nick Faldo, Andy North and Jack Nicklaus.
“Nicklaus and Player—they’re prolific,” he said. “They do golf courses pretty much all over the place. So when I go into an area (where they have designed courses), that tells me that golf here is needed and I feel great that they’re in the area. My goal is to be known by building good golf courses, and certainly it helps to say there’s a Nicklaus course and a Gary Player course not far from here.
“Hopefully, we’ll be right with them or even better than them.”
Key Sparwood contacts
District of Sparwood
As the southern gateway to British Columbia, Sparwood boasts an amazing
natural beauty that delights visitors. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing
and white-water rafting are some of the activities enjoyed in Sparwood's
vast backcountry area. The town of Sparwood is host to a number of services
and recreational facilities. Contact the District of Sparwood for more
information about this friendly community.
District of Sparwood
PO Box 520, 136 Spruce Ave.,
Sparwood, B.C. V0B 2G0
PHONE: (250) 425-6271
FAX: (250) 425-7277
E-MAIL: webmaster@sparwood.bc.ca
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