Page 26 - GreenMaster Winter 2024

manage labour and capital costs effectively. The bluegrass is cut twice a week, while the fescue is only cut once a month, allowing for a more sustainable maintenance program.
The greens on Lil Devil are cut at .130 inches and share the same maintenance program as those on the Championship Blue Devil course. This ensures the green speeds are suitable for all levels of clientele, offering a fair yet challenging experience for everyone. Additionally, by making the course walking-only and eliminating golf carts, we minimize traffic damage and maintain a low-fertility program, which helps keep costs down. Using artificial mats on the teeing areas during spring and fall also ensures quick turf recovery, keeping the course in excellent shape throughout the year.
By focusing on a low-main- tenance design, Lil Devil can deliver a high-quality golf experience at a fraction of the usual cost. Only a few piecesofequipment,likeaToro4500 mowerandaTorozero-turnmower, areneededtomanageallthebluegrass and fescue, further streamlining operations and reducing labor costs. This level of efficiency makes Lil Devil not only a great place to play but also an excellent model for sustainable golf course management.
ATTRACTING A DIVERSE CLIENTELE
When we first designed Lil Devil, our primary focus was on families and beginners. However, the course’s unique design and layout have attracted a much broader range of golfers than we originally anticipated.
On any given weekend, you will find a diverse mix of kids, adults, seniors, couples on date nights, teens, and even skilled players working on their short games. The popularity of the course among such a wide variety of demographics speaks to its versatility and appeal. The surge in rounds during and after COVID-19 further highlighted this, as more people turned to golf as a safe and enjoyable outdoor activity.
To accommodate our diverse clientele and encourage even more people to try golf, Play Golf Calgary has developed several targeted programs:
● Ladies League: Held three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday), these leagues are a great way for women to enjoy the game in a fun and relaxed environment. Themed nights—such as Wine and Dine, Stampede, and Hawaiian—add a social component, fostering camaraderie. With over 50 ladies attending each 6:00pm shotgun start, these leagues are a huge hit and continue to grow in popularity.
● Junior Programs: We believe in nurturing the next generation of golfers from an early age. Our junior programs start with a 4-week lesson plan for kids in May, followed by week-long summer camps that run throughout the season. With over 100 young golfers participating, these programs help instill the fundamentals of golf, including etiquette, rules, and technical skills. Additionally, we run a weekly junior league that mirrors our adult leagues, featuring weekly scoring, prizes, and team play to keep things exciting.
● Welcome to Golf Day: This initiative, supported by the NGCOA Canada and sponsored at our facility by Kal Tire, is a fantastic way to introduce non-golfers to the sport. Held every summer, the day offers free access to the course, lessons, and a BBQ for those who have never played before. Participants can use a designated hole to practice at their own pace, without the pressure of keeping up with the regular pace of play. It’s a relaxed, no- stress way to experience the joys of golf.
● Graduation Pack: This special package is designed to help beginners transition to a full-length golf course. It includes a set number of buckets of balls, Mini Putt rounds, and Lil Devil rounds, making it a perfect gift for new golfers. These learn-to-golf packs are ideal for encouraging more people to take up the sport in a supportive and gradual way.
● Maple Leaf Junior Tour: As part of our commitment to junior golf, we host the Maple Leaf Junior Tour, a coast-to-coast mini-tour for young golfers aged 5-12. This event provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to experience tournament golf in a sup- portive and competitive environment.
These programs are just a few examples of how we’re working to expand the game of golf to new audiences. By offering a range of activities that cater to different age groups and skill levels, we’re making golf more inclusive and accessible than ever before.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
The success and growth of Lil Devil and Mini Devil have been truly remarkable. With time being a precious commodity for so many people, our low-maintenance, quick- play courses provide an ideal solution for those looking to learn the game, stay active, and spend quality time with family and friends. The journey from the Mini Devil to Lil Devil, and eventually to the full-length Blue Devil course, has been exciting to witness.
It is inspiring to see more and more people embracing the game of golf in a way that suits their lifestyle and preferences. As we continue to innovate and adapt to the needs of our community, we remain committed to making golf a sport that everyone can enjoy. GM
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