The cool dew of morning in the air, the smell of fresh turf as your spikes take grip near the tee. The crisp air sliced by a streaking wood club, the music note of the face contacting the ball…
Followed by an unutterable string of curse words and excuses.
Yep, it's golf season again.
Manager of Dinosaur Trail Scott Westman said the course is in pristine condition for the upcoming season. With a soft opening on Easter weekend, the course is now in full swing and many are taking advantage of the spring weather.
One of the biggest changes to the course golfers will see this year is the completed new 14th hole. Westman said they undertook the project to improve visibility, especially of other golfers on the course, making it safer. They have opened up the landing on the fairway. Westman said the change will also speed up the pace of play, and adds the hole still poses a healthy challenge to golfers.
He said the course also undertook improvements to all of the fairways.
“Last season we aerated the whole course. It doesn’t sound like much but it will make a difference, especially in the back nine which have a thinner base of soil,” said Westman.
He says aerating will strengthen the roots of grass, allow the base to retain moisture and nutrients, and make it more durable. They have begun a program to annually apply more earth to the fairways to continually improve them.
Later golfers have another reason to hit the links, as the course is offering twilight specials after 3 p.m.
Early golfers also have an advantage as the course has worked to improve its breakfast and even offer an earlier bird special. The improved breakfast menu includes “grab and go” selections including an English muffin breakfast sandwich.
This year the course is introducing its “Nine and Dine” program on Friday and Saturday nights. This includes nine holes, a cart and dinner for one low price.
“We have a great kitchen and want to let everyone, not just members, know we are open,” said Westman.
The pro shop is set for another busy season. Westman says there is a full line of the top names in golf equipment, and they are planning a demo day on Thursday, June 10.
Akokiniskway is just 30 minutes from Drumheller nestled in the Hamlet of Rosebud along the Rosebud River. It is a nine-hole Par 30 course with grass greens. It has a full menu in the clubhouse and offers a pro shop with pull carts, power carts and club rentals. They have completed extensive renovations to the clubhouse and pro shop.
Laurie Slezak at the pro shop said the restaurant is under new management.
“We are going to do breakfast buffets every weekend and are open everyday from lunch to supper,” said Slezak. “The public is encouraged to come for a meal.”
Back this season is the Sunday evening Turf and Turf special. This includes two rounds of golf, a power cart and two steak dinners. Last season they sold out almost every weekend. They are also adding daily specials in the restaurant.
Little Country Blessings, the convenience store in Rosebud, has moved onto the golf course.
The course has done extensive work on its campgrounds, which feature treed sites and power hook-ups at each site. All the sites are numbered, which allows the course to take reservations.
