LUSELAND — Nearing season’s end, the Bell Acres Golf and Country Club in Luseland held two events in conjunction with the community’s Harvest Festival activities.
Golfing was available throughout the day with harvest-themed drink specials. A lunch generated $800 towards the Luseland Hall fund. Forty golfers enjoyed the experience of glow golfing later that night. It was a testament to the glowing season the club has experienced in 2022.
As their golf season draws to a close, club executive reflected on many success stories.
Bell Acres executive members decided to stop puttering around and commit to continued investment in their club house, and the venture paid off. The intention was to keep growing the recreation option while attracting new and visiting golfers, as well as retain those who have enjoyed the course over the years. 2022 surpassed the increase in attendance seen in 2021.
The club house expansion resulted in one of the bigger payoffs for the executive as it is now able to offer private rentals assisting with revenue for the club. As well, special events held throughout the season gave people a chance to either have a bite to eat or social beverages after golf or for non-golfers to have a place to gather for things like Oiler’s playoff games, Blue Jays and Rider games too.
With membership fees being the largest single source of revenue each year, Magnus had earlier affirmed that this resulted in a financial break-even. With the added attraction the club house offers, Bell Acres can generate enough income for its ongoing maintenance and operating costs, while fundraising events and donations will still assist with capital upgrades.
Holes are sponsored by local business, or in memoriam for people who have passed away. The club says that advertising revenue is an important part of the club’s overall financial well-being.
Bell Acres Golf and Country Club opened for the season in early April, as soon as the snow was gone. The original one-room prairie school house converted to the club house became the hub for much activity throughout 2022. While the newly renovated location was closed at times due to private rentals, it rarely inhibited golf rounds available.
Bell Acres decided to become more engaged with the community by adding events that coincided with things going on in town. For instance, during the town-wide garage sale May 7, the golf course offered free golf all day and spring drink specials. The intention was to draw people to the golf club.
Golf lessons were offered again June 10 to 12. The weekend’s instruction was preluded by a steak supper offered at the club.
A community barbecue was held in conjunction with day two of the lessons offered, earmarked to benefit Luseland Minor Ball.
The club played host to Denzil’s ‘Rocks and Swings’ golf tournament Aug. 13. Kaiser Night was also a big hit in August.
Even after the season comes to a close the executive will still be active in the community by sponsoring a movie night at the Luseland Theatre for a Friday and Saturday evening showing of Happy Gilmore in mid-November and organizing the community’s Christmas party “Bosses’ Night Out” Saturday, Dec. 3.
Thanks to community support and generous donors, the course saw their nine-hole course converted to synthetic greens in 2021, with that year being one of their busiest seasons ever. That was, until, 2022 upgrades were completed and the golf club experienced even more success.
Club house renovations included new flooring, new paint, new tables and chairs, a new fridge and freezer as well as a bathroom addition.
Secretary-treasurer Ryley Magnus acknowledges the community’s support through financial, in-kind, and volunteer efforts to improve their space, as well as people supporting the course and clubhouse activity throughout the year.
Volunteer executive members leading the golf course include: president Curtis Reschny, vice-president Justin Fischer, secretary-treasurer Ryley Magnus, Darrell Kraft, Ryan Reiber, Garett Fluney, Jason Thrun, Lyndon Kloster, Tyler Birn, Greg Cairns, Zac Body, Ren Taylor, Luke Stang, and Candice Kraft
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