LUSELAND — The Bell Acres golf course committee in Luseland decided to stop puttering around and have committed to continuing to invest in their facility to keep growing this recreation option and attract new and visiting golfers as well as retain those who have enjoyed the course over the years.
Bell Acres is the name given to Luseland’s golf course venue because the Bell family was instrumental in getting the golf course up and running, established in 1963.
The club executive recently hosted an online fundraiser for the 59-year-old golf club and grossed more than $34,000 for the club to continue with capital improvements at the golf course. The funds are being used for clubhouse expansion, purchasing an aerator, hydroseeding around the synthetic greens and improvements to the course watering system
The community once again has pitched in, not only for financial support, but hands-on help in getting the clubhouse renovations done. The new part of the building addition is closed in and the next steps are tinning the roof, installing and updating electrical and plumbing work as well as interior work.
From this fundraiser, an aerator has been purchased and delivery is expected sometime in April. Hydroseeding is scheduled for early spring once thaw has completely taken place. The watering system improvement is lined up and the committee is just waiting for it to be installed
Golf season in Luseland includes men’s nights on Wednesdays and, in 2022, the club will introduce a mixed night once a month. As well, upcoming in June the club is looking forward to hosting a golf lesson session as well as a member appreciation evening in June.
Club treasurer, Ryley Magnus, says, “We’ve got some exciting plans in the works for services and programming again this year. We’ve applied for a commercial liquor permit to be able to sell alcohol to customers. These alcohol sales will allow the clubhouse to be staffed certain days and evenings on a trial basis.”
At some time, Magnus also states, the club would like to purchase multiple sets of new or second-hand youth clubs so that the club can better accommodate school students and youth interested in experiencing the golf course.
The golf course committee is appreciative of a dedicated group of volunteers who are completing the majority of the construction work on the bathroom expansion. The club has hired a journeyman carpenter, certified electrician and plumber guiding the volunteers as needed as well as completing the work they are tasked with. Volunteers include golf members, some of whom are retired tradespeople. Magnus says those helping out with the renovations are just part of the overall great community of volunteers Luseland is accustomed to.
The clubhouse expansion includes 192 square feet added to existing clubhouse and will include a mechanical room, bathroom and kitchen. The former one-room schoolhouse from the Niagara district, north of Luseland, was moved to the golf course to be used as their clubhouse.
Magnus adds, “We currently rent out the clubhouse for private functions such as family and class reunions, along with bachelor, retirement and staff parties. With the facility having running water, an indoor bathroom and kitchen space, this will increase the opportunity to rent out the clubhouse for these occasions, assisting with revenue for the club.”
Membership fees are the largest single source of revenue each year. Magnus says that operating the golf course and clubhouse are at a financial break-even, which includes members. The course can generate enough income for its ongoing maintenance and operating costs but all capital upgrades are funded by fundraising events and donations.
The Luseland golf course has all holes sponsored by local businesses, or in memoriam for people who have passed away. Magnus affirms that advertising revenue is an important part of the golf club’s well-being. This revue includes two primary advertising sources — 22 sponsors who currently sponsor the nine holes and 12 highway sign sponsors.
“We have a full-time season employee hired who takes care of all course maintenance. The golf cub executive are proactive in equipment replacement and maintenance so all of our equipment is viable well into the future, as well as gets evaluated each year,” adds Magnus.
As with many Saskatchewan golf courses, the opening date is weather dependant. Once the tarps are removed from the synthetic greens, the course will be open for business and Magnus expects that will occur by mid-April, potentially earlier if weather permits.
Something new happening this year will take place in conjunction with the upcoming community-wide garage sale being held May 7. The golf course is offering free golf that day and a chance to win a door prize for attending, as well as offering drink specials. Magnus said this event will offer people a place to sit down and relax from their bargain shopping and since the next day is Mother’s Day, they decided to offer the drink specials.
All in all the Luseland Bell Acres Golf and Country Club hope that residents and visitors will spend some time with their friends, the Woods and the Greens, at the golf course this summer.
You can find all the latest updates on Luseland's golf course recreation venue on their Facebook page at Luseland Bell Acres Golf & Country Club | Facebook
