CARLYLE - The Carlyle Golf Club first opened its doors in 1965, and over the past 60 years has seen many upgrades.
The nine-hole course has a barbecue area and a clubhouse that offers simple meals and refreshments.
The course, at one time, had sand greens and in 2000 was upgraded to grass greens.
Last year president Leisa Grimes, vice-president Ron Gordon, treasurer Deb Lothian, secretary Gord Paulley and eight directors felt the course needed an upgrade, not only to improve the looks of the grounds but also to help with the water issues that happen in the spring and after a heavy rain.
The course tends to flood in the spring, and the severity of the flooding depends on how much snow has fallen during the winter. The ninth hole often needs to be pumped out two or three times into the ditch after a heavy downpour.
It was decided that a pond was needed, not only to help with the water issues, but to give the course a fresh look.
Once everyone agreed, the work began to obtain permits. Since the overflow of the pond was going to go in the ditch along the highway, they needed a permit from the Ministry of Highways and Infrastrucuture, and this all took time.
With all the permits in place, they will begin excavating in the spring once it is dry enough.
Garth Beetstra, a golf course shaper from Canmore, Alta., has been hired on to do the job. He designed the pond and will oversee the landscaping project.
Beetstra has developed professional courses all over the world and when he looked at the proposed spot for the pond, he made his suggestions on the design.
The pond will be shaped like a large foot if one looks down on it from above, and will be 1200 square metres in size. It will be wrap lined with rocks to keep it clean and subsurface drainage will also be added to areas.
As shown in the map, there will be a solid tile drain line with three catch basins along the way, plus an area that will receive the fill from the dugout pond.
They want the pond to stay clean and clear, and in the future the plan is to add a fountain with lights.
Larry Schick, the grounds superintendent, has worked with Beetstra in the past including a project at York Lake near Yorkton. Beetstra was also involved with the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course near Estevan with the reconstruction after the flooding in 2011.
It is their hope to have the work completed before the season begins or at least have minimal interruption at the beginning of the season.
It will be a welcome addition to the course and esthetically pleasing from the highway.
“We had an outstanding year in 2024. Membership was great and we forecast a strong year in 2025,” said Paulley.
Paulley said the course is family friendly and great for kids with the flatter layout and easy access.
The club offers carts and golf clubs to rent, and the green fee is very reasonable.
With its 60th season just around the corner, they are excited to get the work started so that all can enjoy the upcoming year.
