History

I n the summer of 1990, Wendy Borne, Recreation Director of McCreary at the time, took a survey of what the residents of McCreary and area felt were priorities for facilities in McCreary. The number one response was a golf course. A number of interested people were brought together and work began to see if it was feasible.

In 1991 one quarter section of land adjacent to Riding Mountain National Park was purchased from William Rose for the golf course. Land ownership was divided and an agreement was signed by three groups, the Village of McCreary (Mayor Alec Hanson), RM of McCreary (Reeve Bill Floyde), and McCreary Golf Course (President Rick Lisowski). A $50,000 Community Places grant was received to help with construction of the golf course. Town and rural residents were canvassed for financial support. Russ Olson, professional golf course architect from Sechelt, British Columbia, donated his time and expertise in the design of the course including drawings and advice on course construction.

In 1992 the land was cultivated, cosmetic ponds and reservoir were dug. Over 2,000 trees were planted, grass seed purchased, greens and tee boxes were started under the direction of Project Manager Noel Cantin and many volunteers. Peter Code built the bridge between holes #3 and #4 and donated the material for the bridge. Peter also donated and moved a garage onto the site to be used as a machine shed. Many town and rural residents donated time, money, material and equipment throughout the construction phase.

In 1993, a $25,000 Manitoba Community Services grant was received for irrigation of tees and greens. With the help of Ful Flo Winnipeg, most of the irrigation was installed by volunteers. Noel Cantin and volunteers roughed in the tees and greens along with the aid of the municipal grader. Brian McCutcheon of Neepawa did most of the shaping and contouring of the tees and greens. Pembina Landscaping was brought in to do some of the finishing on some greens as well as the seeding of the greens. In the fall of 1994, play was allowed with some temporary greens in place.

On July 8, 1995, the grand opening tournament took place with 131 golfers participating. Les Skinner was the first greens keeper. There had been many problems in 1994 and 1995 with the elk damaging the course. Many attempts were made to discourage the elk. Finally with he help of a government grant, the whole quarter section was fenced. Along the North and West side a special large game electric fence was installed. An 8 ft. game fence was installed on the south and east side in early November 1995 when nearly 1 ft. of snow fell. The fencing of the course has been an effective and necessary step in making our course what it is today.

Letter contributed by:

Mr. Rick Lisowski

Past-President

PAST PRESIDENTS

Bryan Kliever 1992 - 1993

Rick Lisowski 1993 - 1995

Ross Coombs 1995 - 1997

Tom Henry 1997- 2000

Darko Reischek 2000 - 2001

Bob Gass 2001 - 2002

Dave Koszman 2002 - 2003

Gordon Muir 2003 - 2007

Sid Barnes 2008

Tri-Chairs 2008 to present

Ernest Jackson, Shirley Bennett, Darko Reischek