Mickelson National GC Tees It Up On All 18 In Calgary
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2020-06-08
By GORD MONTGOMERY, Inside Golf
CALGARY, Alberta — Dreams really do come true. For proof of that, just ask Barry Ehlert, the man behind the golfing masterpiece in the Calgary area and any golfers who get the opportunity to tee it up at the much anticipated Mickelson National Golf Club.
The course, which played host to complimentary 12-hole rounds last year is now a full 18 holes and club members, as well as public players that can find a tee time there, and all are anxious to test this phenomenal piece of property.
In a phone interview, Ehlert, the managing director of the Windmill Golf Group, said that while the June 1 opening wasn’t perhaps a dream come true in the truest sense of the term, it was a pretty special day all the same.
“People view ‘a dream come true’ in different ways, but for me it’s certainly been a passionate project I’ve been involved in for a long time. The final product is as good, or better, than I could have dreamed of for sure. It’s something I’m proud of …. but we’re not done yet and I’m excited for those opportunities.”
Right now the on-going work is to be focused on the clubhouse, the go-to spot for after-round woes and brags, as at present a trailer is the check-in site. However, Ehlert suggests that new hangout isn’t far off although it still has a way to go.
“We’re going to break ground on the clubhouse as fast as we can, this fall or next spring. Beyond that, there might be some additional short-game practice areas but that’s about it. As quick as we can get in the ground, as quick as we can build that clubhouse is when it will be complete.”
In speaking to what’s transpired so far as this playpen has risen from the dust of the rolling prairie landscape a driver and wedge west of Calgary, Ehlert said people have taken a huge interest in the project despite the hard times that have befallen Alberta, and in particular the Calgary area with the crash of oil prices among other issues.
“I think the part that’s been the most pleasing to me is how positive the response has been,” he commented. “I’ve yet to hear one negative comment. Anything other than, “That was one of the most amazing golf experiences of my life!” and different iterations of that. To me, it’s a great thing to see that people appreciate the time, the artistry, and the hard work that’s gone into this.”
To that end, the head honcho couldn’t be more dead-centre. After all, folks flooded the partial layout last year when a dozen holes were available for a taste-test (and having done that myself, it’s a treat to be treasured). Elbert said that there no exact numbers kept for those that teed off free of charge, save for a donation to a local Calgary charity if desired. And yes, it was busy.
Every Hole At Mickelson National Offers Players Amazing Sightlines, And Views of the Surrounding Areas. This Par-3 May Be A Short One, But Needless To Say, It Offers Plenty Of Challenges All The Way Into The Hole.
As to putting this this gem on the prairie into play, Rick Smith was the guy that laid the architectural paintbrush to the barren land. Along with the design ideas of PGA TOUR superstar Phil Mickelson, they created an 18-hole masterpiece. In fact, Mickelson National GC is recognized as good enough for the big boys to one day whale away but at the same time it’s playable enough for the Average Joe and Jane tee-ball toppers to play and enjoy.
And right now, anyone that is interested can book a tee time and take a swing, or several dozen, at this amazing layout. It features a wide variety of interesting twists and turns, ups and downs, over a visually pleasing 7,300-yards or more, dependent on the calibre of player. Yes, it’s big, but it also pares down nicely to just over 4,900 yards as your handicap goes up, so don’t be intimidated by the bigness of this track.
Ehlert explained that while Mickelson National will eventually be a members-only hangout, for this year at least it’s going to feature a public’s welcome scenario. There are, he noted, plenty of tee times available so if you’re hungering to take a bite out of what could be termed as the biggest opening of a golf course in Western Canada in a long, long time, this is your chance.
“For the time being there certainly are times, although members do have priority bookings,” he explained about non-members accessing this 3-dimensional piece of ground art. “I don’t envision that lasting too long; maybe through the season, but we’ll see how that goes.”
The green fee is $110, plus cart fee, during the week and $125, plus cart cost, on weekends, which truly is a deal for this layout. “I think it’s a $175 to $200 value golf course,” ended Ehlert.
To take advantage of this pricing and get a taste of what Phil Mickelson said about this design on Twitter: “I’m so proud of this course. As visually intimidating as it appears, you can play it on the ground and the average golfer will have a blast!”
And that, from a guys like that, says it all.
For tee times and membership information on the Mickelson National Golf Club, call 403-620-0086.