2017 is a year to celebrate for the Winkler Centennial Golf Course. The golf course first opened in 1967 during Canada's centenary, hence the name given to the local course.

The Winkler Centennial Golf Course did not start off as 18 holes.  "From what I understand I think there was a 6 hole golf course close to where the high school (GVC) is right now, but it was moved to this location and started as a nine hole course in 1967," said Head Pro Greg Hesom.  The expansion to 18 holes took place in 1992.

Hesom says work is always ongoing to improve the course, noting upgrades two years ago that saw all the original greens from 1967 redone and brought up to modern standards.

Fifty years ago, Hesom said the process of building the original course would have been a "labour of love."   He said most of the jobs to build the course were likely not paid jobs, but volunteer work.

Hesom noted golf is a game people in this area embrace.  He said while golf has been on the decline across North America, the Winkler course is bucking that trend.  He said they have a huge men's league, their ladies league is also growing, and the overall membership is on the rise every year.

Hesom said we're very fortunate in Winkler with how forward thinking the city is on recreation, and feels that's been a huge drawing card to Winkler and why we're growing so fast.  "The golf course is just a part of that," said Hesom. "But I think the golf course has done a fairly good job of including all age ranges.  We do a lot of work with the schools, and we really encourage family golf.  There's a great family membership available."

Hesom added having the city and the corporate community putting an effort into the facilities has benefited the course greatly.  He says even looking back from ten years ago, they can now boast a much bigger driving range, and a chipping green, which Access Credit Union helped them out with last year.

A number of things will take place throughout this year to mark the 50 year anniversary, including a tournament as the main celebration set to take place, July 22nd. "We're going to have the tournament and some live music as well, and a couple of people talking about the history and some stories about the course."

"I think through the year we will do stuff here and there."  Hesom said one of the things they will do to try and preserve the history of the club going forward is bring a trophy in for club champions.  A naming competition will be held for the trophy to coincide with the 50 year milestone. Hesom added they were fortunate to receive a grant from the Winkler Community Foundation, in conjunction with Canada's 150th birthday, which will help them plan a great celebration.

As for the tournament, Hesom said it will be open to members first, before opening to the general public.  More details on the tournament are expected to come out in May.

A closer look at he aerial view of the original nine hole course located west of 15th Street and north of the railway tracks. The tracks can be seen at the bottom of the picture