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golf digest
The Dakota Dunes Golf Links is considered one of the most prestigious courses in the province. Ph o To : Dako Ta Du neS
SaskGolfer’s Top 5 Playlist by Mike Shiplack
From being a PGA of Canada member to uploading the province’s best course to www.saskgolfer.com, Scott Allan lives and breathes golf. And it all started at a little par three in Saskatoon called Silverwood. “I was working under Earl Scott, one of the most respected PGA members in the province, back in 1994. Then I went out to B.C. and spent another 13 years as a PGA of Canada member working at high end courses like Sun Rivers in Kamloops and Predator Ridge in Vernon... After 20 plus years in the golf industry, I’ve found my lane – so to speak,” says Allan. Working with YasTech, a leading website development company in Saskatoon, Allan and his business partner Kyle Duffin have relaunched www.saskgolfer. com into an online directory highlighting top golf facilities around the province. And he works hard to get in
as many rounds as possible, especially at courses close to home. Here are his top five favourite courses to play, in and around Saskatoon.
on why it’s on my list is the quality of staff. Dana Johnson, the head professional, has been there for years. When you can maintain your position at a golf course for 10-plus years you are doing something right,” says Allan.
1 . Da kota Du n e s Golf links
Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Saskatoon www.dakotadunes.ca This 18-hole course is designed with enough tee deck yardage to make these greens range from 5,100 to 7,300 yards. It is one of the most prestigious courses in the province. In 2013, Golf Digest listed it as number 15 of the “Top 30 Canadian Courses”. “Being a competitive golfer I truly appreciate a premium course, and one of the best course conditions is Dakota Dunes. Many players, in my opinion, possibly haven’t played it because they are intimidated that it hosted a Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada event. The course is designed with enough tee boxes to make it fair and a
PGA of Canada member Scott Allan says that Silverwood Golf Course is one of the best par three courses he’s played in Western Canada. Ph o To : CiTy o f SaSkaT o o n
fun test for all levels of golfers,” says Allan. 2 . R oya l R e G i na G olf Club
Regina www.royalregina.com “The Royal Regina is one of only a couple semi-private courses in the province and having been established in 1899, the Royal Regina Golf Club is Saskatchewan’s first and oldest golf club. I’m partial to it because there are lots of great memories from when I was on the 1988 Saskatchewan Junior Golf Team,” says Allan. Yes, this course is in Re-
gina. However, it’s only a two-and-a-half hour drive, so there’s lots of time to play a round and make it back home to Saskatoon for supper. 3 . n o Rt h b at t l e f o R D G o l f a n D C o u n t Ry C l u b
North Battleford www.northbattlefordgolf. com Opened in 1969, this course features more than 6,600 yards of beautiful rolling prairie. The layout makes for a fun and fair game that doesn’t take all day to play. “One of the main points
This secTion was creaTed by conTenT works, PosTmedia’s commercial conTenT sTudio.
4 . s i lv e Rw o o D G o l f CouRse
Saskatoon www.saskatoon.ca As Saskatoon’s only par three, 18-hole golf course, Silverwood Golf Course has some of the best maintained fairways and greens in the province. And it makes for a quick round of golf when you need a reason to skip an afternoon of work. “It’s one of the best conditions for a par three course that I’ve ever played in Western Canada... Being a City-owned course, they take pride in maintaining the quality conditions. On a personal note, I got a holein-one there last summer so it moved up on my favourite places to play list,” says Allan.
5. the leGenDs Golf Club
Warman www.golfthelegends.com As an 18-hole, link-style golf course there are plenty of hazards and challenging obstacles between every fairway. Being a hotspot for tournaments like the PGA of Saskatchewan Legends Open means that the greens are always in top condition. “It’s a unique layout, almost a Scottish links type design. The manicured greens and overall course are always in tournament condition, which is a huge draw for any golfer. Annually, they are either hosting a pro or top amateur event so it’s a favourite for golfers of all abilities. There is also a whole community who really supports the club and growing junior golf programs,” says Allan. To learn more about the many great golf courses in Saskatchewan, visit www. saskgolfer.com.
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golf digest
F R I DAY, M AY 1 9, 2 0 1 7
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Choosing the perfect ball You have likely noticed the range of different types of golf balls offered at your local shop. It can be easy to get confused and a little overwhelmed when choosing the ball to best benefit your golf game. Before purchasing your next set of golf balls, decide upon which part of your game you want to improve. There are balls on the market that can improve your distance, control and even spin. Remember, these advantages will only happen if you understand how to utilize them. l ay e R s
The advantages of different types of golf balls start with their construction. Here is a breakdown on the four most common balls you will find. ■ One piece: Very inexpensive, usually not for sale to retail consumers, mostly found at
driving ranges. Two piece: Great for amateurs, acrylate or resin core, durable cover that resists damage for a short time. ■ Three piece: Solid core featuring rubber between core and cover, softer than a two-piece ball, better spin control. ■ Multilayer: Built with four to five layers to provide maximum distance, ultimate spin control, more durable than the fewer layer options. ■
w h at ’ s R i G h t f o R y o u ?
Now that you have a general idea of how to decipher the numerous options of golf balls based on their layers, how do you choose the one for you? It depends on what you want to achieve and
how experienced your golf game is. a m at e u R
The experts at American Golf recommend a two-piece ball for beginner golfers. You can find them with ionomer covers. This material reduces the ball’s tendency to hook or slice due to inexperienced swings. The two-piece ball also will supply a boost in distance and ball height for slower swings. Use this type of ball to perfect your swing before you move on to the more advanced layers that demand more control.
great benefits from using an advanced ball. Choosing a ball that features a urethane or ionomer cover will
absolutely launch from the tee box but give you much more spin control when advancing toward the green. (Green Shoot Media)
Valley Regional Park -Rosthern, SK
a Dva n C e D
As your game improves, you should consider moving on to a three-layer or multilayer ball. Golfers who regularly achieve birdies or better during a round can gain
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