Mannville’s Hidden Gem a Sparkling Example of Ingenuity

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Nestled in the valley of the Vermilion River lies one of the most spectacular golf courses in all of the province. In fact, Golf Life Alberta magazine rated the Riverview Golf Course as the best in Alberta during the 2019 season.

Undulating rolling hills, thick stands of towering poplar trees, and its all-natural water feature that winds its way through the course make this nine hole rugged beauty one of the most challenging courses for golfers. “It’s a very challenging course, but if you hit it straight you’ll be fine,” stated golf course designed, builder and manager Kent Staden. “If it curves you’re in the trees,” and that could prove extremely difficult to find.

The river is featured in six of the nine holes, and the signature hole is number three, the island green. The breathtaking scenery, difficulty and playability, along with first rate hospitality and service of staff, make the overall experience truly memorable for golfers.

“It’s very family friendly,” says Corrine Smith, who is the beverage and kitchen manager. Many of the golfers are seasonal campers as the resort features 63 recreational vehicle sites. All of the sites are generous in size and surrounded by poplar trees which create a natural sound barrier and privacy for campers. In fact, RV West magazine rated the campground as one of the top four in Alberta in 2018.

Staden, who grew up in the area, spent many years riding horses through the dense willows that grew with abandon throughout the area. He could clearly see the promise its unique landscape contained, and envisioned exactly how the rugged wilderness could be transformed into a golfers’ paradise. By getting the lay of the land and traversing the beautiful landscape Staden was able to see where the ideal places would be for the tee boxes, fairways and greens. “I used existing obstacles and structures to design it.”

Fortunately, his hopes and dreams were turned into reality in the early ‘90’s thanks to the support of village council who wanted to do something for the local residents. “They, (council), just believed in me.” It wasn’t long after Staden pitched the idea, that he was able to get his plans underway.

“We hired Bob More to build the tee boxes and greens.” A Red Deer company installed the irrigation system, and Staden, along with other local residents, worked on all the other aspects of the groundwork. Clearing willows began in the fall of 1992. The land was broken up and disked in the spring of 1993. It was full steam ahead for Staden and his team, and they worked diligently over the next year to complete construction. The village-owned golf course officially opened on July 1, 1994.

Staden’s hospitality is second to none, and he shared lively banter freely sharing quips with all of the golfers he came into contact with on May 30 during an idyllic afternoon. Golfers were relaxed and smiling, commenting on how happy they were to be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and leisurely sport they so clearly enjoy.

With the golfing season just getting underway, they are welcoming golfers to register for ladies’ night and men’s night beginning this week. The Mannville Golf and RV Resort is a truly magical place and one that has to be experienced for one to appreciate. Now is the time to head on out to enjoy all that this ‘diamond in the rough’ has to offer.