YORKTON – The season officially began Friday with the opening of the Pro Shop at Deer Park Golf Course, though the course and driving range weren’t scheduled to open—and the weather made sure they didn’t.
Allan Sauser, PGA of Canada Professional and Director of Golf Operations, says that despite the winter blizzard, the shop has had a busy morning with “lots of traffic for a snow day.” The community’s golfers are anxious to get back to the greens.
“People get pretty excited — and we’re here to look after the early birds,” Sauser said.
The golf course hosts the community’s cross‑country ski club in the winter, and they only officially shut down the ski trails about two weeks ago. Sauser says they are “probably about 10 days out from when we typically open the range.”
Deer Park Golf Course hosts a wide variety of tournaments throughout the season, and this year, there is a buzz in the community as Golf Saskatchewan is hosting its Amateur Mixed Championship Aug. 29-30, and the PGA of Saskatchewan is hosting the Pros CMX Tour Championship Sept. 15-16 at Deer Park.
Sauser says the tournaments are expected to bring a fair number of visitors to the city, particularly the Amateur Mixed Championship, which is expecting about 100 golfers.
“It’s nice to have them out here, as opposed to the larger centres. Both events are really some of the best golfers in the province, coming to play the golf course, so it’s pretty cool.”
The influx of athletes, families, and spectators is expected to provide a boost to local hotels, restaurants and businesses. With the season now underway — snow or no snow — Yorkton is gearing up for a vibrant and competitive summer on the greens.
