Golf is at its core a social endeavour.
And the Turner Valley Golf and Country Club is leaning into that aspect of the game with dynamic changes to how members of the Wednesday Morning Ladies League experience the sport on the picturesque Diamond Valley course.
“It is customary when joining a golf league that you have to put in a team of four people. You typically stay with this group throughout your time in the league,” said Lauren Banman, coordinator of the Wednesday Morning Ladies League.
“After much feedback from members of the league, it was evident that many of them wanted to play with a variety of players, to meet new people and forge new friendships or they wanted to move to a different team which is difficult and often times impossible because of peer pressure.”
To foster those opportunities to forge new friendships, a mixer format was proposed in which a pool of players is mixed up into different teams each week.
“Initially we did receive some pushback from established teams that did not relish change so we have opened up the mixer to include teams of two, three or four players so that people can be where they are most comfortable,” Banman said.
“We are hoping that the mixer style will prove to be fun and exciting. Where one week you are inspired by a great player, or you get to learn a new way of playing from the habits of another player or the next week you get to encourage another player.”
Banman said the committee is hoping friendship and camaraderie will reign and mentors will emerge to share their experience on the links.
“We are hoping that this will be a dynamic force for the women golfers at Turner Valley Golf and Country Club and will enhance their golf experience and grow the love of the game,” she said.
The 2024 golf season, which for the Wednesday Ladies League runs from May 1 to Sept. 11, will also feature the addition of the ambassador program.
The set-up allows new players to have a buddy show them around the course and, if needed, brush up on the rules of the game.
“We are promoting a spirit of learning and we think this will take the league to a new level,” Banman said.
The league is kicking off with its Opening Tea on May 1, at 2 p.m. in the Heritage Room at the clubhouse, a free event for returning players and those interested in learning more about the vision of the league with door prizes, a fashion show and social time on the docket.
“We want to stand out as a friendly golf league, a place to meet new people and be inspired to play your best golf,” Banman added.
The Turner Valley Golf Club is expected to open for the season in mid to late April.
For more information, go to turnervalleygolf.com.
