Fore! Play

Spectacular summer, PGA event, cast spotlight on Calgary's golf communities

After last summer brought with it plenty of heartbreak and hardship, it goes without saying Calgarians have earned the enduring warmth seen this season. And what better way to celebrate the soaring temperatures than by sending a ball soaring down the fairway?

Boasting a bevy of neighbourhoods designed around the benefits of living along the links, golf communities in and around the city cater to duffers and non-duffers alike by offering a beautiful backdrop for both recreation and relaxation. Even if you don't know the difference between a Mulligan and a Mickelson, simply living near one of many courses in the Calgary area provides plenty of benefits.

"Living in a golf community is a wonderful experience," said Alexandria Stewart, who lives on Crystal Green in Okotoks.

Even though Stewart doesn't consider herself a golfer, she said there's still much to enjoy living alongside a course.

"Not only do you have quick access to the course, an on-site restaurant offers a unique dining experience along with additional amenities. Our golf course has 18-holes of mini golf as well, which is great for the family."

With backdrops ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the wide open Alberta prairies to Calgary's impressive skyline, homes found in and around the links not only come with easy access to the course and impressive views, but also often bring an enhanced level of workmanship and greenery.

"Pride in ownership is evident throughout the homes that back the course along with the owners of the golf course maintaining their green space and community playgrounds," said Stewart. "All surrounded with mature trees and ponds making it a great place to live."

Calgary's golf scene will soon find itself in the national spotlight, with the PGA Tour's 2014 Shaw Charity Classic set to take place August 27-31 at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club. The event will welcome Stephen Ames back to his hometown, as he will tee off in the tournament that he helped bring to the city last year.

Ames, who has played 21 seasons on the PGA Tour, made his Champions Tour debut earlier this year at the Senior PGA Championship where he tied for 15th place. Ames is part of six-person philanthropic Patron Group who has backed the award-winning tournament that doled out a record-setting charitable donation for youth-based charities in southern Alberta in its inaugural year.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to tee it up at home here in Calgary for the Shaw Charity Classic," he said. "Many of us worked very hard for a long time to bring an event of this caliber to this market. It will be truly satisfying for me to finally get a chance to compete in front of my friends and family."

Tagged: Calgary | Calgary Community | Feature | golf | golf communities