The signature sixth hole at Lacombe Golf and Country Club. (Kevin Watson)

By Kevin Watson

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Teeing it Up and Tippin ’em Back with Troubled Monk

Jun 8, 2021 | 8:52 AM

Below is the first installment of “Teeing it Up and Tippin ‘em Back with Troubled Monk,” a new feature this summer from Kevin Watson highlighting some the Red Deer region’s finest golf courses along with some of the finest craft beverages from our friends at Troubled Monk.

Central Alberta is blessed with numerous options for golf and the Lacombe Golf and Country Club has been pleasuring and frustrating golfers since 1925. Originally a sheep pasture, the course has grown into a favorite for locals and a destination for hackers of all skill levels.

We were able get the inside scoop on the course from Weston Gillett, who is entering his third year as Head Professional.

Gillett hasn’t been around since 1925, but he does have a lifelong history with the course. Born and raised in Lacombe, he grew up on the course. Gillett started playing it as a youngster, then got a job with the grounds crew once he was old enough. When he decided golf was going to be his full-time job, he got on as an Assistant Pro, then after a few years in BC, he landed the job as Head Pro at his hometown course.

Most Central Alberta golf courses were able to enjoy an early opening this spring and Gillett says Lacombe came through winter great and is in the best shape in years.

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If you played the course in 2019 you probably remember some of the greens had some damage, but Gillett says that is a distant memory.

Every golf course has at least one signature hole and Lacombe has one with a view and a great challenge. Gillett says, “It would definitely be number six. It’s the par three over the water, about 155 yards from the whites and 175 from the blues. It’s one of the better views on the golf course, difficult par three for all skill levels and you have the pond which is a great backdrop.”

From my experience, the pond is a great ball trap!

It’s the second COVID golf season which has been up and down for the industry. Gillett says like many courses the Lacombe GCC has seen membership increase over the past two years with newcomers and people getting back into the sport.

One thing that has helped increase the numbers is half price fees for new members. If you have never been a member at Lacombe, fees for Family, Adult, Young Adult, Junior and Youth are half price! Check the website www.golflacombe.com or call Kerry Ward at the pro shop for more information.

The Junior Program has always been strong and one of the recent grads of the program, Lacombe’s own Brady McKinlay, just finished his sophomore season at the NCAA’s Utah Valley. The 2019 Canadian Junior runner-up enjoyed a great season down south with three top 15 finishes, two of them in the top 10. He had the best scoring average in the Western Athletic Conference at 72.48 and was named to the Second All-WAC Team.

“Brady has done some really good things the last couple years, like finishing runner up in the Canadian Jr. Championship two years ago and finishing in the top 5 of the Alberta Amateur last year,” Gillett points out. “He’s a good, solid player and we will definitely see his name around this year.”

We realized during the round that Bud Kelly from Troubled Monk knows more about beer than he does about golf… so he was able to pick out a tasty beer for us.

I’ve had the chance to play at the Lacombe GCC many times over the years and you would think after picking Gillett’s brain for some tips on playing the course it would’ve helped. Maybe a lesson or two would help. However, we were able to mix in a few good shots with the bad to keep us coming back. So, if you haven’t played Lacombe in a while or had a Troubled Monk beverage give them a try sooner than later.

Stay tuned for another edition of “Teeing it Up and Tippin ‘em Back” at another great Central Alberta golf course soon.