They have their arms wide open.
The Idylwylde Golf and Country Club is
actively pursuing new members, and, at the same time, debunking
some myths about the club.
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Gerry Boswell, club manager of the
Idylwylde Golf and Country Club, and Paul Schweyer,
head professional, are inviting new members to join the
beautiful, family-oriented club. |
"There's misconceptions about the Idylwylde
that it's an old boys' club," said Idylwylde president Albert
Corradini. "We want people to understand it's not what it used
to be. This is a place for families, and that's what we want.
We want to break down those barriers because the Idylwylde is
truly a family environment."
With pristine surroundings, the Idylwylde
offers a unique golfing experience.
"The Idylwylde has a lot of character, and
that separates us from the other courses," said Idylwylde head
professional Paul Schweyer. "It's surrounded by two lakes,
there's beautiful rock cuts and birch and pine trees.
It's world class. We spent $1.3 million for
an expansion of our locker room. We're family oriented.
Everyone from children to grandparents can enjoy the Idylwylde.
It's more accessible and affordable than people think. We have
membership packages attainable to most people, and you don't
have to be a millionaire to be a member."
Corradini can't think of a better place to
golf within the city. "As a golfer, I can go from my office to
teeing off within 10 to 15 minutes," said Corradini. "Although
the course is 6,600 yards, it isn't a piece of cake and is a
challenge to golf.
"My wife doesn't golf, but she comes here for
lunches and brings our kids to the beach area to swim."
The people who run the Idylwylde are also
hard at work to fix up certain areas of the historic
facility.
Besides the locker room expansion, the
Idylwylde has been restoring greens and targeting the practice
range.
"Last year, we restored three greens," said
Corradini. "This fall, we will be fixing three more. We're also
addressing our practice range and cleaning it up into a top
facility this fall. It will get done."
The Idylwylde is all about giving back as
well.
Each year, the facility hosts at least a
dozen charity events.
"We helped raise over $100,000 for charity,"
said Gerry Boswell, club manager. "We're hosting the Human
League Legends of the NHL Golf Day on Thursday, May 26. It's a
popular event. We already have a waiting list for next year's
event and we haven't even had this year's event yet."
Morris Dabous, a long-time member and part of
the membership committee, sees many privileges that come with
being associated with the Idylwylde.
Legendary golfers Arnold Palmer and Lee
Trevino have played the course to the delight of members in the
past.
And of course, the course hosts its
prestigious Idylwylde Invitational Tournament each summer,
which typically brings in some of the best amateur golfers in
Canada and North America.
"Besides providing an interesting 18 holes of
golf, the Idylwylde's highlight of the year is the Invitational
Tournament," said Dabous. "It's Canada's oldest match play
event. It's exciting golf and it taps into the top young
amateur players from Ontario."
Current PGA professional Dave Morland IV
played here the invitational tournament several years
ago.
The Idylwylde has a long, memorable
history.
The Idylwylde was founded in 1922 on the site
of the old Howey farm on the south of Lake Ramsey. Early
golfers had to take a water taxi to get to the course until an
adequate road was constructed.
The original clubhouse was consumed by flames
in 1962. A new clubhouse was built adjacent to Lake
Nepahwin.
The Idylwylde also boasts a superb curling
rink, well-stocked pro shop, men's and ladies nights and
excellent dining among its many great attributes.
For more information, phone the Idylwylde at
522-8580.
