On the September long weekend, Granite Pointe Golf Club hosted its first annual Grinchmas.
The event was introduced by Denny McArthur, the current head pro at the local course and former head pro at Castlegar Golf Club. McArthur brought Christmas in September to Castlegar in 1975, which is still a yearly success. This year he wanted to carry on the tradition.
Grinchmas took place in two parts. Sunday was a couples event, with more than 50 couples in attendance. This was a Chapman format, in which both players teed off, but were required to play the other’s drive. From there they chose the best shot and finished out the hole in alternate shot format. The winners on Sunday were Don and Corrine Scheldrup.
Monday’s event was a five-man scramble, in which all five players teed off, chose the best drive, and hit again from there. This format is great for players of all skill levels, and was once again a great success. The winning team on Monday was captained by Kelvin Ward and included Larry Marinas, Lorraine May, Ruth O’Bryan and Mike Pozin.
In keeping with the Grinchmas theme, Sunday featured a turkey dinner, and prizes for the event were gift wrapped and placed beneath a decorated Christmas tree in the clubhouse. An overwhelming amount of positive feedback from participants has the event organizers at Granite Pointe already looking for ways to build on this year’s success, and dates for next year are already being discussed.
Overlooking one of Canada’s most celebrated mountain cities, Granite Pointe has been the pride of Nelson since 1920. Redesigned in 1992 to an 18-hole par-72 facility, the course delivers a picturesque golf experience with views of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Glacier, and the Big Orange Bridge. Granite hosts many social events and tournaments during the year, and is an important part of Nelson’s community.