Golfers were ready and in full swing on the opening day of the Shilo Country Club golf course on April 12. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

Golfers were all “fore” soaking up the spring weather with more than 200 tee times booked at the Shilo Country Club’s golf course on the season’s opening day, April 12.

Scott Ramsey, general manager of Shilo Country Club, said more than 22,000 rounds of golf were played at the most superior course in the area last season, and he is looking forward to even more this year.

“Today’s opening is consistent with when we like to open the course,” he said. “In the last few years, it’s been later and closer to May. So to be open on April 12 is a good thing.”

Ramsey said the Shilo golf course has been welcoming players since the 1940s and became more formalized in the 1950s, with it being expanded to an 18-hole course in 1978.

“It’s pretty much regarded as the premier championship golf course in the area, for sure,” Ramsay said.

He said Shilo Country Club is one of the most popular places on Base to visit, if not the most.

“If you ask people about Shilo … when they go into town or into the community … the common thing we hear back is it’s a great golf course at Shilo. It’s kind of synonymous with CFB Shilo.”

Dave Scinocca is the golf professional, with Ryon Barnetsky as his associate. The team is heading up the lessons and programming this season.

Sinocca has more than 25 years of experience and has been a member of the PGA Canada for the past 17 years.

The golf pro brings loads of playing and coaching experience to the club, the Shilo Country Club website states.

“Having played the game at a high level, Dave can offer the proper coaching and training that will help you get to that next level and reach your goals. He guarantees results with a very simplistic approach to his instruction providing each student with specific drills and exercises geared at their skill level and ability.”

Private one-on-one lessons can be arranged, offering greater flexibility for a busy schedule, with group lessons also provided. Golf clubs and electric carts can be rented at the pro shop for those visiting or having unscheduled trips to the Base.

Ramsey said there are too many tournaments and planned events for this season to list them all, but the Base Commander’s Tournament in June is always popular. Last year, in 2023, more than 150 participated in the event.

As well he also said there is a Monday night men’s league and an Intersection league on Wednesdays. The club also always makes an attempt to offer junior clinics if the demand is high enough, Ramsay said.

“We hope that the community has time to play golf. We hope that the military isn’t over-tasked throughout the season and that they get the opportunity to enjoy not only the golf course but also the new Fringe Restaurant that compliments our facility.”