The Winkler Centennial Golf Club board is cautiously optimistic construction of a new clubhouse could start later this year. The news was shared at the board's annual general meeting Monday.

President Jake Giesbrecht says they have a fundraising goal to meet before they break ground, and they are getting closer to that goal. Giesbrecht says $1.25 million needs to be in place before breaking ground, and they are close, having already raised $1.2 million.

(L-R) Winkler Centennial Golf Club Head Professional Greg Hesom and President Jake Giesbrecht

"We're looking for a total fundraising amount of $1.5 million, so that will be ongoing as the construction is happening." The total estimated cost of the clubhouse is $2 million.

Although dreams of a new clubhouse have been in the plans for a number of years already, the golf course itself has been the focus for the golf club. Head Professional Greg Hesom says they feel their efforts have paid off, and the dream of a new clubhouse has become more feasible. "The course is obviously always going to be the attraction, the restaurant is a bonus."

Looking back about 15 years, Hesom says the course was not in suitable shape to sustain itself, and they have been working to get closer to that point. "We are much closer to that, and we are very proud of what we've done over the last 15 years and what we've been able to get the course to look like in its improvement."

Hesom says they now feel they're at the point that if they add a decent building to the course they will be able to attract more members, more visitors, and more tournaments to the area.

Meanwhile, at Monday's meeting, it was also shared weather-related issues in 2018 made for a very challenging year for the grounds crew. Hesom noted in the 16 years he's lived in the community, he's never seen weather create the conditions it did last year. He says they had damage on all 18 greens, as well as a number of fairways and tee boxes. "The majority of the year for the grounds crew was spent trying to rehabilitate the course and get it ready for winter. . . the staff did a great job and they did get the course back."

Hesom says they also did a lot of work to improve drainage and irrigation on hole 7, which has been notorious for being either too dry or too wet.