The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The last dusting of snow has pushed back the opening date for the Phantom Lake Golf Course. With a fresh batch of powder on the greens this week, Pro Shop manager Brett Berkner says itÕs hard to say when the course will open. ÒIt all depends on the weather,Ó says the returning manager. According to Berkner, if it hadnÕt of snowed, the doors could have opened for the first of May, but he says things are behind schedule now. ÒNow I donÕt know how long things will last... but I hope it gets going soon,Ó he says. Once the snow leaves the manager says itÕs not as simple as just putting up the flags and sending people out. ÒOnce all the snow goes we are hoping to get some nice weather so (superintendent) Brett (Stephenson) can assess the course...to see how dried out it is,Ó he says. Although the golf course hasnÕt been opened yet, the Pro ShopÕs doors are open for businesses. Berkner, who had worked in the Pro Shop before, says a big change has been made for the golf course for this coming season. ÒMoney earned goes back into the club,Ó he says, adding that buying from the course is supporting the golf course. Berkner served six years at the Phantom Lake Golf Course doing everything from the driving range to working in the back shop and serving as Kelly McLarenÕs assistant. After his six years working in his home town, the Creighton native moved to Swan River and worked as the golf pro at the Swan River Golf Course. As the local notes, there are some differences between the two shops. ÒThere are more members here for sure,Ó he says, adding that the Phantom Lake Golf Course is a busier course. ÒHowever, the Swan River course was a nice course. I hummed and hawed over it, but IÕm glad to be back,Ó he says, adding it was nice to see people he hadnÕt seen in a long time. Berkner rejoined the Phantom Lake Golf Course in February and is looking forward to the upcoming season.
