upfront TRAVEL, HOME, AUTO, MONEY — ama.ab.ca Bogeys Frozen
GOLF-OBSESSED ALBERTANS will go to great lengths to stretch out the playing season. They'll whack balls from dawn to dusk, sneak in games between family events – even plan entire trips around the game when it gets too cold to play at home. For those who live near Pigeon Lake, though, winter is no obstacle. Every year, the town holds an ice golf tournament on the frozen waters of its epon- ymous lake. This March 17, more than 100 players are expected to bundle up in thermal underwear, Sorel boots and whacky team costumes (shamrocks and St. Paddy's Day green are always popular) to tee off at Mulhurst Bay. The rules are no different from golf played on grass, but the bounces of fl uores-
(top) An ice golfer lines up the perfect putt at the Pigeon Lake tourney; (above) when it comes to team costumes, the tackier the better, right?
cent Titleist balls on rough ice are as unpredictable as the players' off-season swings. After three rounds of nine-hole play, prizes are awarded for lowest score and highest score, best and worst costume and several other categories. Those not willing to brave the open wind on the lake can park along the shoreline and cheer on their favourite teams. A dinner and silent auction at Mulhurst Bay Community League hall follow the day's play. –Tracy Hyatt pigeonlakechamber.ca/Ice-Golf
10 WESTWORLD >> FEBRUARY 2012 (Pigeon Lake Golf) Jerold LeBlanc/Wetaskiwin Times, (illustration) Michael Martchenko/Annick Press
