The best part about my experience being a part of this GolfLifeAB movement the last 3 years is meeting the fantastic people that make up our golf crazed community. And with how the world works these days a lot of these relationships and interactions over that time have started with a simple Instagram message or a quick email eventually turning into a few beers and a couple rounds of golf. It’s no secret that a few beers are usually a good way to win me over but we have some amazing people working in this industry.

So far the Support Local features have easily been one of the most fulfilling projects I have worked on. It’s been a blast getting to know these small business owners mainly because of how down-to-earth and relatable the whole experience has been chatting with these talented individuals. We are all are just golf freaks at the end of the day trying to express our love for the game in only a way we know how to. Some are making shirts, others podcast, host events, build clubs and tools, the list goes on and on of things we have going on in this province. It’s even better that our community is rallying behind them and supporting them so they can continue to grow and build on their passion.

And while this is not a Support Local feature, once again venturing into the blog world coming out of a 2 year hiatus, when I found out about Morgan Lavallee’s epic goal of playing every single one of Alberta’s golf courses I thought we have another golf freak here that people need to know about. Another relatable guy that loves the game and wants to make his mark in his own way all while allowing us all to come along for the ride. After reading this I guarantee you’ll be wanting to hop in your car with your sticks and find a new course to loop. GUARANTEED.

I had the opportunity to ask Morgan a little bit about his crazy adventures below but while you’re scrolling, reading Morgan’s story, give this some thought – how many of Alberta’s golf courses have you played?

Explain to the GolfLifeAB folks who you are and your relationship to the golf industry in Alberta.

My name is Morgan Lavallee and am currently the Assistant Superintendent at RedTail Landing Golf Club. I grew up in the small town of Two Hills, Alberta located east of Edmonton on their 9-hole golf course. I have worked in the industry for about 8 years now and want to help grow it into something that people appreciate and realize how great it can be.

How does the Alberta Golf Journey fit into this?

I’ve started this Facebook page to grow the golf industry by helping people find great courses to play in different parts of the provinces which hopefully makes people realize there is more courses out there than they think. Posting about these golf courses on my page will also push people outdoors to these courses to play more golf and essentially put more money into more courses throughout the province. 

So why this goal, this journey? Why play every course in Alberta?

To me golf isn’t just a sport or a hobby. I really truly love this industry like nothing else. It’s something that I get to enjoy every working and providing amazing conditions for people that love the game and also trying to grow it so that people can incorporate it in their everyday lives.

I also use this journey as a tool for overall health. I myself use it as a tool to be able to shape my life the way I think I should live it by reflecting and relaxing when I walk the courses I play. Mental health is becoming such an important thing in the world and I guarantee you that if you go walk 18 holes with a family member or friend you will be able to turn your brain or mind off for 4 hours to relax.

And why Alberta? It’s the best landscape in the world with so much diversity. Why not start somewhere amazing and see how far I get!

Alright, let’s get into it - How many courses have you played so far?

There are currently 304 courses in Alberta (that number is always changing as courses open and close but also because I might be changing that number too!), but I have crossed off 128 courses as of right now adding four more this year already. Can’t wait to venture off and play more!

If you had to pick one from the courses you have played so far, what is your favourite?

Honestly this is the toughest question that people ask me. The reason being, golf is the most diverse sport in the world and no round of golf is the same. The Alberta landscape is amazing featuring mountains, the boreal forest up north, the hoodoos, lakes and much, much more! Every round is different. So I actually can’t give you a favourite because every course is unique in its own way. 

Which course are you dying to play?

This is great! I did a little “Fans Pick” last year and went out to play courses that they wanted to see. It worked great and will do it again this coming 2021 season. But a couple that come to mind that I want and NEED to play are Kananaskis, Banff, Crowsnest Pass, and the Royal Mayfair.

I love this question because every time I ask it, I get a different answer. What is Alberta’s Hidden gem?

So I wanted to find hidden gems and was able to find a few! But I was searching them out to let people know about them so ho they could hopefully go play them for themselves and promote the courses as well!

1. Pine Ridge Golf Resort! This course is only a 12-hole golf course an hour or so west of Edmonton and WOW, is it a treat to play.

2. Sundre has two amazing clubs that a lot of people don’t know about. (Sundre Golf Club and Coyote Creek)

3. Trestle Creek just west of Edmonton.

4. Two Hills is where I grew up but I am not being biased when I say it’s one of the best 9-hole tracks in the province no question about it. 

So, speaking of nine-hole courses, I’m not sure if you’ve seen but I am on my own Journey to Find Alberta’s Greatest Nine Hole Golf Course. Any recommendations?

Haunted Lakes is amazing! Smoky lake and Mannville are also great.

Let’s wrap it up with one final question Morgan, can you give us a sneak peak into the lineup of courses you are looking to play this season?

Well, I’ve lined up a couple places already.

1. I wanted to play Sundre and that is already done.

2. I want to play a lot of golf in the Calgary area as I haven’t played really any in that entire area.

3. I want to make a trip up to Fort McMurray and play the 3 up there, Grand Prairie and knock some off a few there as well.

4. Lastly, I am looking at Pheasantback and some private courses in the Edmonton area which will happen soon!

Thanks to Morgan for taking some time to talk about this awesome project. He has a big fan in me cheering him on and I will be following intently on the rest of his journey. And for those of you that want to also follow along on Morgan’s Journey make sure you are following him on Facebook as he posts about his golf adventures.