By Torleif Sorenson on 6/25/13

Flooding of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in Alberta has killed three people and destroyed thousands of homes, businesses, and a tremendous amount of critical infrastructure. But the damage sustained by numerous courses across the province is also breathtaking and saddening.

The otherwise-very picturesque Kananaskis Country Golf Course will not reopen this year and their seasonal staff have already been laid off. General manager Darren Robinson announced on the club's web site that, until the rivers recede, they have no way of assessing the depth or breadth of damage. Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun reported on Monday that the long-term future of the facility "has yet to be determined." We certainly hope that the closure isn't permament; one look at the club's Facebook cover photo is enough to entice many golfers to this lovely Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design.



The 9th green at Inglewood Golf & Curling Club is now a rapids section of the Bow River.
The greens at 2 and 8 are both covered with large trees.


Jon Abel, head superintendent at Redwood Meadows G&CC,
surveys some of the amazing damage at the 14th hole.


This video shows the breathtaking amount of damage at Banff Springs Golf Resort:



Downtown Calgary and numerous residential districts of the city have also been deluged. The famous Saddledome hockey arena is flooded halfway to the second deck. All of the arena's equipment, lower-level seating, Zambonis, facilities, equipment, electronics, and a significant amount of Calgary Flames historical memorabilia on the event level are a complete loss.



To say that we are sorry and sympathetic toward the loss of human life and the destruction of land and property in Alberta is a colossal understatement.


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