Knights Victorious
—The London Knights ended a forty-year Memorial Cup drought on Sunday by defeating Sidney Crosby and the Rimouski Oceanic by a fitting 4- 0 score. The win caps off an impressive season that included an OHL title and a record 31 game unbeaten streak (part of an impressive 79-9-2 record).
Notables in the game included London's goaltender Adam Dennis who kicked out 27 saves and forward Danny Fritsche who notched a goal and two assists. Bryan Rodney, David Bolland and Rob Schremp added the other three markers. The most important stat may be that Sunday marked only the fifth time that Sidney Crosby was kept off the board all season.
Rating Brandon's Golf Courses
A Primer for Spring and Summer Students
—With the heat reaching the mid twenties every day since mid-May, golf is sure to be on the mind of many Brandonites. With a number of courses in and around Brandon, it may be difficult to find a lush and challenging course for a reasonable price. This is a list of my top-six golf courses for the student golfer in Brandon.
In at number six is the nine-hole Deer Ridge golf course just north of the Trans-Canada by Meadowlark Campground. Deer Ridge is a typically flat course in an open setting. Trees and water can come into play on a number of holes on the course, but for the most part the course caters to players who may not be able to hit the ball straight.
Be ready to hit short iron shots over water, if you decide to go for the green over a creek be sure to take the right club. Deer Ridge is one of the cheaper courses, but remember, you are only paying for nine holes with a membership. On the other hand you can play those same nine holes as many times as you want.
The number five spot on our list goes to the Sunnyside golf course. Sunnyside is a mediocre blend of trees, water and wide-open grassland. A number of holes at Sunnyside present a challenging shot over or near water. A straight shot is key; the trees can become a problem on many of the holes. The holes to watch out for at Sunnyside are the holes that contain water, Sunnyside does not drain well, so if you go the day after a rain remember to bring rubber boots.
Dropping in at number four is the nine-hole Northern Pines Golf Course. This primarily par three course is abundantly treed and well kept, but rarely challenges the long ball hitter. The ninth hole at Northern Pines
is a par-four beauty. It sports a creek on the right and a strategically placed tree to the right of the green. If you are planning on going for the
green be sure to play a straight shot. The undulating green does not usually leave much level green to play with.
| Shilo | Wheat City | Glen Lea | Northern Pines | Sunnyside | Deer Ridge | |
| Location | 25 km east on Veteran's Road | 34th Street & McDonald Ave. | 6 km east of 1st Street on Braecrest | 1127 Braecrest Drive | 1 km west of Brandon on Richmond | North of Trans-Canada |
| # of Holes | 18 | 18 | 18 | 9 | 18 | 9 |
| Par | 72 | 71 | 70 | 30 | 72 | 34 |
| Cost per round | $25.00 | $28.00 | $17.00 | $18.00 (for 18 ) | $21.00 | $21.50 (for 18) |
| Membership cost | $303.20 | $1171.65 | $321.00 | N/A | $450.00 | $295.00 |
| Difficulty
(1-100) |
90 | 89 | 70 | 50 | 65 | 60 |
Taking up the number three spot is the Glen Lea Golf course, which is located just east of Brandon either by the Low Shilo Road or the High Shilo Road. Glen Lea incorporates more rise and run than Deer Ridge, and seems to present more obstacles from tee to pin. The par-three second hole is an interesting downhill challenge. With the green sloping back to front, a short shot seems to be the smart play. Glen Lea can be an easy course for the long and straight hitter, so if you are hitting well play aggressive and you will score well. Glen Lea is a very popular course amongst young and old golfers alike.
Sporting the runner up ribbon is The Wheat City Golf Course located on 34th Street and MacDonald Avenue in Brandon. Wheat City is a spectacular blend of trees, riverside property, deep bunkers and undulating greens. Wheat City is easily the nicest course inside the city limits. Right off the first tee players are treated to a downhill dogleg par-four that overlooks the Assiniboine River. Most players with a slice will be forced to bring out the scuba gear. Play a straight shot off the tee and a par is never out of reach. Wheat City tends to be pricey for most students' tastes. If you get a chance to golf this gem, make sure to stop and admire the scenery; you are paying enough for it.
The worthy recipient of the number one spot is the Shilo Country Club. Shilo is the perfect blend of challenge, beauty and reasonable prices. The tree-infested course forces players to play smart; water and sand are also common nuisances for the reckless shooter. Large fairways and well-kept open rough make it possible for marginal error. Beautiful scenery is the clincher-- lush forest and amazing terrain with intermittent spots of wildlife (deer, wild turkey and rabbits). When at Shilo, watch for the par three 16th; the elevated tee box stares down an inviting green surrounded by thick trees and guarded by water. The only drawback to Shilo is the 10-minute drive along the low Shilo Road (Veteran's Way).
This top five should give a reasonable database for the student golfer to choose from. See graph (p. 15) for costs, challenge and beauty to aid selection for golfers of all types. Remember to replace your divots and good luck on the links.