First and foremost, we hope that all our members, guests, staff, and colleagues enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year 2018.

Even though it seems like summer didn’t arrive until late August in Durham Region, 2017 was a fantastic year here at Royal Ashburn. From when we opened the course this year on April 12^th, right though Halloween (we squeezed out every day possible!), it was a memorable year on and off the course.

Here are just a few of the highlights:

1. The Rock & Royal Invitational Tournament presented by 94.9 The Rock

We were happy to work with the great people at 94.9 The Rock, including morning show hosts Craig Venn and Lucky, on this year’s The Rock & Royal Invitational that was played on June 20^th.

2. 2017 CCAA National Golf Championships

We were proud to be the host course for the 2017 PING Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Golf National Championships on October 17 to Oct. 20^th. It was a great weekend of golf and we really enjoyed working with all the good people associated with the Championship, including the host school Durham College and the Durham Lords team.

3. Justin’s First Hole-In-One

Just because you’re a golf pro, it doesn’t mean that holes-in-one come easily. Royal Ashburn’s head golf pro, Justin Hawe shot his first-ever hole-in-one on the 164-yard 7^th hole on October 26^th.

4. Personal Celebrations

We pride ourselves on being a great host and venue for any event, large or small. 2017 was as busy a year as any of our catering staff and venue managers. While the events were too many to mention, we enjoyed hosting Braydon’s 7^th birthday party, Carol’s retirement party and Rishi and Dimple’s wedding.

We wish we could relive all the great memories we enjoyed in 2017, but we just don’t have the bandwidth!!

But looking back on 2017 filled us full of anticipation for 2018. And then we realized, even as the holiday season and New Year’s celebrations are upon us, maybe all the other golfers out there who are chomping at the bit too.

If you’re one of them, there’s no time like the present to start planning your golf calendar for 2018. While we’re still finalizing events and dates for 2018, there are golf-related activities that you can start thinking about and planning to make your 2018 golfing season the best ever.

Again, there are too many things you can do get more enjoyment from golf to list here, but these should get the ideas flowing.

1. A Different Golf Vacation Destination

Of course, visiting the southern U.S. during the winter for a golf vacation is always a good idea. But have you ever thought of taking it up a notch?

While you might not want to be on their links in the middle of January, you can golf on some courses year-round in the UK. It’s a great place to get a jump on the season because their courses are usually in full swing by March.

If you like the warmer southern destinations, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa are all becoming increasingly popular golf destinations.

Once summer rolls around, you shouldn’t forget the great Canadian golf destinations we have, including Vancouver Island, the Rockies, the Laurentians, PEI and Cape Breton – and right here in Southern Ontario!

2. Plan Your Own Tournament

Again, it’s great to golf a round with your friends and colleagues, even have a bigger group teeing off one after the other. But it’s much easier and less expensive than you think to host your very own tournament. Whether you just want to get every golfer you know in one place for an enjoyable day on the Links, or you have a favourite cause that you would like to support, not only will your own tournament help you get there, it’ll create a cherished golf memory that you and all your guests will never forget.

3. Keep Your Game in Tune

If you’re wondering hat we mean, we didn’t want to say ‘golf lessons’ because we know they are not always top of the list of things to do for experienced golfers. But every golfer, from Dustin Johnson on down, can improve their game and keep it in top form with regular lessons.

If you’re thinking of doing more golf-related activities in 2018, now’s the time to start planning your golf calendar. Give a call here at Royal Ashburn, we’ll be glad to help.