Fred Couples Visits Sparwood, B.C. for a Groundbreaking Ceremony of Whiskey Jack Resort

June 14, 2007

Last weekend the Elk Valley was full of excitement as news of a world-renown golfer’s visit to Sparwood, B.C. spread like wild fire. Fred Couples arrived at the Cranbrook, B.C. airport at 8:30am and was escorted by the Whiskey Jack Resort team by helicopter through the East Kootenay’s into the spectacular Elk Valley to his final destination of Whiskey Jack Resort.

Local and regional media, district leaders and members of the community were invited to join the Whiskey Jack team in welcoming Fred Couples as he broke ground and toured the golf course for the first time. Almost 200 individuals turned out for the momentous occasion, socializing over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with their media kits and posters in hand, impressed with the splendor of this event and the project in particular.

While awaiting the “guest of honour”, Whiskey Jack Resort sent the adventurous for tours of this magnificent golf course and residential development with Big Horn Helicopters from the sky, sweeping over ridges, rivers and creeks, revealing the vast terrain to the viewer and leaving them breathless.

Enjoying the ambience enhanced by the live harpist playing majestic melodies in the background, all turned as the Escalades (Cadillac sponsors Fred on the PGA Tour), pulled into the reception area. The Whiskey Jack team, including Project Manager Cal McDougall, Managing Partner Stuart Koch, Course Designer Gene Bates, Architects Oberto Oberti and Thomas Palmer and Marketing Consultant Grant Harasyn accompanied Fred Couples towards the crowd of onlookers.

Fred and the Whiskey Jack team mingled amongst the crowd while cameras captured the moment for local media sources and regional news. Cal McDougall began the ceremony with a brief description of the journey to this point, thanking people along the way. Fred was called up to the platform, where he excitedly discussed the project and the golf course at hand. He introduced his golf design partner Gene Bates, who then went into more detail about the course development. Grant Harasyn then introduced the world-renowned architect Oberto Oberti and then invited Oberto, Gene and Fred to be the first to sign the giant Whiskey Jack Resort Signature Hole banner which local designer Vanessa Croome of Claris Media helped to create. The formal ceremonies concluded with Stuart Koch handing out the silver shovels to “break ground” as the crowd cheered them on.

Personal autographs and photographs with Fred followed, revealing Fred’s laid back and friendly nature. Guests continued to mingle, enjoying the atmosphere and company, as the Whiskey Jack team continued on with their tour of the golf course.

Fred Couples’ day ended in style with an intimate dinner at Lizard Creek Lodge with involved parties. At the end of a long day, Fred enjoyed the casual setting and opportunity to engage the group in conversation.

While it was a quick visit it was a great success, Fred fell in love with the area and its residents and they fell in love with him, looking forward to his next trip to the Elk Valley.