A golf community with a public course that’s continued to make improvements—that’s Whispering Pines Golf and Country Club, a facility located nearly equidistant from Calgary and Edmonton.
“It is a truly friendly golf community and it has been that way for more than 20 years,” says Jeff Willmer, the club’s longtime PGA of Canada Head Professional. “It is a public golf course with a lot of amenities, and I’m always surprised that some don’t know about it. But that’s what we’re working on—getting more attention for the club.”
Whispering Pines, a Golf Town retail partner for the past four seasons, is a golf community with six phases of development, and the amenities to support modern lifestyles. That means an indoor pool with hot tub, exercise facilities, a playground, as well as a pickle ball court, and 50 slip marina. In many ways, it is the complete golf facility, with 390 properties in the community, which is about two hours south of Edmonton.
“The vision was in place in 1999,” says Willmer. “But we’re continually making improvements, including recent changes to the course.”
Located on Pine Lake, the gated community is created so that everything is only a short walk to either the water or the golf course. It is a great place for those with kids or those who are retired and seeking a great spot for the warm Alberta summers. Residents can enjoy themselves at horseshoe pits or taking their kids to one of two playgrounds, while warming themselves by the firepit in the evening.
The development doesn’t impose building commitments, meaning those purchasing property can use their lot for an RV getaway, and evolve the property as their circumstances change.
The partnership with Golf Town has allowed Willmer to offer merchandise to members he couldn’t otherwise access, he says, and the arrangement has been hugely successful for the facility.
“It has really improved what we can offer our members and the players who come to Whispering Pines,” says Willmer.
As for the golf course, Willmer says it offers something for those seeking enjoyment from the game and players searching for a challenge. At just under 6,000 yards, the course offers rolling terrain, and smartly placed water hazards, all punctuated by spectacular views of Pine Lake. The club’s signature 18th hole ends at a dramatic island green.
“Whispering Pines offers a casual place to enjoy a round,” says Willmer. “That’s what most of the golfers who come here are looking for.”