By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
With autumn nipping at your cheeks and winter looming over, nothing seems more tranquil than driving a golf ball, that you imagine to be your pesky coworker, over minty green fields. Imagine that feeling eighteen times over. That’s what you can do right now at Burlington’s Tyandaga Golf Course, but it may be changing to nine holes, and they’re eager for input from all recreational enthusiasts, golfers, residents, and neighbours.
This 18-hole, city-owned golf course was established back in 1963, and the city is now considering removing nine of those holes. The city is promising that the greenspace will not be reduced in any way; the land converted from the golf course would be used year-round for outdoor recreational activities.
Any changes to the golf course will not happen till 2025 and will require council approval.
On the Tyandaga Golf Course website, it is noted that “a driving range, practice greens or other outdoor recreational or cultural space” are possibilities, and many Burlington residents have already voiced their opinions in the online survey. Many attest that an eighteen-hole golf course remains the best use of the space whilst others advocate for other recreational activities, such as beach volleyball courts and pickleball courts. A number of people echoed the city suggestion of a practice green; some pointed out that Tyandaga’s young families would appreciate a pool, splash pad, ice rink, or an ice skating loop, like the Waterdown Memorial Park Rotary Skating Loop.
Tyandaga Golf Course is home to five leagues, including the Tyandaga Monday Chippers, Tyandaga Senior Men, Tyandaga Business Ladies, Tyandaga Fairway Friends, and the Tyandaga Ladies Section. Bookings for tee times are available through the website — both for the public and for members. If you are new to golf, or would like to brush up on your skills, there are private lessons on offer with Izak Fouche, arrange a booking via phone or email. Even if you cannot master the art of golfing (or perhaps don’t care to) there are opportunities to rent their dining room with catering, as well as volunteer opportunities, as long as you are over 18 years of age. In the off-season, the course is used for winter activities like sledding, hiking, and snowshoeing.
Opinions are valued by all, especially from frequent golfers. There is one last in-person session to attend. It will be held this evening, October 11, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Tyanganda Golf Course. You must register for your voice to be heard. The recreation services of the City of Burlington are spearheading the meeting. The online survey is still available to be completed at getinvolvedburlington.ca; click here to go to the survey.
