It pays to be a member but membership isn’t required at a consistent readers choice selection as top golf course. D’Arcy Ranch took home gold for best golf course and bronze for best wedding venue in the Western Wheel Best of the Foothills Readers’ Choice Awards. “What I think it is, is the shape of the golf course. All the time we’re in great shape – that’s mainly what brings people back is the condition of the golf course,” said D’Arcy Ranch vice-president and general manager Tim Watt. “And a lot of people think we’re a private golf club, but we would like to get the word out there that we’re public.” D’Arcy strives to treat its clients like they’re a member for the day, offering a number of perks and services. “You try to get their golf clubs for them and clean them up before they go out, those little services,” Watt said. “We’re trying to update our building as we go on, we’re 27 years old, we’ve done renovations, we’ve expanded our deck. “We try and keep up with the times and look into the future and keep everything upgraded.” Since opening for the golf season on April 29 it’s been a busy stretch for the club. The pristine 18-hole course in the northwest quadrant of Okotoks is both challenging and approachable for golfers of varying degrees of skill. “It’s kind of a timeless design, so many people here come here and say this is their favourite golf course,” Watt said. “This is public people and they’re playing all over the place. The design is there, it doesn’t hurt that you’ve got the mountains as a backdrop, a lot of elevation change, it’s scenic.” The scenic backdrop facing the foothills coupled with the spacious banquet room in the clubhouse has made D’Arcy a popular place to get hitched. The club earned the bronze for best wedding venue. “That’s a very competitive market and we try and keep our prices down,” said Watt. “When they’re here, we’ve got great food, we try and service them to death and make sure they get exactly what they want.” For more information on D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club go to darcyranchgolf.com
