Community Connections: Myrnam Derwent Golf Club

The Myrnam Derwent Golf Course has been an important part of east-central Alberta for over 50 years. The nine-hole course was built by the community—local farmers who handpicked the rocks and donated the grass seed, fertilizer, water, and some of the equipment.

Those strong ties to the community continue today. With the help of our Community Connections internet donation, the hardworking folks at the Myrnam Derwent Golf Course build relationships with people of all ages and introduce them to affordable, inclusive activities. 

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What’s your mission, purpose, and passion as an organization?

Our mission is to promote golf as an accessible sport for all ages. We want to remove barriers and ensure everyone has the opportunity to be introduced to this wonderful sport. We’re passionate about being welcoming and affordable, and we take pride in offering so much more than just golf.

How has MCSnet’s donation and complimentary internet connection left a positive impact on your organization?

MCSnet’s assistance with our internet allows us to keep costs down. Being a non-profit organization, this helps us to keep the sport affordable and introduce it to more participants.

Why are you enthusiastic about helping Albertans?

We want to provide affordable activities for all age levels in our community within a welcoming and inclusive environment that is family-oriented. We love being able to partner with other organizations in our area such as the New Myrnam School, by providing a cross-country ski area in the winter months, with our local 4-H clubs, where participants get to golf for free, and with families who choose to host their family reunions with us. We are proud that we are a golf course, but we also provide 17 camping sites (nine are powered), a clubhouse, a playground area, and a picnic area.

In what ways has the internet opened up opportunities for your organization?

We can promote our organization on various social media platforms. We are constantly updating our Facebook page to ensure people are aware of our upcoming events like Women’s Night, Glo Golf, Memorial Tournament, and so much more. This has made a huge difference in our membership. We have gone from approximately 40 to 120 members in three years, and many of our new members are younger than we’ve ever had. 

Can you tell us your favourite story about how you’re making a difference?

We love when we see golfers that were first introduced to golf at our course as a child return as an adult with their young families. Many have told us they never would have tried the sport if it wasn’t for the opportunity to come for free when they were a child.

What does making real connections in your community mean to you?

We want to ensure community spirit thrives at our local golf course. We make real connections via partnerships with various community groups that choose our golf course for company gatherings, BBQs, birthday parties, and fundraisers, and we help local schools by introducing golf for free to their students. We also take pride in providing new members and post-secondary students with a reduced membership at $125 for four months.

If you had one piece of advice for organizations looking to improve connections in rural Alberta, what would it be?

Ask for help when needed and always pay it forward to others.

What kind of future do you imagine for rural Alberta?

We imagine an Alberta that provides opportunities for everyone. It is our goal to continue to provide an affordable and unintimidating golfing experience for all ages.

Create a strong and inclusive Alberta with Community Connections

Get inspired by the work Myrnam Derwent Golf Club is doing, and take a step to improve your connection with Albertans. If you’re a non-profit that needs access to the internet, we want to help! Find out how our Community Connections program works and apply for funding today.