Sedona Claims Bragging Rights in Inaugural Sister Cities Golf Exchange

SEDONA, Ariz. — Red Rocks met Rocky Mountains this fall as golfers from Sedona and Canmore, Alberta, came together for the inaugural Sedona Sister Cities–Canmore Sister Cities Golf Exchange, a week of friendly competition, outdoor adventure and international friendship.

Held September 12–19 in Canmore and appropriately dubbed the “Red Rocks vs. Rocky Mountains Tournament,” the exchange brought 12 Sedona golfers representing Seven Canyons Golf Club and Oak Creek Country Club, along with several spouses, to the Canadian Rockies.

The centerpiece of the exchange was a two-day tournament at the spectacular Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club. The Canmore Rocky Mountains team came out strong, capturing the most points on the first day. But the Sedona Red Rocks team rallied during the second round, earning enough points to claim the overall victory — and the inaugural tournament’s bragging rights.

The friendly rivalry is far from over. Canmore golfers are already looking forward to traveling to Sedona in April for a rematch and an opportunity to reclaim the title.

The week began with a welcome reception hosted by Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club, featuring remarks from Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert, Canmore Sister Cities President Rob Seeley and Sedona Sister Cities board member Jennette Bill. An awards dinner following the tournament celebrated the winners, but even more importantly, the friendships and camaraderie that developed between participants — reflecting the true spirit and purpose of Sister Cities.

Golf was only part of the adventure. Sedona participants joined their Canmore Sister Cities friends for a hike to beautiful Grassi Lakes and ventured from Lake Louise to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House. The golfers also had the opportunity to play rounds at the renowned Banff Springs and Kananaskis golf courses while taking in the extraordinary scenery of Canmore and the Bow Valley.

Throughout the week, participants discovered just how much the two communities have in common. Both Sedona and Canmore are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, welcome visitors from around the world and offer vibrant, walkable town centers along with exceptional opportunities for hiking, biking, golf and outdoor recreation.

By the end of the exchange, participants agreed that the similarities between the two communities go well beyond their spectacular scenery. Both places share an appreciation for the outdoors, a strong sense of community and a desire to build friendships that reach beyond borders.

The inaugural Red Rocks vs. Rocky Mountains Tournament accomplished exactly what Sister Cities exchanges are designed to do: bring people together through shared experiences and createlasting personal connections between communities.

For now the Red Rocks team has the win — and the Rocky Mountains team has April circled on the calendar.

Picture: Sedona Sister Cities Golf Group (L to R):  David and Jennette Bill, Ed Southwell, Catherine Moore, Johnny and Fran Delashaw, Steve Turner, Janice and Bill McCaffery, Sherry Reed, Eric Bradley (Seven Canyons Pro), Catherine Belliveau, Dan Isard, Sue and Mike Williams