Canmore Update
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.
A Successful Event
One of the golf groups at Stewart Creek Golf Club where the two Sister Cities golf matches were played.
Sedona Claims Bragging Rights in Inaugural Sister Cities Golf Exchange
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.
(L to R): Kerrie Senyk, Ty Wessner, Martin Buckley, Rob Wagemakers, Gloria Wagemakers, Barry Sjorlie, Helena Perkinson, Mike MacSween, Annette MacSween, Chris Schatzmann, Marsha Drozdiak, Dean Drozdiak, Tony BrownThe Canmore Golf Contingency
(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 WilliamsThe Sedona Golf Contingency
The First Day - The Tee off!
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 at the gorgeous Kananaskas Golf Club and even sighting a bear!
Most of the group played Banff Springs Golf Course and several had to leave a ball behind to avoid this elk who took over a sand trap.
Other Activities at the Golf Exchange
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.
These non-golfers rode the gondola to the top of the Canadian Rockies at Sunshine Village near Banff
A 30 mile bike ride on the closed-to-autos Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Johnson Canyon and back was planned for the entire Sedona group on the first full day in Canmore. Because of rain and cold, the group did the hike to Grassi Lake instead.
However, a few from Sedona stayed an extra day at the end of the trip and did the ride…phenomenal! Next time!!!
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.