Club News

Club Captain Message

Best of the season everyone,
 
It’s that wonderful time of year again at Niakwa. While Mother Nature has taken her time warming things up, she treated us kindly over the off-season. Thanks to the diligent work of Shawn Major and his team, the course has once again emerged in spectacular condition—ready for another memorable season.
 
A sincere thank you goes out to our outgoing President, Darin Downey, along with the Board members, for their dedication and leadership over the past several years. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed and are deeply appreciated.
 
We were thrilled to see such a great turnout at the opening cocktail party. Many thanks to the clubhouse, staff, and management for hosting such a fantastic event (and for ensuring no one left hungry!).
 
As always, we extend a warm welcome to our new members. We’re delighted to have you join the Niakwa community. With that, a few friendly reminders to help preserve what makes this club so special:

• First and foremost, it’s a privilege to be part of this community—let’s make sure our staff feel that same appreciation. A simple hello or word of thanks goes a long way
• On the course, there is an expectation of a four-hour round. Please be ready to play and do your best to keep pace with the group ahead. However, early groups are asked to play in no less than 3½ hours (no speed records please) which will allow maintenance staff the time they need to complete their work safely.
• Bunkers were a challenge last season, so let’s all do our part. It is every golfer’s duty to rake bunkers thoroughly after use—especially those playing later in the day. Contrary to popular belief, there is no magical overnight bunker fairy. Please note bunker rakes are now to be left outside of bunkers. 
• Ball mark repair is equally important. Gently insert your divot tool around the edges of the mark and ease the turf back together—never lift from underneath, as this damages the roots. A light tap to finish, and you’ve done your part to keep the greens in top shape.
• Divot mix is your best friend out there—use it consistently to ensure healthy turf. Replaced divots may not survive the mower, leaving behind bare spots. If you’re carrying your clubs, please be sure to bring divot mix along.
• Golf carts should remain on the fairways and, especially on par threes, on designated paths. And when applying bug spray, please do so only on paths or in bunkers—spraying on the turf can cause immediate damage.
• For those who smoke, please be mindful of others around you, particularly on the range and practice greens. And a gentle but firm reminder: cigarette butts belong in proper receptacles, never on the course.
• Finally, if you’re using the back practice green, kindly collect your balls when finished so it’s ready for the next group. Leaving you balls and walking away is not proper etiquette.

Niakwa is a special place because of the people who make up this community. Let’s all do our part to maintain the standards and spirit that make it so enjoyable for everyone.
 
Wishing you all a fantastic 2026 golf season—may your drives be long, your putts be true, and your rounds be just the right side of four hours.
 
 
Warm regards,
 
Jay Doyle
Niakwa Club Captain

Captain’s Message

To the Members of Niakwa Country Club,

As Club Captain I write this message in regard to the ongoing issues that are affecting the experience at our club.

As a top tier private country club, Niakwa carries with it an expectation of excellence—not only in the quality of the facilities and course, but in the way members respect and contribute to our shared environment. Maintaining the integrity and beauty of our course is a collective responsibility, and it’s clear that, at times, this responsibility is not being upheld. We call upon all members to help shift this culture immediately.

When you’re out on the course, please understand the following are expectations, not requests:

• Bunkers should be raked carefully and thoroughly after use. This also applies to those playing in the evening. The course team does not have the ability to complete a full rake prior to play, so any footprint left in the evening, may affect members playing in the morning.
• Ball marks must be repaired, including your own and any others you can attend to while waiting. 
• Golf carts should remain on cart paths wherever possible, respect directional signage and stay at least 20 yards away from the greens unless you have express permission to go elsewhere. 
• Cigarette butts are to be disposed of properly-not in the divot mix bottles, on the ground, or anywhere on the course. Use a garbage bin or take them back with you to dispose of at the back shop. Please be mindful of others on the range as well. If you smoke, take an outside spot where the wind takes the smoke away from people beside you.
• Greens and pins require special care. Many members putt with the flagstick in, but this has led to visible wear and tear on even the best-cut holes by 10 am. To preserve the work of our maintenance staff, it’s recommended that you remove the pin and gently retrieve your ball.

Additionally, for early tee times:

• Do not hit up on players or staff.  The staff require time and space to complete their work preparing the course for play and members should be allowed to complete their round in timely fashion, without being unduly pushed. Adjust your pace of play accordingly to give the maintenance team time to do their job properly.

As always, divots should be filled with the provided divot mix, especially large ones that be collected by mowers.

The practice green should never have range balls on it. This is not an appropriate look for a private club. If you would like to work on your game, please use your own balls.

When practicing in the back lot, please collect your balls when finished for the next person. Common courtesy. 

On a positive note, I must say my overall experience this year has been significantly improved, and I want to thank all those—members and staff—who’ve contributed to that.

Lastly, a few important reminders:

• When bringing a guest to the club, please ensure they are aware of and follow all club expectations. We want them to enjoy the same high standards we all appreciate as members.
• If you experience any issues with staff, course conditions, food and beverage, or service, please do not engage with staff directly. These matters should be brought to Wade or Terry so they can be addressed properly.

Let’s work together to keep Niakwa the exceptional club we all take pride in.

Jay Doyle

Club Captain