New irrigation system installed at Ponoka Golf Club
Published 9:30 am Tuesday, August 18, 2026
A brand new, state-of-the-art irrigation system is currently being installed at the Ponoka Golf Club.
A ribbon-cutting is also scheduled for Sept. 4, which will include local dignitaries, and mark the completion of the project.
“Our current irrigation system is over 50 years old. It was breaking down, and we were putting a lot of money into it,” said Richard Ursulak, the club’s president.
Staff reached out to Alpine Irrigation as to a new system, and received a quote of $2.6 million.
Later learning of a $1,000,000 grant through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP), staff submitted an application, and were ultimately successful in landing the much-needed funds.
Ursulak explained it’s a matching grant, and so thanks to a very positive financial standing at the club – plus successful fundraising efforts the past few years – the project’s total cost is looking to be covered completely.
“It’s been really good,” he said, adding the club hosted a par three tournament a couple of years ago, which certainly helped financially-speaking, as has careful budgeting, too.
Even the pandemic proved ‘helpful’ in the sense it saw a significant influx of new members, he added.
Ultimately, Ursulak said the system will only bolster the club’s already solid reputation.
“From a community stand-point, we are a really well-known golf course in the industry.”
In a letter to members, Ursulak noted certain areas of the course were not adequately covered by the existing infrastructure.
“The new irrigation system will be significantly more efficient, provide full surface coverage across the golf course, and use less water overall.”
The new system also utilizes HDPE piping, replacing the PVC piping used in the current system.
“This upgrade is expected to last 50-plus years, and will result in major long-term improvements to course conditions and overall playability.”
It was also important to move forward with the project, as construction costs are expected to jump by 10 to 25 per cent over the next few years.
“Delaying the project could make it financially unmanageable, and given the condition of our current system, replacement simply cannot wait.”
Meanwhile, the course has remained fully operational throughout the project, which was begun this past April.
Work has since been completed one hole at a time, so golfers have been able to simply skip the hole under construction and play hole number 19 as a replacement.
“We are very fortunate to be able to complete this project during the golf season while remaining fully open and operational.
Leagues, tournaments, and events have been able to move ahead as scheduled with minimal disruption.”
“This is a major investment in the long-term future of PCGC, and we are excited about the improvements it will bring to course conditions for many years to come.”
For more about the Ponoka Golf and Country Club, follow them on Facebook or call 403-783-4626.