will!
Huy

Pepper

Before we go on to other subjects I would like
to offer my heartiest congratulations to Derek
Spring and his Cranbrook Colts for once again
winning the Cyclone Taylor Cup as B.C. 's Junior B
Champions. This victory adds fuel to the idea
quoted by many local hockey people that our
league, the KIJHL, is the premier Junior B league
in the province. I see where Tom ReMey bas made ·
a statement to that effect recently, and I'll gladly
back it.
Now then, to get on to a more seasonable
subject, golf, and the problems of the RosslandTrall club. I have just got through filling out a
questionnaire regarding that club and its possible
directions in the matter of the upper course. After
reading the matter contained in a missive we
received, very carefully, I got the job done. My
answers may not agree with everyone else's, but
they are a true picture of what I would do if faced
with the situations proposed.
It is my understanding that the club is having
economic problems. OK, but after seeing the
figures, in comparison it looks as though the
Rossland course is generating about one-third of
the total participation by paying players and
guests, which, when one looks at it, compares
favorably as the costs of upkeep are studied. Sure,
it's quite possible that the long-term view is
probably going to be more costly on the Rossland
clubhouse because of its age but it is a good solid
old structure and I think a lot of guests come to see
its solid rustic appearance than they do for fancy
fixin's. They also come to play and maybe a little
more bally-hoo which can be bad for free in some
places, would be a step in the right direction. Good
public relations are a big step on the right road.
Crying the blues does not attract too many people
who are looking to enjoy themselves.

I've been playing?? the Rossland course for a
good twenty-five or thirty years now and it has
always proved a fantastic challenge. I think most
people who come to play have their eyes open most
of the time and what they see on that grand old
layout is something that is venerated world-wide,
rustic beauty and a tremendous challenge to their
golf skills.
Now I don't think that the Rossland course is
going to fade from the golfing scene in the
Kootenays, and I also think that the Rossland-Trail
club may be able to weather the economic times by
a continued use of the available outlets to get their
product before the public. And by doing so I feel
along with a lot of others that what they get will be
better for both courses.
Some suggestions that I have had handed to me
recently are that better supervision of the help on
the Rossland course there have been times when it
has been sadly lacking, some of the help you have
at the upper course are quite capable of asswning
a supervisory role. A lot of people feel that this
would make for a lot better administration allround. You also have another source of help which
doesn't cost very much and if used in the right way
could help a lot. There are a whole bunch of guys
with all sorts of skills which are not being used
these days, namely the guys you give a break to in
their dues, the Retirees. Don't try to discourage
these guys, they work better when you pat them on
the back or buy them a beer.
Now I've said what I want to and it is up to you,
take it or leave it, I'll just have to try to get my
game in shape to be worthy of the Rossland course
when you get through carrying out your mandate
to make it the best course in the country. That
won't take much, a few touches here and there will
do the trick.
'Til then, I'll say, 'Bye for now!