\u201cWe\u2019re creating a space that\u2019s welcoming, affordable\u00a0and fun \u2013 especially for people who might be new to golf or just want to enjoy the game casually,\u201d says Steve Liddicoat, PGA of Canada professional and Director of Operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Some may have noticed that the Clayton Hills Par 3 course was looking a little run-down in recent years. But Liddicoat and fellow PGA pro Matt Palsenbarg saw an opportunity \u2013 a chance to take a former community golfing jewel and transform it into something great.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe greens were slow and in very poor condition when we started,\u201d Liddicoat says. \u201cWe aerated, top-dressed, overseeded \u2013 now they\u2019re better than they\u2019ve been in years.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nIn the heart of Cloverdale, the nine-hole Clayton Hills Par 3 course is approachable, scenic\u00a0and playable in just over an hour. Courtesy The Backyard Golf
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Located in the heart of Cloverdale, the nine-hole, all-par-3 course is approachable, scenic\u00a0and playable in just over an hour. It\u2019s perfect and affordable<\/a> for new golfers, younger players, and anyone short on time. The centerpiece is The BackYard \u2013 a 20,000-square-foot short-game facility complete with two huge putting greens, full-swing nets, and a real-sand bunker.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a great spot for working on your game or just relaxing,\u201d Liddicoat says. \u201cEven if you\u2019ve never touched a club before, there\u2019s something you can do here.\u201d<\/p>\n The BackYard is built to be flexible. Players can drop in to practice, take a lesson, or combine it with a full nine-hole round. The course offers Ladies Nights, coaching clinics, junior programs like LABsters, and rentals for group events or birthdays. It\u2019s a place where people gather, learn\u00a0and have fun \u2013 on their own terms.<\/p>\n But for the two longtime locals, the project runs deeper.<\/p>\n \u201cGolf completely changed my life,\u201d Liddicoat reflects. \u201cNow I\u2019m kind of living 13-year-old me\u2019s dream\u2026 and what\u2019s more \u2013 we get to help people with their game<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n And when you’re done? Walk a few steps to the Clayton Pub, where food and happy hour specials complete the perfect local golf night.<\/p>\n