By Bill Nestor
This week’s edition of “tee It Up” is a focus on Alpine Lake Resort. Located in the mountains just outside of Terra Alta, this golfer’s paradise provides an exceptional course and a break from the extreme heat, allowing for a day of maximum enjoyment. Gentle continuous breezes coupled with cool mountain air make you want to play another 18 holes after your round is over.
This hidden gem has the built-in attributes that make it an unbeatable golf tract. The mountains provide the backdrop, the layout utilizes the contour of the land to its fullest, and the 150 acre lake for which it is named is simply breathtaking. This would be enough to put Alpine Lake in the top tier of places to play in the Mountain State.
What pushes them to another level, however, is the hard-working staff that makes the difference.
Head Golf professional, Caleb Hagelburger provides the leadership for the hard-working and knowledgeable staff. Hagelburger took time out of his day to share the improvements made, such as the expansion of the pro shop and his vision for the future. His passion for his Alpine Lake was evident, not only in his words, but his actions as well.
Between working in the pro shop, serving as the starter, and monitoring the course, Hagelburger did not stop the entire time I was there.
The rest of the staff took their cues from their leader, resulting in a tract in pristine condition. The greens stood out and were in the best shape that I have ever seen. The rough was fair, but provided a true penalty. The bunkers were in solid shape, which unfortunately I found out on several occasions!
The 19th hole is a main attraction here with a large deck overlooking the lake. Stay and play packages offer more bang for your buck and once you get here, you will have a hard time leaving. Once you stand on t0th tee and look out at the lake, there will be some questions to ask yourself, such as “Have you ever seen a more spectacular view on a golf course in your life?”
If you have played Alpine Lake before, isn’t it time to go back? If you have never played Alpine Lake before, the question is, when are you going to?