Windmill Golf Group and Cranbrook’s Wildstone Golf Course enter strategic management agreement

This brings 10 golf courses under the Windmill Golf Group's management.

A partnership between Windmill Golf Group and Wildstone Golf Course has been announced, allowing both companies to expand and offer an even greater golf experience for guests. — Photo courtesy Wildstone Golf Course

Windmill Golf Group and Cranbrook's Wildstone Golf Course has announced a strategic management agreement. This partnership brings together both companies’ strengths in the golf business which will allow both parties to grow and offer expanded facilities to their customers.

Allard Ockeloen, CEO, Storm Mountain (Wildstone) Development Corp. commented, “The Wildstone Golf Course management and ownership are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Windmill Golf Group. Linking Wildstone with the expertise, energy and credibility of the Windmill Golf Group will assist in the long term growth of our destination golf course business.”

Chris Andrews, Wildstone’s GM added, “We’re thrilled with this alliance and look forward to delivering an even greater golf experience for our guests.”

“The Windmill Golf Group is very excited about this strategic partnership” adds Barry Ehlert, Managing Partner of Windmill Golf Group. “Wildstone Golf Course is a world class golf facility and we are very happy to form this partnership with such wonderful operators. Our goal is to be associated with only the best.”

This brings 10 golf courses under the Windmill Golf Group's management.  In addition to Wildstone, there is Calgary courses The Hamptons Golf Club, Mickelson National Golf Club (presently under construction), Boulder Creek, Silverwing Links, Harvest Hills, Springbank Links Golf Clubs as well as The Wilderness Club in Eureka, Montana, Northern Bear in Edmonton and Wolf Creek Golf Course in Ponoka, AB.

About Windmill Golf Group:

Windmill Golf Group’s roots began in the 1950’s when Lawrence Ehlert – who managed a small 9 hole golf course in Southern Alberta for 30 years – expanded the course to 18 holes. Lawrence’s son, Ron, grew up working at the golf course and was later involved with the design and construction of dozens of golf courses around Alberta including some local courses such as Elbow Springs Golf Club, McCall Lake and Lakeside Greens. Ron Ehlert owns Elbow Springs and is President of Windmill Golf Group creating a stepping stone for his son, Barry. Barry Ehlert continues the family legacy with a huge enthusiasm for golf and the golf business. He is a leader in his own right as Owner and Managing Partner of The Hamptons Golf Club, Mickelson National Golf Club (presently under construction), Boulder Creek, Silverwing Links, Harvest Hills, Springbank Links Golf Clubs located in Calgary as well as The Wilderness Club in Montana, Northern Bear in Edmonton and Wolf Creek Golf Course in Ponoka, AB.

About Wildstone Golf Course:

Opened in 2011, the Black Knight Design by Gary Player Design measures over 7,100 yards, and embodies the same distinction as Mr. Player himself. Set on the rolling highlands above Cranbrook, BC, Wildstone exposes stunning postcard views of the Rocky Mountains from start to finish. “This is the most beautiful site that I’ve ever had the privilege to design a golf course on” says Player. Golf Digest’s Senior Architecture Editor – Ron Whitten, visited all of the new course opening in North America in 2011 and commented that “Wildstone excels in scenery and strategies, particularly on the short par 5 ninth and on the par 4 17th. “Wildstone was my favourite round of the year.”