Smiths Falls, Ontario’s Lombard Glen Golf Course is being rebranded “Rolling Greens” in an effort to tap into the rise in area cannabis tourism Facebook/Lombard Glen Golf Course.
Cannabis tourism could help golf course owners in Canada. Could the U.S. next?
BY AAGD STAFF
Tourism runs through a gamut of industries: medical, pleasure, cultural, business, ecotourism and natural, to name a few. Now, thanks to legislation being passed around the world, a new segment is gaining attention—cannabis tourism. Back in October 2018, Canada turned into the second nation (after Uruguay) to sanction the recreational use of weed on a government level. It’s true. Dispensaries have sprung up all through northern Canada. And logical research concentrated on cannabis is at an all-time high. Tapping into this surge is the travel industry, and those in the golf industry, who see the potential for monetary gains at golf courses.
One town of Smith Falls, Ontario, is riding on its approach to blend legalized cannabis and golf into a unique, enjoyable experience. This town of under 9,000 individuals is planning on the use of legalized marijuana for attracting more younger (and older) people to its course.
A group of local investors has purchased the public Lombard Glen Golf Course which, according to a report by Evelyn Harford of InsideOttawaValley.com, one of the partners reckons will make it “Canada’s, and perhaps North America’s, first cannabis-themed golf course.” The business investors are kicking off their strategy with the name of the golf course, changing the name from Smith Falls to “Rolling Greens”. In an effort to reflect their new business model. The course sits around an hour southwest of Ottawa, in the Rideau Valley.
Notwithstanding the renaming of the course, to drive attraction investors also intend to revamp the clubhouse and improve the outside patio, believing this will encourage a welcome feeling among players and visitors. More enhancements like adding to the 18-hole course an additional miniature golf section, a drive-in movie theater and resort accommodations are part of longer-term plans.
But what do the older generation of golfers think about all of this goings on? Well, time will tell. And what is interesting is that studies indicate that seniors represent the largest growing market segment of medical cannabis users in the country. With this in mind, the course investors plans offer an educational component to visitors/players.
The course was designed by David Moote and opened in 1964. Although there is nothing particularly special about its layout, visitors to the new upgrades will probably be coming for its popular amenity, the weed. At this time, the course has greens of poa annua; there is no mention, as of yet, on whether the new owners will be replacing the putting surfaces with a blend of Kentucky Bluegrass, featherbed bent and Northern California sensimilla.
Smith Falls is most known as the “Chocolate Capital of Canada” with the many Hershey production lines in the area. The plant, at its height, drew 300,000 to 400,000 guests to Smiths Falls every year. But then, in 2008, Hershey moved the production lines to Mexico, making for approximately 1,700 loss in jobs. At a certain point, 40% of Smiths Falls’ working-age populace was jobless, said one report.
The Canopy Growth Corporation, the first of Canada’s unmistakable authorized producers of medicinal and recreational-use cannabis has entered the region and openly trades on the New York Stock Exchange (CGC),. Canopy moved right into the old, abandoned Hershey office in 2014. Since medicinal cannabis had been utilized in Canada since the mid-2000s, but legitimization of it on a recreational dimension is a distinct advantage for organizations like Canopy. The legalization also may strongly benefit the economy of Smiths Falls.
In Ontario, so far, recreational pot has only been accessible through an online request. However come April 1, 2019, retail locations are expected to open for business, and “Rolling Hills” course won’t be far behind.
Are U.S. Golf Courses Next?
The legislation is pivotal for the legalization of Cannabis to successfully work in America. Besides, with mechanical hemp cultivating getting to be lawful with the entry of the 2018 Farm Bill, a few American purveyors of CBD (cannabidiol) items of all sorts have sprung up, touting the calming effects the active, non-mind-altering compound has been shown to offer. Albeit, at the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show, the major trade show for golf business, there were around a half dozen booths with CBD products.
