Inuvik (Aug 22/03) - Golf is a game that rewards low scores, but the students shaping Inuvik's new course finished on the other end of the scale.

A ceremony was held last Thursday for the students who completed the Heavy Equipment Operator program at Aurora College who completed the course with high marks and high praise from their instructor.

The class had some hands-on experience with loaders, graders, back hoes and dump trucks, while shaping the new Inuvik Roads End golf course.

Of the 12 students who registered, 10 completed the course, registering some very high test scores.

Instructor John Drover said the class achieved final grades between 87 and 97 per cent.

While much of the course layout was completed, they didn't accomplish as much as they'd hoped because of the wet weather.

He said if the college wants to hold the course again next year, he'd jump at the chance to return.

"I'd love to come back," he said. "There are a lot of nice people here."

Inuvik Golf Club president Al German was pleased with the work accomplished by the class and said the rough work on the course is about three quarters complete.

"If we'd have had another week of good weather, they would have had the roughing in work done," German said.

He said the next step is to get some sifted black dirt on the fairways.

"If it dries up again, maybe we can start screening dirt and get it ready for next year," he said.

"Then it's just a matter of getting the top soil on and the grass seed planted."

"The tee boxes and greens are artificial, so they can go in anytime."

He said they decided on artificial greens because they couldn't afford to have someone cutting greens every day.

"This way, the fairways will only have to be cut twice a week."

The course will be nine holes, with two par fours and the rest will be par threes.

"It's a par three course, but we will have two long holes, so they can at least get the drivers out," German said.

All the driving range equipment is here, but they need to wait until the quarry work is done in the gravel pit before they install the range nets.

"In the future, we want to put in an RV lot just because there are so many tourists who want to come here strictly for golfing and there will be a bigger need once it opens," he said.

He's been in touch with course managers in Whitehorse and Dawson City and they are talking about working together for a circuit for tourists to compete on.

German said the Inuvik course is already enjoying some national exposure, from a woman who won a prize on the Golf Network. The prize stipulated she could travel to any golf course.

"She came here, because it was the farthest by road," he said. "We took her picture by the sign and they're going to put it on the Golf Channel."

"We're famous on the Golf Channel and we haven't even been built yet, so we're looking good."

German said there are still three holes on the course for sale to any businesses or individuals who can donate $10,000 towards construction.

The association is also looking for a building they could use as a pro shop and clubhouse.

The club will hold their annual general meeting near the end of August. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.