The Story Behind the Storyteller

Getting to know Al MacLean, Wascana's Club Historian

Long before Wascana's e-newsletters, there was the Wascana Chronicles. Al MacLean was a familiar voice in its pages, contributing to the vast majority of its features and sharing stories about the Club's history, milestones, and people.

For years, Al has been the one telling Wascana's stories. But for our first Club Conversations feature, we're turning the tables. This time, the story is about the storyteller himself.

Nearly 40 Years at Wascana

When Al first considered joining Wascana nearly four decades ago, he did his research and came to a conclusion he's stood by ever since.

“Forty years ago, after some investigation I concluded that the Wascana was the best country club in Regina and have felt the same ever since.”

What impressed him most, however, was the warm welcome he received from fellow members. Those early connections grew into friendships that continue to this day.

Al and his wife, Judy, have also played meaningful roles in the Club's history. Al served as Club President in 1995, while Judy served as Ladies Club President in 2005. Together, they became the 10th husband-and-wife couple in Wascana's history to have both served as presidents of their respective clubs. Judy also chaired the Chick-a-dee Committee for 15 years, contributing further to the Club's traditions and community.

Al also recalls an important milestone in the Club's history dating back to 1993. Under the leadership of then-President Ted Turner, Wascana undertook a review of its bylaws to make them gender-neutral. Al served on the subcommittee responsible for drafting the proposed changes, which were ultimately adopted. He recalls that the changes placed Wascana among the first golf clubs in Western Canada to adopt gender-neutral bylaws, reflecting an important step in the Club's evolution.

A Moment to Remember

Of all the moments Al has witnessed at Wascana, one stands above the rest: Brooke Henderson's historic victory at the 2018 CP Women's Open.

As Al recounts that day, his eyes light up with the same excitement he felt eight years ago. Standing just 15 feet behind Henderson on the final tee, he watched the then-20-year-old Canadian hit what he describes as a perfect drive on her way to becoming the first Canadian in 45 years to win the tournament. He vividly remembers the atmosphere, the excitement of the crowd, and everyone joining together to sing O Canada in celebration.

For Al, the moment was perfectly captured in a tweet by longtime Golf Channel commentator Jerry Foltz:

“That was the largest crowd and most awesome reception I've ever seen on the 72nd hole of any event I think I've ever covered - from tee to green.”

Other fond memories include his first hole-in-one and the opportunity to serve as a starter for Club Championships and Dick Fraser Cup matches. More recently, Al was invited to announce the final eight groups at the 18th green during the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. He was particularly impressed by one young golfer who reached Wascana's long par-5 finishing hole with a driver and a wedge, something Al jokingly describes as “a game I have never been familiar with.”

Preserving Wascana's History

Al's interest in preserving the Club's history was inspired in part by Dr. Ben Reid, author of A History of the Wascana Country Club, presented to the Board of Directors in 1982. Al admired Dr. Reid's contributions as both a historian and an accomplished golfer and had the honour of presenting him with an Honorary Life Membership in 1995.

Pictured is Al presenting an Honorary Life Membership to Dr. Ben Reid, whose work helped inspire his interest in preserving Wascana's history.

His own involvement in documenting Wascana's history grew during preparations for the Club's centennial celebrations. As co-chair of the Centennial Legacy Committee alongside Ted Turner, Al proposed creating a written history of the Club and developed an outline of 13 chapters. Those chapter headings later became the foundation of Julie Folk's book, Wascana at 100.

Following the project, Al recalls being appointed Club Historian in 2013. To this day, he continues to prepare the Club Historian's Annual Report for the Board of Directors, which is presented and distributed to members at the Annual General Meeting each spring. Through these reports, he documents the Club's milestones, achievements, and the people who contribute to its ongoing story.

For Al, one of the most rewarding aspects of the role is reflecting on another year of accomplishments and seeing how the Club continues to grow.

More Than Just Golf

After nearly 40 years of membership, Al has witnessed significant changes at Wascana. Yet when he reflects on what makes the Club special, the conversation returns to its people.

He points to the annual staff gratuity program and appreciation lunch, organized again this September by fellow members Grant Findlay, Doug Weir, and their committee to recognize the Member Services and Turf Care teams. With member contributions increasing each year, Al sees the initiative as a reflection of the membership's appreciation for those who contribute to the Club experience. It's that same sense of community that first impressed him when he joined nearly four decades ago.

Looking ahead, Al hopes future generations will continue to appreciate Wascana, now 115 years old, as Saskatchewan's premier country club, while enjoying the same warm welcome and lasting friendships that have made his own membership so meaningful.

When asked what Wascana means to him personally, his answer is simple and comes with a touch of humour.

“For both Judy and me, Wascana is a grand place to play bad golf and socialize with good friends.”

After all the milestones, memorable moments, and years spent preserving the Club's history, perhaps that sums it up best.

And while Al will undoubtedly continue telling Wascana's stories, we're glad to have had the opportunity to share a little of his own.