D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club

Some places in a community carry more than just a purpose…they carry a story. 

This episode pulls back the curtain on one of those places: D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club, a 35-year Okotoks landmark that was built, by design, to belong to everyone. 

Carlin Lutzer sits down with Mattie D'Arcy, VP of Marketing and a member of the ownership family, to explore the legacy behind the course, the founding decision that ensured it would never go private, and the exciting new additions on the horizon. 

From a high-tech facility called The Stables to a charity event focused on men's mental health, this is a conversation about golf, family, and what it really means to be rooted in the Okotoks community. 

Listen for: 

4:49 Why is the new Stables facility at D'Arcy Ranch named after Mattie's grandfather's legacy? 

11:28 How is D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club deepening its community roots in Okotoks? 

13:35 What is the Make Your Best Invitational and why does it matter to Okotoks? 

17:27 What is the story behind D'Arcy Ranch's decision to always remain a public golf course? 

23:19 What will The Stables offer Okotoks residents when it opens in 2027? 

Connect with Guest: Mattie D’Arcy, VP of Marketing | D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club
D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club | Instagram | LinkedIn | 

Connect with Carlin 

Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram 

Sheep River Dog Rescue formally know as Moe Dog Rescue.  Passionate about giving Dogs another chance.

Special thanks to Okotoks Nissan for arranging this podcast with Kelly Hrudey.

Transcript

Announcer (00:00):

You're tuned in to the Okotoks Podcast sponsored by Carlin Lutzer Real Estate. Let's get into it.

Carlin Lutzer (00:17):

Today on the Okotoks podcast, we're teeing up a conversation about one of the most recognizable places in our community, D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club. In this podcast, we clear up how we say D'Arcy, like saying the letters DRC. Now, once you know that, you can't unhear it, but this conversation goes a lot deeper than just the name. We talk about the legacy behind the course, the vision moving forward, and one of the most important decisions ever made here. Why this golf course was built to be for everyone and why it will never go private. So whether you're a golfer, a local, or someone who just loves a great community story, this is one you're going to want to hear. Let's get into it. Mattie, thank you for joining me today.

Mattie D'Arcy (01:08):

I'm very excited to be here.

Carlin Lutzer (01:10):

Yes. And you are the VP of marketing at D'Arcy Golf Course, and you basically got rolling in May of 2025?

Mattie D'Arcy (01:20):

That's right. That's right. I did.

Carlin Lutzer (01:22):

That's right. Okay, perfect. So right out the gate here, let's make sure. Now, most of, I would say a very high percentage of Oketokians pronounce your last name wrong. Now, can you walk us through the proper pronunciation of your last name?

Mattie D'Arcy (01:40):

Okay. So my last name is D'Arcy, but it's often pronounced D'Arcy with an A. But with apostrophe, it's a little bit of a kind of a French twist on it. So it's D'Arcy, a little bit similar to this.

Carlin Lutzer (01:56):

Yes. For those at home that are listening to this, Mattie just showed me a hat and the letters DRC are on that hat. And that's the way, if you have to dumb it down like you do for me, that's the best way to pronounce your last name is D'Arcy. Just say the letters, DRC, and then you got it right. So yeah, I think there's going to be a lot of people that are a little bit surprised by that because even my family the other night, I started to talk about the podcast with you and saying your last name as D'Arcy. And they're like, "Dad, why are you saying it that way? It's D'Arcy." And so it was this great debate where my 16-year-old daughter was telling me I was wrong and I was actually right at this time. It was awesome.

Mattie D'Arcy (02:37):

It's been a hot topic. I'll tell you that.

Carlin Lutzer (02:39):

Oh, I'm sure. I'm sure. And you even told me that people debate you on how to pronounce your name properly.

Mattie D'Arcy (02:45):

Yes, they do. I kind of laugh when I get that. But if it's been pronounced that name, the golf course is 35 years young this year. Oh, 35. Okay. If you don't know, then you're going to be pronouncing it D'Arcy.

Carlin Lutzer (03:00):

Yes. Yes. Okay. So we're all on the right page now. We're DRC and we're ready to go. DRC Ranch Golf Club. Now, for those of you that don't know where DRC Golf Club is, it's in the northwest part of Okotoks. It's right in the community of DRC, DRC Ranch. And you guys, it was years when you guys were out of town and it felt like it wasn't never too far out of town. And now the houses have caught up to you guys and building on the east side of the golf course. And it's a beautiful community. But Mattie, you have taken on a new role. It sounds like there's a little bit of a changing at the golf course with some retirements and different things like that. Can you tell us, what are some of the new things that you guys have planned at the golf course?

Mattie D'Arcy (04:00):

Oh my gosh. I got here and I'm in a unique role as part of ownership and then as part of marketing. I got here and I just kind of made my mind up and I said, "I want the new technology. We just got Tag Marshall. We're switching our system from TON to Lightspeed, so we're going to have a more advanced booking." And Tag Marshall is where you have the iPad in your ... So it's very exciting. Have a little bit of a different feel to it. And then as well as a big project that we've kind of had under wraps for probably the last 18 months, and we have just announced The Stables.

Carlin Lutzer (04:45):

Yes. And can you tell us a little bit about what the Stables are?

Mattie D'Arcy (04:49):

So I want to tell you a little bit about not just the Stables, but why we're calling it the Stables as well. So it's not horse steamed. Go ahead, go ahead. It's

Carlin Lutzer (05:00):

Not just

Mattie D'Arcy (05:01):

Like you would imagine. My grandfather, before this was a golf course, owned a quarter horse farm and racetrack and he was involved at the Stampede and all sorts of industry. And here we are.

Carlin Lutzer (05:16):

But not just involved with the Stampede. Did you not say he was the president of the Stampede for a while? He

Mattie D'Arcy (05:23):

Was the president

(05:25):

Of the Sampede, the Quarter Horse Association, the Oilman Association, he's got some big shoes. So when I got here last May, that's kind of the conversation that everyone's kind of volunteered to me because we have a lot of past life mixed in with this. Now I didn't get to experience my grandfather. He passed away when I was quite young. They left me his office. So I've had the opportunity to go through all of his letters and his files. And it's just kind of this incredible experience where I've gotten to know him. Not only kind of they left me his brain, but through all the stories, volunteered through all of the Oilman's Associations and kind of teaching me a little bit about who I am as well. So here it's kind of been unique, a unique experience. So leading into that, the Stables is actually kind of, it's a high tech golf simulator that is going to be situated on our northwest part of our driving range.

(06:30):

And that's not to say that we're getting rid of our grass tees. If I could do anything, I would put the grass tees right on top and then, right? Yeah.

(06:39):

But we wanted to do something that could honor the legacy. So we kind of had this competition to come up with a name that represents what we're trying to honor, as well as creating something a little bit refined, unique, and bringing in technology. I have this really phenomenal opportunity, right? You were saying we had a transition in our management, very forward thinking, very tech-wise, we're bringing this new energy to this well-established golf course that has been very well taken care of and it's kind of an incredible thing to walk into.

Carlin Lutzer (07:18):

Yeah. And when you say incredible golf course, it truly is. The views are spectacular. I think a lot of people would be shocked just driving to the golf course and some of the views that you see. Immediately as you walk into the clubhouse, you go into the restaurant, like the views from the restaurant are spectacular. So with the stables, Mattie, does that kind of mean that there'll be parts of the golf course that could be open all year?

Mattie D'Arcy (07:51):

That's what we're aiming for.

Carlin Lutzer (07:53):

That's what you're aiming for. Okay. Okay. So yeah, because yeah, you just think of the Jerry's Place restaurant, you got the stables and stuff. You certainly do have something that could be a drawing card all year. And yeah, that restaurant and the view is spectacular and the food is amazing, right? I

Mattie D'Arcy (08:13):

Know described ... Sorry, I didn't mean to cut you off.

Carlin Lutzer (08:15):

No,

Mattie D'Arcy (08:15):

That's fine. Describe the hidden gym. We have this phenomenal porch that overlooks those bold blue Rockies. And it's just really kind of an incredible feeling being out there in the nature and getting to know the vibe of Okotoks as well and kind of a little bit of this escape from the city world and kind of a nature experience in itself.

Carlin Lutzer (08:42):

Well, yeah. And I think people will be shocked how ... You're not just saying that because you're part of the ownership and the management team at the golf course, because you do. As soon as you get there, you are taken out of the city and it's spectacular. So now I am not the best golfer in the world. In fact, I'm horrible. I go through a lot of different emotions on the golf course from loving it to hating it to snapping to just having relaxing. But that golf course certainly is a very, very challenging golf course. It's not the easiest golf course, but it's also in places can be described as a little bit forgiving, which I'm okay with at times, but there also is a lot of challenging holes on that course as well.

Mattie D'Arcy (09:37):

It is. It is. And it's kind of funny. I've gotten to know this is a Spencer Dye design and they wanted ... Jerry's vision was he wanted it to be challenging enough, and then he wanted these great big greens that we've got here.

Carlin Lutzer (09:56):

Yes. Yeah. No, and it's ... Yeah. And what hole is it? I looked that up this morning where you're basically perched up really high and you're golfing basically down a hill and it's just- That's right. You're talking about

Mattie D'Arcy (10:13):

Seven.

Carlin Lutzer (10:15):

Yes, seven. So just absolutely spectacular. And it is such a great place. And yeah, my son and I, we go out and even just go out for a few hours just to go to the driving range there. And it's spectacular in and of itself. So what other things are you guys planning? Like you got the stables, which sounds like a fantastic idea. Sounds like ... Because golf certainly is changing. You think of the different ... You got the Live Golf League going on and now you're moving into the TGL, right? Which I guess I'm very old school. I struggle with that a little bit because I think somebody the other day ended up getting a hole in one, but I'm sitting there like, it's a hole in one, but it's not the same equivalent as a hole in one in real life, right? But with the changing of golf and all that stuff, obviously the Stables is helping you guys move forward in technology, the iPad and different ways of booking, but what other things, what other things do you have envisioned for the golf course?

Mattie D'Arcy (11:28):

Almost everything. If I didn't have a team that could put some reins on me, I think I would take this to the moon if we're being on this. I would. One thing that we're very focused on moving forward is being involved with community. And so we have always had some partnership with the Calgary Stampede. We support them so they can raise money for young Canadians and their programs that they offer with the Stan Pede Foundation. So it's been incredible to be a part of that where they have the old Cadillac that they drive down in the parade. They park that out on the golf course and they have the whole band come out and it's absolutely just kind of a festival, incredible experience. And I got here last year and they're having me out and I'm working in my position and they're saying, "Oh no, you're part of presidency of Stampede.

(12:21):

We want you to golf with the presidents today." And then I have to show out. I've got cowboy boots on and I actually fixed my game a little bit, if I'm being honest. So then the rest of the year I said, "Maybe I do have to golf in cowboy boots."

Carlin Lutzer (12:35):

Oh, really? You golfed better than the cowboy boost?

Mattie D'Arcy (12:38):

Maybe it worked

Carlin Lutzer (12:39):

Out for that day. I'm going to try that. Maybe cowboy boots and shorts, maybe I should try that. Maybe that will help my game.

Mattie D'Arcy (12:46):

It did something. It did something for me. We've always had that tied to the community. And now that I'm here, I really want to push more community forward. And this year we are sponsoring a group to come out that's focused on men's mental health and it's very cool what we're doing. And we're having a little bit of a surprise guest celebrity musician come out for a concert as well.

Carlin Lutzer (13:11):

Surprise. So I'm picking up that you're not really going to ... You're not going to let us know who's coming out to sing?

Mattie D'Arcy (13:19):

I can't spoil any of the secrets. I need to build excitement, right? I want you to come out here and say, who are we going to come in here and see?

Carlin Lutzer (13:28):

Yeah. So when is that, Mari?

Mattie D'Arcy (13:30):

That is going to be June 26th,

(13:35):

And tickets are on sale now. Now we are working with an organization called Make Your Bet Invitational. It's my buy. And I've really gotten to know the founder, Kyle Moore. And his focus was he had a very close friend commit suicide, and he wanted to do something to honor his memory and also kind of raise awareness for men's mental health. And I kind of am in this role in my life, in this position in my life where I see it's so beneficial to support both men and women. The gender doesn't define it for me. I just supporting everyone in this crazy world that we've got going on.

Carlin Lutzer (14:18):

Yeah. No, that's awesome. No, that's very honorable and a great thing because it is ... Yeah, we are certainly living in interesting times. I know that for many golf, the game itself is an escape. And I'm not saying escape in a negative way as a very positive way, just to go out and connect with nature, hit the ball around, hang out with friends, have a great time, right?

Mattie D'Arcy (14:43):

No, we need a little bit more of that. We need a little bit-

Carlin Lutzer (14:46):

We

Mattie D'Arcy (14:46):

Do. In this cell phone world that we're connected and plugged in, and you get out there on the golf course, you can put your phone down, you put your phone away. Sure, maybe you're answering word calls, but you get to be present in the real world.

Carlin Lutzer (15:00):

Yeah. Yeah. No, absolutely. No, that's awesome. So we look forward to figuring out who the special guest is on the 26th, but you guys kind of are the go- to tournament place. I know the Chamber of Commerce is connecting with you guys. They have a tournament coming at your ranch at the golf course this year as well. And also when you go through the Google reviews, my gosh, there's a lot of five-star reviews, not just on the golf, but also on the restaurant and also on your weddings. You guys do ... There was a lot of comments and a lot of positive experiences, and it seemed like there was coming from the brides, which if you can make the bride happy, which is fantastic, but very positive reviews of your wedding program as well.

Mattie D'Arcy (15:55):

Well, I mean, we're so lucky to be situated on a beautiful venue that overlooks the mountains. So when we started really pushing for weddings and hosting, it was kind of the perfect environment to have with this backsetting and an arch, and we're pretty flexible and we're really interested how when we bring the stables into this, now we're designing it to be more of a community hub and having a lot more, maybe more of a design space where we can have maybe a wedding venue towards the mountains and then a kind of a little bit more refined space for some other intimate ceremonies.

Carlin Lutzer (16:39):

Right, right. No, it's fantastic. I know a few years back my in- laws were celebrating a notable anniversary and we went to the restaurant there. And again, it was spectacular. I think it was a little bit cooler that day in June, but we sat inside that day. We were hoping to sit outside, but still the views were spectacular and we all had such a wonderful time. So Mattie, is there anything else that you want to tell us as to things you have planned, visions for the golf course? Because the nice thing is you are a public golf course, you're not a private golf course, so anybody can golf there, but is there anything ... I'm sure you have different league nights you have ... Do you guys have a junior program as well?

Mattie D'Arcy (17:27):

We have junior programs. We are league focused and we are not a member-based golf club. And that was quite an interesting story that I got to learn this last year as well. And when Jerry was designing this golf club, I don't know if you know this, but he was six six, big booming guy, great golfer, right? He was involved in everything and he was playing with an African American man at a different golf clubs here and they wouldn't let him into the clubhouse. And he was in the middle of his design at that point in time and he was so upset about that. He said, "I'm not going to have a member's only golf club. I want everyone to feel welcome to come and learn and play regardless of any sort of life situation." So we get that question all the time if we're ever going to become private or semi-private, and that was just not the messager or the intention behind Jerry after that experience.

(18:28):

I mean, there was some floating signs. He did think about being semi-private, but it really changed his perspective. He wanted everyone to feel included.

Carlin Lutzer (18:36):

Yeah. And that's awesome because especially being built right in the community, being community focused, and it is such a beautiful golf course. And I do think we, the public, aren't missing out because we don't have to pay the big fees to get signed up, which is spectacular. And so, so pleased to hear that you guys are ... And I believe you were, you always were a big part of the community, but still looking for ways to ramp things up. And especially on the 26th, they're focusing in on men's mental health, which is such a great thing. So certainly do appreciate it. Now, okay, here's kind of a random question for you. I'm sure that golf courses must get the doors, phones must be ringing and stuff, especially with the prestigious, the land value that you have there. I'm sure developers are always kind of knocking on your door saying, "Hey, do you guys want to sell this?

Mattie D'Arcy (19:43):

" Yes and no. But this gets to be part of my grandfather's legacy that I get to continue. What an honor, what a privilege. What can I do to maintain that and keep that in the family? And we've always been family owned and that's what we would like to be.

Carlin Lutzer (20:03):

Yeah. Yeah. That's awesome. What's the plan for, and I should know this, but I don't, for the west side of the golf course, are they starting to potentially look at building houses all around you guys or are they just going to leave those acreages?

Mattie D'Arcy (20:22):

Oh, that's kind of unique. I was also answering this question this week and I do have something cooking in a couple years, but not ... Right. We're focused on the stables right now, but I don't want to reveal too much about what we're thinking about using that backland for.

Carlin Lutzer (20:41):

Okay. Okay. Wow.

Mattie D'Arcy (20:43):

Those secrets, secrets, right? You're going to have

Carlin Lutzer (20:46):

To wait and find out. Well, when you're ready to announce it, will you come back on the show and announce what the plans are because it sounds awesome.

Mattie D'Arcy (20:55):

I think I'll have to. Once we're ready to have that conversation, we've had the stables on a wrap for almost two years now and this new adventure, depending on how things go, I think it'll be something very unique to bring to the community.

Carlin Lutzer (21:12):

Yes, yes. No, that's awesome. So no, I look forward to ... And sorry, when do you think the stables are going to be open?

Mattie D'Arcy (21:20):

Stables. So let's see. As with new construction, everything's a little bit pushed, right? We're thinking about breaking ground in September because we're mindful of our tournament season. We are a very full golf course. We don't want to be interrupting all of our golfers. We just had D'Arcy community come in and it was very loud with a lot of construction. And so we're kind of imagining that in September we're going to break ground and then fingers crossed for opening in the spring or early summer of 2027.

Carlin Lutzer (21:55):

Okay. Okay. Yeah, for sure. Now what about, and we can edit this out if we want to, because I don't know if it's contentious or not, but with neighbors and stuff like that and thinking of something like the Stables coming in, have you heard from neighbors in the area that there might be concerns with noise and all that stuff or have the neighbors been pretty gracious?

Mattie D'Arcy (22:24):

I think everyone's very excited that we're bringing a new activity to Okotoks. And in this town, you're driving all the way out of the way to go do X, Y, Z, right? We're bringing it right to your doorstop. We want to be a community hub. And while we did anticipate a little bit of concern, for the most part, everyone's very excited. And that was great to hear. We just had our open house a month ago and we kind of have all of our panels on display right now, kind of showing what the facility is without giving away any other competitor names, right?

Carlin Lutzer (23:08):

Yes, yes.

Mattie D'Arcy (23:09):

Yes. And so 13 Hitting Bays, one VIP stall, and we do call them stalls just to be cute with the stables, right?

Carlin Lutzer (23:19):

Yeah.

Mattie D'Arcy (23:19):

Bar and eatery, a lot of outdoor green space. Just we wanted to create a place where the community could come as a hub and just kind of hang out. And I feel like Okotoks needs that. They need a community hub. I want to be that for them.

Carlin Lutzer (23:39):

Well, yeah, you're exactly right. Sometimes you just want to go hit a few balls. You don't necessarily want to golf. You just want to go eat some food and have a few laughs because it is a blast. And to be able to do something that's kind of warmer months related in the wintertime, I think is huge. So many times you're not able to really hit a ball or even ... Yeah, there's the virtual golf, but still, like I said earlier, that just doesn't seem like the real thing when you're not seeing, okay, where are the balls actually going and how do you know the screen's actually picking up the velocity and the height and all that stuff. But you're out there cranking balls outside and that's a beautiful thing. So we do look forward to that. We love how much you guys are a part of this community and I can't wait to get out there and golf.

(24:30):

Now, just for the record, today it is March the 29th. You guys are opening. It looks like you're planning on opening April 17th is your first day.

Mattie D'Arcy (24:41):

Fingers crossed. Fingers crossed.

Carlin Lutzer (24:42):

Fingers crossed.

Mattie D'Arcy (24:43):

Depending on the weather, right?

Carlin Lutzer (24:44):

Yeah, depending on the weather. So okay, let's see what happens here because right now the weather network is forecasting and that day is supposed to be a high of plus 11.

Mattie D'Arcy (24:55):

Well, you would be surprised. You would be surprised by how many people are out there in the snow and the sleet. At the end of the season last year, closer to October after we'd already closed, I have people texting me saying, "Can I come out and golf?" And in my mind, I'm thinking, "Do you want to hit into the frozen ground? Go ahead. No. I want to protect my golf course, but it's- Yeah, for sure. I love the attitude and the excitement to be out there. And same with the other type of excitement. I have been in golf my whole life. As a young woman, I've played on golf leagues and not everyone has had the opportunity to do that. And I'm seeing so many more women want to be involved in the golf world, not just to have something to do with their husband, but to have something to do for themselves.

(25:47):

So like women having families, children, husband, a household to maintain, they don't have five hours to go and play four or five hours to go and play a round of golf. And so I also looked at that and said, how can we also give something to the women out there who would like to learn and like to play and enjoy themselves? And you come and have a little bit more of an elevated experience and somewhere you can bring your family, your kids. And then ... And we talk about this a lot when the clock strikes nine, right? We don't have a defined hour yet, but we're going to dial it up.

Carlin Lutzer (26:30):

Yeah. Yeah. No, that's awesome, Mattie. Your passion for life, for the game, for your family legacy, which is awesome. It is so great to see you want to pass that, continue to pass that legacy on, keep it running so you can pass it on to the next generation as well. It is just such a cool story as to how this golf course, this branch has evolved and how it continues to evolve into 2026, 2027. And we're just so excited that you are part of the leadership group there and wanting to see some great things out of this golf course in the future.

Mattie D'Arcy (27:17):

And I've got just a phenomenal team. I'm going to take it to the moon. I'll tell you that.

Carlin Lutzer (27:22):

Yeah, that's awesome. Mattie, thank you for your time today.

Mattie D'Arcy (27:25):

Thank you so much for having me.

Carlin Lutzer (27:27):

Yes, we will have you on again soon.

Mattie D'Arcy (27:29):

Okay. I love it. I'll love to hear it.

Carlin Lutzer (27:31):

Sounds good. Thanks, Mattie. One of the biggest takeaways from today is that this DRC Ranch Golf Club isn't just a golf course. It's a legacy, a legacy built on inclusion, a place that was intentionally designed so that anyone, regardless of background or circumstance, could come play and feel like they belong. In a time where so many courses go private, that decision says a lot. It tells you exactly what this place stands for. Mattie, thank you so much for coming on and sharing the story, the vision, and what's ahead. And to everyone listening, if you haven't been out there yet, this might be the year to check it out. Thanks for tuning in to the Okotoks Podcast. Don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share this with someone who loves this community as much as you do.

Announcer (28:31):

Another episode in the books. Thanks for rocking with us on the Okotoks podcast, brought to you by Carlin Lutzer Real Estate.