From The Manager's Desk
The Winter Golf Report
Where did all those green fee players come from? We had an 18%
increase over last year. Thanks to players from Sudbury, Lively and
Sault Ste. Marie. Our reputation as the best valued championship course
is spreading and we definitely saw the results last year. Our package
rates will remain the same. Staying below $60 including taxes remains
a bargain for a golf course of this caliber.
Eight years after expanding to 18 holes brings maturity to the
new nine holes. Graham Cooke did an excellent job, complimenting the
existing nine with the added holes. Computerized irrigation drawn from
the neighboring Mississaugi has been advantageous to maintaining the
fairways and greens in immaculate condition even with the last two
dry summers.
The budget for 2008 has been finalized. A capital replacement
program has been put in place. We anticipate $50,000 per year needs
to be allocated to replacing equipment as it ages. We have been very
fortunate to have dedicated mechanic, Bill Pfaff working endlessly
to maintain our fleet of equipment, however everything gets old. This
year’s allocation will be towards a new greens mower, a spreader
(for top dressing) and an edger for bunker enhancement.
Memberships rates will be $850 in 2008.
This still includes limited use of the driving range and free pull
cart use. We anticipate a new and revitalized junior
program this summer with the help of several interested parents. Men’s
and ladies night remain popular weekly events and are open to all golfers.
Targeted green fee specials during historically slow periods will
continue to be part of our marketing strategy. Mid week volume discounts
will be given for corporate or charitable tournaments. Several new
corporate events graced our calendar last year. Being midway between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie
makes our course a logical location for corporate events for businesses
with staff and customers in both cities.
Only god and our master superintendant Peter Stos can foresee
the shape of our course for this spring. So far at least one of them
is telling me that conditions are good for an excellent spring.
Yes, Judy Simms will be back, so I had better diet now because
it is too hard with a cook of her expertise to lose weight in the summer.
Here’s to 2008…only 90,89,88,87,86…….days
to golf!
Signing off for now, see you in the spring,
Trevor Kerr-Taylor