Long time golfers at the Athabasca Golf and Country Club may recognize a familiar face as the new season begins. However, everyone will likely see a number of changes being made to ensure all golfers have an ‘experience' this season.
Long time golfers at the Athabasca Golf and Country Club may recognize a familiar face as the new season begins.
However, everyone will likely see a number of changes being made to ensure all golfers have an ‘experience' this season.
And that is exactly what the club's new manager Jeff Sveen is hoping to bring, along with a return to some of the history of the course.
Sveen knows the background of the place very well, having worked at the course for six years, only to return 15 years later. In between, he has worked at some of the top private clubs in the province - including Edmonton's Derrick Golf and Winter Club as well as the Edmonton Petroleum Club and in Bonnyville.
“I am really pumped to be back here, ” said Sveen in an interview last Wednesday, the same day the course opened its back nine. The other nine holes are expected to open soon.
When the opportunity to return was given to Sveen not that long ago, he leapt at it, even thought it meant not having much time to put stuff in place.
“I'm the general manager as well as the head pro for now, ” he stated, “but I have a three-year plan and we have to take baby steps at the moment.
“The course is looking really good and the hope is to grow and offer a real experience from the time customers are welcomed by our staff, through the time you spend on the course and in the clubhouse and right through the time our out-of-town visitors enjoy the community that is here. ”
While he noted that keep local golfers and members feeling happy and appreciated is one key to being successful this season, being hooked up with Travel Alberta and their consortium of business partners is also going to drive the club.
“In my 26 years in the industry, you can't go it alone in trying to get people out. That's why we've teamed up with Travel Alberta and also lined up four mystery tours that will bring golfers out from Edmonton where we can sell them on the experience and spreading the word about our course, ” he said.
In addition, there will be a focus locally on more events, tournaments, league play as well as on the staff.
“Mentorship of the staff, especially our younger ones, will breed the consistency needed to provide those exceptional customer service skills that will give our golfers the experience we want them to have, ” he said.
“And that will lead to creating a healthier club, from the juniors on up. ”
Meanwhile, the clubhouse and Fox Den - which is now open daily - has also under went a few changes.
The improvements include a new look, new furnishings along with a number of additions to their menu.
