Page 44 - Winter 2018 english

The Parting Shot
Steve (left) and Greg Chambers, Regional Director, Eastern Ontario/Outaouais Chapter at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Dunrobin, ON during the NGCOA Canada year end staff golf outing.
SA ee You All In Calgary!
s I write this article, I am For their nal outing this year, In some of my previous articles,
wondering where the last year went! I was recently at the BPG buying show in Ottawa and it felt like I was just there. My dad always said, “As you get older time seems to y by faster.” I guess it is safe to say; I’m older!
As I re ect on the 2018 golf season, it is encouraging to see that for the most part, rounds and income are up across the country. The exception is Alberta, as their weather this season has not been ideal!
I displayed my golf talents at our Chapter Golf Tournament again this year. This event is always a great day! Where else can you get the networking and good times with fellow golf course owners, staff and suppliers? Thanks to the Marshes Golf Club In Kanata for hosting this important chapter event.
Several years ago, the NGCOA Canada introduced Play Golf Days in the summer for its employees. The team gets to leave late afternoon on Wednesdays to play 9 holes. Not only are they supporting member courses, but it has created new golfers!
they invited Mark Seabrook, Claude Leclair and I to join them. It’s a great team atmosphere and I’m convinced that these outings help strengthen the team. Thanks for the invite!
I am looking forward to the upcoming Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show! Over the years, I have been to Calgary many times. When I was growing up we operated a large farm. We used horses all the time when we had to round up the cattle.
If you have not heard yet, we are going to be doing some bull riding (mechanical, that is) during our Friday night Country Fest! I’m a little older now but I think that I will give it a go!
One of the headliners of the educational sessions is called Sex, Drugs & Rock and Roll. Covering both marijuana and sexual harassment, I have a feeling that this session will be very well attended! These are just some examples of what is in store for you in Calgary.
I have written about a player that I feel is going to make a strong impact stimulating the growth of golf. Yes, it’s Tiger Woods. With Tiger’s win at the Tour Championship, he solidi ed the fact that he is back!
I have never seen a player that had a following like he did up the 18th fairway. Only a week later at the Ryder Cup, Tiger was by far the most popular player in the eld.
It was interesting to see the following caption, on the golf channel one morning after the Ryder Cup, “Patrick Reed is going to be the savior of golf.” I thought to myself...really?
I look forward to seeing you in Calgary as we gain more know- ledge and have a ton of fun!
Sincerely,
Steve Spratt
Co-owner, Falcon Ridge Golf Club, ON President, NGCOA Canada steve@falconridgegolf.ca
44 Golf Business Canada
Message From The President – Steve Spratt