Page 68 - english winter 2017

It’s 1992. I’m 33 years old, I have a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. My brother Brett and I have just expanded our course to 27 holes. Life is good, but I have millions of questions about the business of golf!
I have been to the US in search of answers, from San Diego to Orlando, and then to the NGCOA USA. Eureka! I have found the golden egg... friendly knowled- geable golf course owners that openly share their successes and failures.
Around the same time, I met a young entrepreneur by the name of Jeff Calderwood. He always impressed me with his thought process and approach to business. I suggested that perhaps there was a business model in developing a purchasing group for golf course owners, in conjunction with building a National Golf Course Owners Association in Canada, and he agreed. As we say, the rest is history!
Under Jeff’s stewardship, the NGCOA Canada has evolved in to one of the most relevant golf associations in Canada for the golf course owner, regardless of the ownership model.
NGCOA Canada is respected around the world by leaders in golf, and our association model is envied by associations in and out of the
The Parting Shot
CheersTo25Years
golf industry. We are one organi- zation coast to coast with regional departments to address members’ regional needs as we work together toward common goals.
Today, Jeff is recognized as one of the top leaders in golf in North America and around the world. Over the last 25 years, Jeff helped assemble strong regional boards across Canada and also a strong national board. A special thank you to all our past presidents and to each and every board member who collectively have donated thous- ands of hours to their association.
Thank you to all the manu- facturers and suppliers that have invested not only financially, but with their time, at our various initiatives over the years.
What NGCOA Canada has become and more importantly, what we have achieved by working together is truly remarkable. There are some naysayers and that is unfortunate, as there is still so much to do in the Canadian golf industry.
Fast forward 25 years. Golf has provided me with a great life. My 2-year-old daughter, Danielle, is now 27 and an integral part of our golf operation. Although many things have changed, some things have not. I still have lots of questions!
As we plot our success for the next 25 years, I urge the next generation to get involved, attend the NGCOA Canada events in your area and volunteer for a regional board. Knowledge is success!
I still believe my best resource is the NGCOA Canada and all the programs they offer me. I look forward to seeing you at our 25th Anniversary in Ottawa.
Thanks Jeff!
66Golf Business Canada
Mark Seabrook
Mark was the founding president
of NGCOA Canada. Mark continues to attend board meetings in the capacity of honorary director.
Mark and his wife Gail own the Canadian Golf and Country Club. Contact Mark at mseabrook@canadiangolfclub.com.