Page 8 - Summer eng 2017

Message From The President • Steve Spratt
In The Fairway
From Board Meetings To The Club Car Plant And Everything In Between!
Steve and his wife Linda are welcomed by Club Car CEO Marc Dufour (far left), and tour the Club Car plant with Kathryn Sterba and Jerod McDowell (inset photo below).
By the time you receive this edition of Golf Business Canada, we should all be enjoying the return of golfers to our courses and the welcomed cash flow that comes with it!
I am writing this message right after Masters Sunday. Wow.... what a finish in extra holes! What were you feeling when Justin Rose gave the thumbs up after Sergio had a good shot? Was it good for golf? You bet! I don’t think you had to be a golfer to feel the competition and the friendship of these two players! Bottom line - it’s great for golf and even better for the industry!
I have kept busy since we last chatted. I presided over my first NGCOA Canada Board Meeting as president, I attended the Golf Canada Annual General Meeting and the industry roast of Scott Simmons who has left the CEO position.
In February, I attended the NGCOA US annual conference for the first time, along with the Golf Industry Show that was held in Orlando. I enjoyed the presentations and trade show; I found the experience to be very dynamic and educational. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend these industry events as your president.
At the Golf Industry Show in Orlando, I had the privilege of meeting a young salesperson from Jacobsen. He took the time to walk me through the lineup of equipment. I was very impressed with his
knowledge and passion for their product. For years, I have stayed at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, a multi course resort. This year, they have replaced all their equipment with Jacobsen, a very welcomed change!
While in Orlando, I was introduced to Club Car CEO, Marc Dufour. He invited me to visit the Club Car plant in Augusta. So, on my way to my family vacation, I made a little detour and took him up on his offer!
When I arrived at the plant, Jerod McDowell did an excellent job showcasing their utility carts, and the power carts assembly lines. I was extremely impressed by the quality, professionalism, workmanship, and the attention to detail that goes into every cart.
Club Car is an important partner of the NGCOA Canada and for good reason. I strongly recommend that every course take the time to learn more about the quality and benefits that Club Car has to offer.
I am grateful for the continued privilege of being part of the NGCOA Canada along with the opportunities and knowledge gained from attending the industry events this past winter.
Thank you once again to Mr. Dufour; I have a newfound appreciation for the quality and durability that Club Car has to offer.
Thankfully, winter is over! I wish all my industry colleagues a great and prosper- ous start to the 2017 golf season. Let the season begin!
Cheers,
Steve Spratt
Co-owner, Falcon Ridge Golf Club, ON steve@falconridgegolf.ca
8 Golf Business Canada