The 108 Golf Resort is starting off the new season with a couple of new faces in the management lineup.
Kevin Hanbury, who comes originally from the Okanagan, is settling in as the golf pro, and Steve Jenkins, from Armstrong, is the new golf course superintendent.
Relocating to the Cariboo is a wish come true for Hanbury who is also a fan of fishing and the outdoors in general. He has been playing golf for 35 years, since the age of 12 and has taught the sport since 1989.
In 2005, Hanbury joined the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association and has worked at Quilchena Golf and Country Club, Fraserglen Golf Course in Abbotsford and, most recently, at Picture Butte Golf Club in Alberta, where we was the assistant pro.
He also had a six-month stint at giving golf lessons on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship in the Caribbean.
“It actually helped me a lot with my teaching skills. I had to refine my technique because I only had three or four days to work with people.”
Hanbury thinks the 108 Golf Course has great potential and is excited about helping to develop a program around it.
One new concept that he will be working on is the South Cariboo Golf Academy, which will be operated out of the 108 Golf Resort.
“We want to be recognized as being the centre for quality golf instruction and experience. We would do a package where people can stay and go to golf school.”
Meanwhile, Jenkins comes to the 108 Golf Resort after spending the past 20 years keeping the grounds at the Royal York Golf Club and RV Park in Armstrong. He helped to build the course and spent 15 years as assistant superintendent of grounds and the last five years as the superintendent.
Jenkins bought property in the South Cariboo more than two years ago and was commuting to Armstrong when asked if he could take on the job at the 108 Golf Resort.
He says the 108 course is bigger, and a greater challenge than his last job, but he’s eager to get at it.
“We have to bring back the irrigation system – give it some TLC. The grass needs fertilizer and regular maintenance but there’s lots of potential here.
“The guys who were working here last year did a great job and I will just take it to the next level.”
Jenkins says the improvements will come gradually as membership grows.
“If we get a better product, the membership will grow. People will tell other people if they have a good experience here, and in this industry, word of mouth is everything.
“I think that support is here in the community and with local owners, it will do well.”
All 18 holes and the driving range are open for play.
