The Revelstoke Golf Club is continuing its big push to introduce the sport to young people by providing free access to kids under 18.
“The community junior program is happening,” said club pro Dean Jackson. “Parents don’t have to be members. It’s 100 per cent no strings attached.”
The golf course opened for the season on Friday, Apr. 28, with Bryan Dubasov, Kip Holloway and John Manson getting the first tee time at 10 a.m. It was a quick opening for the course considering the snow only melted a few weeks ago.
Pretty much the whole crew that ran the club last year is back. Frank Morin, the chef at the concession stand at the arena, is back in the kitchen and Melissa Anza is running the restaurant.
Chance Beardsworth returns as the assistant pro and is running the club’s junior camps this summer. Weekly lessons are on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. starting May 8, and a junior camp is planned for July 1–6, with another one in the works.
The club had 25 junior members last year and this year they hope to get 100 signed up. “We’re trying to attract more juniors to the game and more kids to the game,” said Jackson.
The City of Revelstoke has sought a private investor to run the golf club, but with none coming forward, the course will continue to be run as a non-profit.
Jackson said he had a busy winter working on a business plan with Ken Norrie, a member of the club’s board of directors.
“Our marketing strategy is the key component to it — both local and tourist,” said Jackson.
He said the club is working on a new website and they also hired Steve Shannon to take high-quality photos of the course.
They’re working with hotels on stay & play packages and also have a Pipe & play deal with Revelstoke Mountain Resort, where visitors can ride the coaster at RMR, followed by nine holes of golf.
“It’s just going to keep getting busier,” said Jackson.
