The Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club is optimistic for the coming season after a great year of golf.
The club is following up on a successful 2015 season, which saw some upheaval, but in the end was stronger for it.
Last spring they saw some departures of staff and board members, but they were fortunate to also have some opportunities.
“We were without question fortunate in our timing to contract Colin MacKenzie as superintendent,” said board president Greg Morrow. “We have no changes in our key staff at all from last year.”
With these changes, they were able to make progress financially. He says the staff and management were able to stick to a structured budget and in the end finished the season in strong shape.
“We accomplished as a board and our management team what we had aspired to do, which was to reduce our expenses. We set up a very aggressive budget last year and we surpassed, that goal” he said.
This was despite some challenges with the weather. While for the most part, the sun shone on the course there were opportunities marred by rain, leading to lower revues.
“For example, the August long weekend, that is probably one of the best opportunities for a golf course to make money, and it was a really horrible weekend,” said Morrow.
There were more opportunities for the course last season. They were able to work with Inter Pipeline, who were doing a pipeline project on the course, were able to collaborate on infrastructure projects.
“They have been so wonderful to work with,” said Morrow.
They are taking a balanced approach to the 2016 season, looking to continue their financial restraint and responsibility, while at the same time make improvements to the course. They are looking to make improvements to their irrigation systems, and improve the practice facility
There is positivity looking forward. Already they have had strong uptake over last year with early bird membership program.
The focus is going to be on the needs of the golf course for playability,” said Morrow.
On the service side, they are looking at continuing to capitalize on catering opportunities and already are having tournament bookings coming in.
They are also looking at growing the junior program.
“Already we are getting inquiries for our junior program. What we want to do is make sure it is affordable,” said Morrow. “It is the junior program, it is the future of golf.”
Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club’s AGM is coming up on March 22 at 7 p.m., at the clubhouse. There are three board positions available. The Annual Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club Auction is coming up April 9. For information on how to get involved, call 403-823-5622.
