Current Edition

INSIDETHEROPES
Spring 2016 |
Volume 28
|
Number 4
®
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2 Awards
3 In the News
4 New KemperSports Properties
5 Rankings
6 Staff Announcements
KEMPERSPORTS ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
FOCUSES ON SERVICE AND FELLOWSHIP
The annual KemperSports Leadership Conference took place February 22-24 in the Chicago suburbs where KemperSports general managers and
company leaders from across the country took part in three days of best practice sharing, workshops, training, team building and fellowship.
The conference started on a high note with remarks from NGF CEO Jeff Beditz, who provided an update on the golf industry.
Attendees were treated to a keynote address from Northwestern Football Head Coach and College Football Hall of Famer Pat Fitzgerald, who spoke
about leadership and what it takes to succeed in business and life. Coach Fitzgerald’s meaningful speech left the attendees at the conference in high
spirits to kick off the 2016 golf season.
The conference concluded with the annual awards ceremony. A list of award recipients can be seen below. Congratulations to all winners.
FACILITY OF THE YEAR:
Butterfield Trail
SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR:
Greg Ward, Galloping Hill Golf Course
JAMES R. SEELEY GENERAL MANAGER
OF THE YEAR:
Russ Onizuka, The Crossings at Carlsbad
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR:
Dave Groelle, Royal Melbourne Country Club/Eric Johnson,
Chambers Bay
MADY LESNIK HOME OFFICE STAFFER OF THE YEAR:
Dina Loomis
HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR:
Anthony Shipman, Chambers Bay
EMIL ESPOSITO GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR:
Tim Lindeman, Ridge Creek Dinuba
JAMES S. KEMPER STAFFER OF THE YEAR:
Josh Akers, Sand Creek Station
RETAILER OF THE YEAR:
Harborside International
GREEN TO A TEE AWARD:
Quail Lodge & Golf Club
JAMES S. KEMPER STAFFER
OF THE YEAR,
EMIL ESPOSITO GOLF PROFESSIONAL
OF THE YEAR,
SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR,
HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONAL
OF THE YEAR,
TIM LINDEMAN, RIDGE CREEK DINUBA
JOSH AKERS, SAND CREEK STATION
GREG WARD, GALLOPING HILL GOLF COURSE
ANTHONY SHIPMAN, CHAMBERS BAY
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BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB GAINS NATIONAL ACCL AIM
For the third year in a row, the practice facility at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook,
Illinois, has been honored by the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) as a Top 50
Public Range. The public-access, lighted practice facility features 65 turf and mat hitting
stations and 12 target greens. For golfers looking to hone their short-game skills, the
facility features a 14,500 square-foot putting green along with a unique short game area
with bunkers, slopes and two practice holes – making it one of the top learning centers in
the Chicagoland area.
Bolingbrook Golf Club is also the home of the renowned Carl Rabito Golf Academy. The
PGA Master Teaching Professional has more than 25 years’ experience in developing
custom swing improvement programs with specific focus on a golfer’s anatomy, physiology
and biomechanics.
“Along with the Village of Bolingbrook, we are extremely proud of the practice facility at
Bolingbrook Golf Club,” said General Manager Randy Farber. “We feel that the unique
offerings at the club make Bolingbrook one of the most well-rounded golf experiences
in Chicago.”
BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB,
BOLINGBROOK, ILLINOIS
KEMPERCLUB L AUNCHES NATIONAL ¡UNO! HOLE IN
ONE PROMOTION
KemperSports is kicking off 2016 with an exciting promotion that gives golfers the chance
to win a trip for two to Mexico’s luxurious Vidanta Resort properties any time they make a
hole in one at a participating KemperSports golf course.
¡UNO! is a partnership between KemperClub, Vidanta Golf and SQN Escapes which
rewards any golfer who makes a hole-in-one at a participating KemperSports property in
2016. Any player who records a hole-in-one between March 1 and December 31, 2016,
will receive a 7-night trip for two to Vidanta Resorts’ Triple-A Four Diamond Grand Mayan
Nuevo Vallarta or Grand Mayan Puerto Peñasco.
“We are very proud of our association with Vidanta Resorts and can’t think of a better way
to share it with our loyal customers,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner.
KemperClub is an initiative from KemperSports that is designed to engage customers
with special promotions and events at KemperSports golf courses. KemperClub is a free
e-mail subscription that showcases unique experiences and events at more than 120
KemperSports properties across the country.
VIDANTA RESORT,
PUERTO PEÑASCO, MEXICO
DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT SELECTED AS HOME
COURSE FOR AMERICAN FOOTGOLF LEAGUE
Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, California, has been chosen to serve as the home course for the American FootGolf League (AFGL).
As part of this designation, Desert Willow will host the AFGL U.S. National Training and Conference Center, assist in the creation and testing of
FootGolf pilot programs, and host the U.S. National FootGolf Championship finals in November 2016.
“Having a home course for FootGolf has been a dream and goal since we founded the AFGL,” said AFGL President Laura Balestrini. “The agreement
with a premium facility like Desert Willow, along with the city of Palm Desert and
KemperSports, surpasses everything we hoped to achieve. This is a huge step forward for
the AFGL and FootGolf in the United States.”
The training center at Desert Willow will also host and train a variety of individuals who
are closely involved with the league. These individuals include FootGolf course designers,
FootGolf course managers and FootGolf coaches. Conference rooms will be made
available for FootGolf meetings and informational seminars.
The AFGL was established in 2011 and serves as the founder and official governing body
for the sport of FootGolf in the United States. More than 450 golf facilities have been
certified and accredited for this quickly growing sport.
KemperSports is dedicated to growing all forms of the game of golf and the AFGL’s
selection of Desert Willow strengthens the company’s relationship with one of the newest
alternative methods of golf.
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DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT,
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
KEMPERSPORTS EXPANDS NATIONAL PORTFOLIO OF
MANAGED PROPERTIES
KemperSports is pleased to announce the addition of three highly acclaimed golf courses to its management roster.
HOMESTEAD GOLF CLUB,
LYNDEN, WASHINGTON
The Homestead Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course
located just miles south of the United States/Canadian border. The
course features wide landing areas, multiple tees for the recreational
golfer, and incredible water features and hidden hazards to challenge
more experienced players, including the only par-five in the state that
finishes onto an island green.
The Homestead has been a centerpiece of a 400-unit residential
community since 1993. The club features sweeping views of the
Cascade Mountains and is surrounded by local berry farms. It also
features a pro shop with a large merchandise selection. The nearly
7,000 yard course winds through neighborhoods to give golfers a
unique experience only possible in the mountains of the
Pacific Northwest.
HOMESTEAD GOLF CLUB,
LYNDEN, WASHINGTON
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTRY CLUB,
MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA
Designed by the famous early 20th century golf architect, Tom
Bendelow, Pottawattamie Country Club is an award winning 18-hole
golf course with water hazards and tees originally cut from sand dunes
along the edge of Lake Michigan. The course is known for its scenic
views as it is surrounded by towering oak and maple trees that is
characteristic of its rural beauty.
The country club also features a 20,000-square-foot full service
clubhouse with a bar, restaurant and ample banquet space. The resort
style pool is frequented by local area members as well as Chicago
residents with summer homes in the area.
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTRY CLUB,
MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA
MAHOPAC GOLF AND BEACH CLUB
MAHOPAC, NEW YORK
Located just 55 miles north of New York City in Putnam County,
Mahopac Golf and Beach Club has a rich history of more than 100
years of exceptional club experiences for its members. The course,
which dates back to 1893 when famed architect Tom Bendelow
designed the first 6-hole routing on the east shore of Lake Mahopac,
enjoys a reputation as one of the top courses in the region. After the
popularity of the original routing, the club moved to its current location
in 1900 and introduced the 18-hole Devereux Emmet-designed course
in 1913.
The beautiful and dynamic par-70, 6,523-yard golf course routes
through tree-lined fairways with strategically-placed bunkers. In
addition to golf, the club includes a beach club along the sandy beach
on Lake Mahopac as well as easy lake access for boating and fishing.
The full-service clubhouse includes multiple dining options, including
a ballroom with seating for up to 120 guests – making it an ideal
destination for weddings, banquets and golf outings.
MAHOPAC GOLF AND BEACH CLUB,
MAHOPAC, NEW YORK
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KEMPERSPORTS-MANAGED PROPERTIES
HEADLINE TOP RANKINGS IN GOLFWEEK
AND GOLF DIGEST
KemperSports is proud to announce that nine of its managed properties have recently been named to Golfweek’s list of 2016 Best Resort Courses while
12 courses have been honored as best-in-state by the same publication.
100 BEST RESORT COURSES (GOLFWEEK):
No. 2: Pacific Dunes – Bandon, Oregon
No. 4: Old Macdonald – Bandon, Oregon
No. 6: Bandon Dunes – Bandon, Oregon
No. 10: Bandon Trails – Bandon, Oregon
No. 12: Streamsong (Red) – Streamsong, Florida
No. 15: Streamsong (Blue) – Streamsong, Florida
No. 20: The Prairie Club (Dunes) – Valentine,
Nebraska
No. 43: The Wilderness at Fortune Bay – Tower,
Minnesota
No. 74: The Prairie Club (Pines) – Valentine,
Nebraska
BEST IN STATE:
Florida: Streamsong Red (2), Streamsong Blue (3)
Illinois: Cantigny (6), Harborside International –
Starboard (11), The Glen Club (13), Harborside
International – Port (15)
Kansas: Sand Creek Station (4)
Maryland: Whiskey Creek (5)
Texas: Butterfield Trail (3)
Minnesota: The Wilderness at Fortune Bay (2)
Nebraska: The Prairie Club Dunes (2), The Prairie
Club Pines (3)
Oregon: Pacific Dunes (1), Old Macdonald (2),
Bandon Dunes (3), Bandon Trails (4)
Washington: Chambers Bay (1)
THE WILDERNESS AT
FORTUNE BAY,
TOWER, MINNESOTA
GREG BARESEL,
CANTIGNY GOLF CLUB
KemperSports is also very proud to recognize
six outstanding teachers who have been
honored by Golf Digest as the best teachers
in their state. The awards are based on the
opinions of their peers.
BEST TEACHERS BY STATE (GOLF
DIGEST):
Katherine Marren: Quail Lodge, California
Greg Baresel: Cantigny, Illinois
Connie Demattia: Cantigny, Illinois
Chris Thomson: Wilderness Ridge, Nebraska
Mike Schuchart: Wilderness Ridge, Nebraska
Mike Adams: Hamilton Farm, New Jersey
CHRIS THOMSON,
WILDERNESS RIDGE GOLF CLUB
WHITE PINES GOLF DOME THRIVES IN CHICAGO WINTER
The White Pines Golf Dome has improved its facility and customer experience this past winter. Since KemperSports assumed management of the
property in November 2014, several golf simulators have been added to the facility, elevating the customer experience.
Five new state-of-the-art GolfZon machines have been added to the dome’s amenities. Two GolfZon Vision virtual golf simulators are now functional.
These free-standing, full immersion simulators allow golfers to virtually play a round at the top courses across the country including Chambers Bay and
more than 180 others during Chicago’s long winters. During the virtual rounds, cameras record players’ swings and determine ball flight length on terrain
simulated by the real courses. The facility also added three GolfZon
GDRs, which are free-standing kiosks integrated into the pre-existing
shot line. As with the Vision simulators, the GDR can track swing and ball
flight length.
The recording features and high definition playback are ideal for
beginning golfers and instructors. The simulators also provide an
opportunity for low handicappers to stay sharp during the winter
months by playing a full round of golf, which would otherwise be
impossible in Chicago.
White Pines has also introduced a seasonal membership, which offers
a variety of reduced rates on hitting bays and golf simulators, a point
system to track customers’ time at the facility, and invitations to special
events through KemperSports.
Traditional aspects of the White Pines Golf Dome also remain. The facility,
a 300-feet wide, 300-feet long and 100-feet high space, offers 45 hitting
bays across two-levels, food and beverage and two top Illinois PGA
instructors - Chuck Lynch and Dan Kochevar, who have both won ILPGA
Teacher of the Year honors in their careers.
WHITE PINES GOLF DOME,
BENSENVILLE, ILLINOIS
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AND
FACES PLACES
KEMPERSPORTS STAFF
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alan Cohen
Ed Winiecki
General Manager, Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course
Alan Cohen has joined KemperSports as the general
manager of Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course in
Lewinston, New York. Cohen brings 25 years of
hospitality and private club management experience
and most recently served as the assistant general
manager of the Brookfield Country Club in Clarence,
New York. Prior to that, he managed Niagara Falls Country Club for more
than 18 years. He is a member of the CMAA New York State Chapter since
1990, where he has served as chapter president in 1998 and 2014. He is
an avid sports enthusiast and has lived in the Buffalo area for many years
with his wife Jennifer.
General Manager, San Jose Country Club
Industry veteran Ed Winiecki has joined KemperSports
as general manager of the San Jose Country Club in
San Jose, California, after holding the same position
at The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch, formerly known
as Salinas Country Club in Salinas, California. Before
his tenure at Salinas Country Club, Winiecki was the
executive director for the PGA Tour’s Nationwide Tour Event, The Soboba
Golf Classic. He has also served as general manager in Shandin Hills Golf
Club in San Bernardino, California, and the Retreat Golf & Country Club in
Corona, California. Winiecki is a Class “A” member of the PGA, and is a
member of the Club Managers Association of America. He has served on
several boards for both the Northern and Southern California PGA and is
very active in his local community.
Glen Murray
Alex Prior
General Manager, Sand Valley Golf Resort
Glen Murray has been named the general manager of
Sand Valley Golf Resort in Rome, Wisconsin. Prior to
joining KemperSports, Murray served as director of golf
operations for the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in
Sarasota, Florida. Murray brings more than 20 years
of experience in golf and resort operations. Murray has
spent 10 years as a PGA Member and has earned multiple PGA Awards and
held a variety of PGA Leadership Roles. A native of Wisconsin, Murray grew
up outside of Milwaukee, where he caddied at the Westmoor Country Club.
General Manager, Highland Park Country Club
Alex Prior has returned to Highland Park Country Club in
Highland Park, Illinois, as the new general manager. Prior
has a history at Highland Park Country, previously serving
as the club’s first assistant golf professional from 20102011 before being named head golf professional in
2011. Most recently, Prior held the head golf professional
position at The Glen Club in Glenview, Illinois, for nearly two years. Prior
is also the founder of IPlayGolf, an after school program focusing on the
development of successful young men and women on the golf course.
Tony Rizzo
Mike Fleig
General Manager, Royal Melbourne Country Club
Tony Rizzo has been named the new general manager
of Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove, Illinois.
Rizzo has been with KemperSports since 2014, when
he joined as the club manager at Quail Lodge & Golf
Club in Carmel, California. He has previously managed
the Skylinks Golf Club, Long Beach, California, El
Dorado Park Golf Club, Long Beach, California, and the Arcadia Par 3 Golf
Course, Arcadia, California. He also served as the partner/general manager
at the Desert Mirage Golf Club, Glendale, Arizona.
General Manager, Greeley Country Club
Mike Fleig has joined KemperSports as the general
manager of Greeley Country Club in Greeley, Colorado.
Fleig is an industry veteran and has previously served
as the general manager of the Bookcliff Country Club
in Grand Junction, Colorado; the Spokane Club in
Spokane, Washington; and the Club at Crested Butte
in Crested Butte, Colorado. Fleig is a certified club manager with the Club
Managers Association of America and is a member of the organization’s
Lifetime Professional Development Program. He has also held officer
positions in local chapters of the CMAA.
WESTERN WASHINGTON PGA CHAPTER HONORS T WO
KEMPERSPORTS GOLF PROFESSIONALS
In December, Golf Professional Brent Zepp was named the 2015 Golf Professional of the Year and Golf Professional Ryan Young was named the 2015
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year by the Western Washington PGA Chapter. Both longtime staffers at Chambers Bay, Zepp and Young played a
significant role in the success of the 2015 U.S. Open last summer.
Zepp displays great skills in leadership and mentoring, and is an excellent representative of
the PGA. These skills were evident during the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay as Zepp
led numerous operational activities during championship week. Zepp also made many public
appearances throughout the community and in local media opportunities to promote the first U.S.
Open in the Pacific Northwest.
Young has already amassed a significant and impressive amount of work for a young professional.
He has been involved in nearly every single aspect of the golf operations at Chambers Bay since
he joined the team in 2011. Most recently, he managed 70 volunteers for the 2015 U.S. Open who
were charged with operating the practice center during Championship week. In addition, Young is
very involved in the Western Washington Chapter, where he serves on the Assistants Committee
and is a mentor for the Pacific Northwest Section Apprentice Mentoring Program.
RYAN YOUNG AND BRENT ZEPP,
CHAMBERS BAY, WASHINGTON
®
500 Skokie Boulevard Suite 444 | Northbrook, Illinois 60062 | www.kempersports.com
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