With one last whack of the clubs on Sunday (Oct. 15), the Revelstoke Golf Club concluded its season for the year.
As golf continues to grow in Revelstoke, the club continues to enjoy year-on-year growth. Despite contending with a drought for much of the season, the club’s numbers for the year tell a different story.
With the season wrapped up, club General Manager, Dean Jackson, reflected on the successes of the year as he looked ahead at what is still to come for the club next season.
“Golf is definitely abuzz, and it’s back here in Revelstoke. We’re just enjoying the ride,” said Jackson.
The numbers show that the Revelstoke Golf Club had a strong year, but Jackson also discussed how it benefited from some good luck, too.
Sitting in his office, while the empty course outside was doused by torrential rain, Jackson leaned back in his chair and recited a few numbers to paint the picture of the club’s success. Two thousand more rounds of golf were played than last year and 238 members have already signed up for next year as part of the club’s Early Bird promotion — 54 of which were new. The club in a good position to beat its record of 360 members from last year.
With more golf being played than ever and more members too, Jackson explained what he thought contributed to the growth.
“I think the great weather we had. Very little rain during the day, but we had great rains in perfect time.”
The rain at night helped keep the greens around the course in good shape for the season, despite the drought and ensuing watering restrictions from the City of Revelstoke.
Whether it was the course, the number of games played, or the number of members added, the club closed out the season with a strong finish including a few nominations for Business Excellence Awards. The club was nominated for ‘Tourism Excellence’, ‘Youth Employer of the Year’, and Jackson was nominated for ‘Employee of the Year’.
“I don’t like individual recognition,” confessed Jackson.
He said he felt like he was more of a ‘team guy’, but he was appreciative of the people who took the time to nominate the club.
The course also hosted a sold out its Senior Open and Labour Day events — something it hadn’t done in a few years
Jackson pointed to several aspects of the club that he felt set it apart as an organization and as a golf club, from the physical grounds to the overall atmosphere.
“We want to eliminate the intimidation.”
In trying to break down the stuffiness of the sport, Jackson explained that he takes pride in opening the game up to a wide variety of golfers.
The club is made accessible by keeping the prices down, offering free clinics and rounds to young players, and by helping connect new golfers with people they can play with.
“We matchmake,” joked Jackson.
Whether you just started golf, or you’re new to Revelstoke, the club helps connect golfers that can fit well together and play well together. Jackson said that the club wouldn’t be able to play matchmaker if it didn’t know its members on an individual level.
“That’s kind of the best part of the job, because it’s just building the relationships with the people.”
With the carts put away and the flags hauled in, all that’s left for Jackson now is to look ahead to the 2024 season, which will be the club’s centennial year and will be punctuated by themed events.
The club is also confirmed to host BC Senior Amateur, in which some local players will compete.
READ MORE: Glimpses of Revelstoke’s past for Oct. 19