A milestone at Kitsap as Bremerton country club celebrates its 100th year
From humble beginnings in 1924, Kitsap Golf and Country Club started a...
When Mike Simpson took over the general manager job at Gleneagle Golf Course, in Arlington, Washington, about 45 minutes north of Seattle, he knew he had a big job.
At age 27, he was stepping into a job that seemingly had a revolving door. General managers were coming and going and everything seemed to be status quo.
The local homeowners were not happy with the way things were going and were especially upset when there was a plan to shorten the course to an executive-length par-3 course back in 2006.
Simpson had heard the stories. He had talked to the homeowners. He knew that relationships needed to be repaired and the course needed improvements.
So far, so good after less than a year on the job for Simpson.
“My goal here is to get back to our roots of being a community golf course that is accessible and enjoyable to everyone,” said Simpson. “My focus is improved maintenance and excellent customer service.”
An increase maintenance budget has helped turn the course around. In fact, homeowners say the course hasn’t been in such good shape since the mid 1990s. The driving range was reopened and a project to improve drainage is ongoing.
“Providing golfers good course conditions will ultimately help us gain back customers we have lost due to low maintenance standards,” said Simpson.
Off the course, the course has added on-site club repair, a fully stocked pro shop, a new fleet of EZ-GO golf carts and a new resident rate program.
The homeowners have become so excited about the changes happening at Gleneagle that one homeowner donated $13,000 to the course to install new tee signs, new ball washers and trash cans on every tee box.
Not bad considering the course was thought to be headed toward being turned into more homes a few years ago.
Off the course, Simpson helped oversee the course to a 40 percent increase in revenue through 2011 and Simpson hopes the new changes and new attitude of the homeowners will make 2012 an even bigger year.
“We have a vision up here that we want to become the best value in golf,” said Simpson. “Competitive rates with active promotions.”
The course opened in 1993 with its original nine and added nine more in 1995. It plays to near 6,000 yards and winds through the neighborhoods. There is plenty of water and sand to get your attention. And the price is right, winter rates are $25 weekends and $20 on weekdays.
Call 360.435.6713 or see www.gleneaglegolfcourse.net for more.