Cordova Bay Newsletters
Welcome to 2012
Aaaah... February. There’s nothing like working at a Victoria golf course this time of year. The atmosphere simply vibrates with excitement for the coming year. Those that play all winter grin a little wider as they put the heavy coat back into the trunk before their round. Those who’s clubs get lonely in the closet over the winter months begin to drop by to browse and chat, itching for just a little more sunshine. The Snowbirds, too, start to return home and we’re often one of their first stops – just to reassure themselves that we’re still here and the friendly faces haven’t changed too much.
The staff, too, is busier than any other time of the year. There’s tournaments, Mattick’s Cup, Interclub and, yes, even the Summer League to organize. We also start to slowly welcome back the faces behind the counter that have taken breaks for all or part of the winter. Everyone is full of enthusiasm and ideas for the coming season.
And let me tell you, there’s plenty of new cool stuff coming this year to Cordova Bay Golf Course. We’ve a fantastic new partner in the Pro Shop. Our special events addiction (created last year with the 20th Anniversary) has seen the creation of an International Ladies Day to be held in May. Also in May, the top young players from across Canada will be coming for the National University Championships. I could go on and on, but that would ruin the surprise.
It’s great to be back and we look forward to seeing all of you again this year.
A Mixed Month...
November is a bit of an awkward month, isn't it? Somber with remembrance in the beginning then slowly building excitement as the Christmas season draws near. Winter hasn't fully arrived, yet the sunshine, when it comes, just seems a little anemic.
Here at the course, too, November is mixed. There are days when the sun is out and the temperatures reach lofty heights of nine or ten degrees. Those days the golfers appear in droves, determined to soak up the last of the good weather. There are other days, though, when Mother Nature will show her cruel side. On those November days the wind howls through the range, the rain comes sideways and even the most ardent winter league golfer stays indoors.
As the weather becomes more inclement for golf, other projects at Cordova Bay can take place.
In keeping with Bill Mattick's history of the property we've added some more four legged creatures to the woods between holes 14 and 4.
Dean's winter tradition of improving the course bit by bit continues as his crew prepares to renovate some of the tees and bunkers.
Around the clubhouse Bill Mattick's Restaurant is furiously ramping up for the very busy Christmas season. In that spirit Grant offers us the advice of a professional restaurateur on how to host a memorable Christmas party.
Not to be left out nor outdone, The Ridge hosted the First Annual Juniors' Halloween Tournament - costumes and all.
Thanks for joining us for another monthly installment. Read and enjoy.
Stephen
Welcome
Well, its gotta be that time...
I've seen toques and waterproof boots; ear-muffs and mittens (mind you, our Albertan members are still wearing shorts). Fall is not just in the air, it's right down to the ground.
It's a bittersweet time here in the Pro Shop, too. We see off some of our regulars as they hang up their clubs or head for warmer climes. The daylight hours available to golf slowly wind down and the temperatures drop. This time of year, though, we also welcome our die hard winter leaguers back into the fold. Watching them grin and swing, as winter throws its worst in their way, gives the heart a needed glow.
This last month or so has seen a flurry of member activity. Penny Baziuk and Tim Holyhead were crowned our Ladies' and Men's Club Champions, respectively. Our Ladies in White won the annual Black and White event while the demonic 6-6-6 Partners Tournament saw fantastic golf from the teams of Norm Beattie/Jack Aitchison (net 56.5) and Nick Stinson/Adrian Stoddart (gross 67).
Our newsletter this month offers an insight to a number of goings on here at the course. Our restaurant has moved into off season hours and the Winter League moves into high gear (lots and lots of gear...sweaters, gloves, boots...). We've also got a little 2011 Championships photo montage to go along with the hilarious course commentary from our last blog.
Please enjoy this month's offering - feedback is always welcome.
Stephen
Editor in Chief
(Chief of what, we're not sure but it sounds good)