WELCOME BACK KEN-WO MEMBERS

Dear Ken-Wo Member,                                                                                  January 2010

Believe it or not the beginning of the 2010 season is just around the corner – you could very well be playing golf at Ken-Wo in less than 3 months!  Exciting news!  The staff and management at the club are eagerly anticipating the beginning of the 2010 season and we can only imagine how excited everyone is to get back out on the links in the spring! 

The 2009 season proved to be a very enjoyable and successful season at the club.  I certainly enjoyed my first year as your Director of Golf and am now looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Ken-Wo in the spring.  I would like to once again extend my gratitude to the entire membership for their continued support.  As some of you may or may not be aware, the 2009 season was one of the most successful seasons’ in terms of finances in the club’s storied history.  The rebirth in our membership numbers (membership was full in 2009) was a major reason for our success and for that we say a big “Thank You!”

Enclosed with this letter is a summary of the Membership Dues Structure for 2010 as well as a summary of other services available.  The membership categories, including the “Weekday Only” and “Youth Discount” programs have remained the same as last year and we look forward to maintaining the strong membership base that we experienced in 2009.  The ultimate goal through these programs is to enhance the options available to those who wish to join our wonderful golf club, and in doing so, solidify the future of Ken-Wo.

There has been very little change at the club since we closed for the season in mid-November.  I am pleased to inform you that all key management personal – Rick, Brian, Brandy, Deb, Derek and Dan - will be returning to the club in 2010 - very positive news for our members, guests and golf club as a whole.  I consider myself very fortunate to have these loyal and dedicated individuals at my side throughout the season as we work together to ensure the expectations of our members and guests are being met on a regular basis.

Some minor course renovations that were completed late in the 2009 season included further cart path improvements, tree planting, tee deck improvements, new forward tee on # 18, landscaping, etc.  Construction also commenced on a new washroom that will be located on the back 9, to the right of # 15 green and behind # 18 tee.  This project, along with resurfacing a portion of the driveway, will be completed in the spring.  The main priority and objective for the upcoming season is to address the condition of our sand traps.  We have identified the bunkers that need to be addressed immediately as we look to improve the drainage and overall playability.  We ask for your patience and understanding as we work diligently towards improving the condition of the sand traps, and ultimately, the condition of the golf course as a whole.

One of the clubs major priorities in recent years has been to address the condition and age of the existing course maintenance fleet.  We are happy to inform you that course superintendent Rick Phelan and his crew will welcome the addition of a new fairway mower and a new rough mower in 2010, as well as the arrival of a new tractor.  The updating of our course maintenance equipment was paramount to maintaining and improving our number one product, our golf course.  The arrival of this equipment will not only increase efficiency and effectiveness, but will also ensure the morale of our course maintenance crew remains high as they go about completing their daily tasks.

As was the case in 2009, the Optional Food & Beverage Incentive Program will once again be available in 2010.  The program states that any member wishing to pay a non-refundable upfront amount of $200.00 will receive an automatic 10% discount on all purchases made in the Bar, Dining Room, Stop N Go and Beverage Cart throughout the 2010 season.  I would encourage all of you to take advantage of this excellent offer and continue to support your food and beverage operation. 

Merchandise sales in the pro shop increased dramatically in 2009 thanks again to the support of our loyal members.  I would like to remind everyone that the pro shop is now owned by the club (since 2008) with all profits generated through this department re-invested into your club.  Therefore, we often refer to the pro shop as “your” pro shop.  To recognize the support of our membership, we also offer a “Standing Members’ Discount” of 10% on purchases made in “your” pro shop including balls, shoes, bags, gloves, etc.  All clothing is sold at a 15% discount to members. The price on golf clubs is negotiable and we will do our best to match or beat the prices of our competitors including Golf Town.  We look forward to seeing you in the pro shop in 2010 and would like to thank you in advance for your continued support.

The latter stages of the 2009 season saw the re-introduction of online booking for tee time reservations.  The feedback was very positive from the members who utilized this booking option.  This reservation option will remain in place for the 2010 season, along with the options of booking your tee time via phone or in person in the pro shop.  Should you have any questions on how to reserve an online tee time or how to set up an online “member profile” please contact the business office for further instructions.  Ideally, we would encourage you to do this prior to the start of the season.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back to Ken-Wo in the spring.  Please do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email should you have any questions, concerns or comments.  Your feedback and input as a member is necessary to ensure that we are doing everything possible to improve and enhance the overall experience you receive throughout the season.

Thank you,

Rene MacKay

Director of Golf

Ken-Wo Country Club