A golf course on a mission

About the only mission statement most golfers have when arriving at a course is not to chunk their opening drive.

Golfers at the new Willow Ridge Golf Course in Blenheim, however, are greeted with a plaque with a mission statement aimed at making them realize they’re in for a different experience.

The 18-hole course was purchased by local businessmen Fred Naclerio and Daryl Clarke last October from the non-profit board which has operated it since its founding in 1967.

“We wanted to make sure golfers realize we’re here for them,” Naclerio said. “The mission statement reads ‘We will be passionate, personal and professional. It’s not about the product but more about the experience. It’s not about us; it’s all about You. We will deliver.’”

Naclerio said he and Clarke bought the property because they didn’t want it to leave town or disappear as a golf course as happened to Baldoon in Wallaceburg two years ago.

“Daryl and I make our home in the area and this is an amenity the town needs,” he said. “It has such potential not only as a golf course but as a restaurant and an event venue.”

The pair spent the winter overseeing large-scale renovations to the upstairs banquet facility that overlooks the golf course, pub and restaurant downstairs.

“We’ve brought in a kitchen downstairs, added a new menu, expanded our beer selection and upgraded the décor,” Naclerio said. “We have an updated atmosphere and attitude.”

Part of that was hiring chef Angie Moore to operate the dining room and kitchen.

“Angie has an excellent reputation,” he said. “Her food is amazing and she knows about service.”

Naclerio said the club’s name was taken from Willow Creek that winds its way through the course.

“The name Willow Creek was taken but we were looking over the course from the club house which sits on a ridge so it just made sense,” he said.

Club pro Troy Kirkwood said his goal is to dispel the belief that the facility is members’ only.

“We have a course that’s as good as any course in the area but it’s fully public,” he said. “We want people to be able to come out for a round of golf or a meal, whatever they choose. We have open arms and open doors.”

He said membership at the club is in the 240 to 260 range.

“We’d like to keep it at the level,” he said. “Golf courses are facing some challenging times right now but we have a healthy junior program and a great course so we’re optimistic.”

Both men said there has been a positive feeling in the Blenheim area since the sale took place.

“Our grand opening has sold out.” Kirkwood said. “There is a buzz in town. People will be amazed when they see what we’ve done.”

As for golf, last weekend’s downpour and this week’s continued showers have pushed back the opening day of play.

“We aren’t going to tear up the course for a day’s worth of greens fees,” he said. “Right now my best guess is that we’ll open about the same time as the Masters’ is getting started in Georgia.”