Locally Owned & Operated...Special Issue... Regular Issue Out May 31st

Andrew Hunt11 hrs · I think I am pretty much used to daylight savings time by now. Instead of moving the clocks twice a year, screwing up our systems, they should have us moveour clocks about fifteen seconds per day. There will only be trace shocks to the body

There Will Be Golf in Wasaga Beach After All!

This past winter was one of the coldest in Ontario history. During those cold days of February,all the talk in town revolved around two main topics, the fate of our main beach and the future of golf in our town.

Few people had anticipated how rapidly each of these concerns would be addressed. First there was the shocking and welcoming news that the town would purchase a significant parcel of real estate at the main beach, thereby gaining the much needed control to move forward. Then came news that the Wasaga Sands Golf course was purchased and is being rebranded as Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club.

Hot on the heels of this comes news that the Marlwood Golf Course is emerging from receivership and is being purchased by a local well respected local family. Yes, the Smardenka family, who have brought Swiss Chalet and Boston Pizza to our town are the new owners of the Marlwood course. Out bidding two other parties, the family emerged with the winning bid. The Smardenka family was out in full force, as Alex, Sandy and sons hosted an information session at their Boston Pizza Restaurant on Wednesday afternoon. It was standing room only, and the overflow crowd were treated to beverages and food. It took on the atmosphere of an old class reunion, as many got to mingle with friends they hadn't seen since the close of last years golf season.The successful bid by the family, ensures that our historical Marlwood, built in 1928, will be a locally owned and operated course. The family will bring its well respected business knowledge and love for the game of golf to Marlwood. The two passions are a perfect fit and the future of Marlwood has never looked brighter.

The receivership process is proceeding as expected, and the family hope to have the course open somewhere between May 28th and June 15th. Meeting the needs of their customers and getting the men's and ladies leagues up and running are priority one. Many in attendance took comfort in knowing that the course will be owned and operated by a local family with a long history of community service. Alex reported that the course is in very good condition, and that they will be assessing the clubhouse and dining facilities at the earliest opportunity. The family is committed to a strong hands-on operation with plenty of input from their customer base. The family is very excited about this new venture and promises a first-class golf course where the customer is always the priority.Many of the attendees I spoke to are feeling very positive and are relieved to know that Marlwood did not fall into the hands of outside investors or become a pawn in a pension fund investment. Change is in the air. Wasaga Beach is coming back stronger than ever.

By May 21, 2015

Glen Bailey, Special for Beach BOOSTER

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