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SWING OF THINGS
Simon Bevan Tees Off as Deerhurst’s New Director of Golf
Huntsville ON, January 28, 2008 – The math is quick and approximate, but impressive. Two rounds per week, 24 weeks per year for 21 years. Over 1,000 trips around a course, and that’s just in his professional career.
Clearly, Deerhurst Resort’s new Director of Golf, Simon Bevan, who arrives at his latest Muskoka post February 4, knows his way around fairways, greens and bunkers as well as the rough and hazards of running a large-scale golf operation that will include two 18-hole courses, a busy corporate tournament schedule, golf academy and retail outlets.
“Golf in Muskoka, and every major destination, is a very competitive business with high customer expectations and lots of different aspects,” notes Bevan. “You definitely have to be able to deal with a wide variety of factors, including managing results – that’s far beyond your last score, of course.”
“It’s really all about building good relationships with your members, your staff and your guests.”
At least getting to work his first day will be a snap for Bevan who joins Deerhurst from the Grandview Golf Club, where he has been the Director of Golf since 2001, part of an extended stint with ClubLink.
“Not many people can say they could keep an eye on their new workplace from their former one,” Bevan agrees. “But I’m certainly looking forward to the change of scenery, and new challenges ahead.”
During his tenure at Grandview, Bevan and his team hosted a range of high profile events including Mark O'Meara's grand opening day, the Ontario Open and the 2002 Telus Skins Game. One of his first 2008 season events at Deerhurst will be the June 20-22 Good as Gold Open tournament, a celeb-studded fundraiser for the Ladies First Hockey Foundation in support of the Women’s National Hockey Team and their bid for “three-peat” gold medals at Vancouver 2010.
“Someone with Simon’s credentials and destination knowledge is an ideal addition to the Deerhurst Resort team,” says General Manager Joseph Klein. “We’re known for being the forerunner of championship golf in Muskoka and in 2007 Deerhurst was selected as one of the world’s top 100 golf resorts. This year, we’re delighted Simon will be keeping us on course toward even greater player satisfaction and industry success.”
Prior to joining ClubLink, Bevan honed his skills at the Glen Abbey Golf Club and Greenhills Country Club. An active member of the local community he is the current President of the Huntsville-Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce and has served on the town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.
SCORECARD: Simon Bevan
Key numbers for Deerhurst’s new director of golf:
1. When did you hit your first golf balls?
“I was born and lived in England until I was 10. My mother was an avid golfer and kids weren’t allowed to play. So I caddied for her from the age of five or six, learning the etiquette and rules of the game – and hitting the odd shot when I had permission.”
2. Greatest golf moment?
“Some would say my three holes-in-one. But it’s actually meeting my wife-to-be while giving her a lesson. Ten years and four children later, including one-year-old twins, the rest is history.”
3. What would improve your game?
“Like anyone else, less work, more play! Golf is all about practice. Every golfer can improve if they spent even 30 minutes at the range with an instructor.”
4. Best golf advice you’ve ever been given?
“I was once on the range with three Canadian golf legends – Moe Norman, Nick Weslock and Ed Ervasti. Moe turned to me after I hit a few balls and asked, ‘What was I scared of? Trees? Water? Bunkers? They are not scary...just hit the ball down the middle and don't be scared.’ ”
5. As a longtime golf professional, your top tip for beginners?
“Again, practice, practice, practice! Fifty percent of that practice should also be around the putting green.”
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If you would like to obtain more information or reproduction quality photographs, please contact:
Anne White
Director Public Relations
T 416.566.9297
F 416.883.8975
awhite@deerhurstresort.com
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