Golf clubs that inspire a world of enjoyment, achievement and memories
Although Lisa Mercanti-Ladd didn’t swing a golf club until she was 40, that didn’t stop the past executive vice-president of CARSTAR Corporate from changing the course of her career in 2015, and purchasing a golf course with her husband. Today, along with 13 CARSTAR franchises, they own and operate two golf clubs with their amazing partners and staff – Southbrook Golf & Country Club in Binbrook and Beechwood Golf & Social House in Niagara Falls. And according to Lisa, while the golf industry presents many challenges, they are thrilled to take on this new challenge.
“What I love about it is that both employees and customers are always happy at a golf course,” says Lisa. This aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to inspire a world of enjoyment, achievement and memories. Over the past three years, Lisa has observed a significant increase in the number of women and youth hitting the links at both scenic courses. Certainly, dynamo golfers like 20-year-old Brooke Henderson – named Canadian Press female athlete of the year in 2015 and 2017 – have also helped generate interest.
“You don’t need to be an elite athlete to play golf,” explains Lisa. “It can simply be recreational fun and socializing, whether with friends or for business.” It doesn’t hurt that time on the greens provides myriad health benefits. Whether hitting nine or eighteen holes, the time spent outside offers great fitness at every age. Since both golf courses are walkable, players can choose to forgo the cart for an even better workout.
Wrapping up a day on the course with a beverage or meal at the clubhouse is a must. Both Southbrook and Beechwood golf courses boast restaurants with an on-site chef. Menus offer delectable favourites ranging from irresistible chicken wings to homemade dishes made from scratch with the freshest ingredients.
For anyone considering taking up golf, Lisa has this advice:“Just go for it.”To get started, the driving range is an ideal place to get a feel for the game. Whether it’s solo or with a group, Southbrook Golf & Country Club offers complementary golf instruction for anyone hitting balls at its driving range. Booking a private lesson with one of the course’s CPGA golf pros is another great option to help beginners get comfortable with the ins and outs of golfing.
The golf communities at Southbrook and Beechwood are welcoming to players of all skill levels. With so many benefits to reap, from fitness to networking to quality family time, the biggest hurdle shouldn’t be whether or not to play, but rather when to play.