Season 2012: charged with energy
Recent high-profile hires at Clovelly Golf Course in St. John’;s have the local golfing community talking and set the tone for an exciting season ahead.
Mark Altez has been named the new course superintendent. Altez was named “Superintendent of the Year” by the Atlantic Golf Superintendents Association in 2011.
Matt Evely, formerly of Get Stuffed restaurant on Duckworth Street, is the new executive chef for the club’s revamped Nineteen restaurant.
They join industry leader Ted Stonehouse to round off an incredibly solid management team. After 13 years as the general manager and head golf professional at Bell Bay Golf Club in Baddeck, N.S., Stonehouse moved to this province during in 2011 to become the club’s new director of golf.
“The new team and their expertise has certainly infused new energy into the club and we are all thrilled about the upcoming season,” says Judy Dobbin, general manager at Clovelly.
“Pristine grounds, great golfing and good food are our raison d’etre and these individuals are 100 per cent dedicated to enhancing the overall Clovelly experience.”
Previously, Altez was the superintendent at Glasgow Hills and Belvedere Golf Club in Prince Edward Island. He is truly passionate about turf care and is pleased to report the greens at Clovelly are in fantastic shape this year.
“In the fall, both courses were put to bed with every measure of protection put in place,” Altez says.
“I am very happy that there are no signs of disease pressure and everything looks on track. We have also invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure an excellent golf product now and in the future.”
To help launch the season, Evely, has created a casual chic menu with an emphasis on local fare. Clovelly will be hosting a variety of creative events to showcase Evely’s culinary skills over the season, including a Father’s Day barbecue, the Nine and Dine events and the Clovelly Supper Series.
“It’s easy to be inspired by the beauty of the course and the ambience of the clubhouse,” Evely says.
I am looking forward to meeting and serving the Clovelly community. I really think this should become the go-to restaurant for people in this area. I know I am biased, but it is the perfect place for an evening meal, family brunch or even to drop by for happy hour and a quick bite to eat after work, particularly if you live in the east end.”
On the golf side, Stonehouse has recruited a team of certified Canadian PGA professionals, a group that will lead the Golf Academy and provide expert knowledge in teaching, equipment and apparel.
“This gives us a huge competitive advantage and will take the Golf Academy to the next level. We are the only facility in the St. John’s area to have three PGA pros on staff. I have no doubt Clovelly will soon be known for its excellence in golf instruction.”
One of Atlantic Canada’s premier golfing facilities and social clubs, Clovelly offers two pristine 18-hole courses, The Osprey and Black Duck. Nestled in the northeast end of St. John’s, amidst natural surroundings, Clovelly prides itself on being a family friendly club with a dynamic membership that thrives on camaraderie, friendship and fun.
For more information, please visit the website at www.clovelly.ca or call 722-7170.