The board of directors at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course has relieved general manager Travis Merritt of his duties.
Club president Jeff Ward confirmed the information in a phone conversation with the Mercury last week.
“As we transition into the offseason, the Board has made the decision to move in a new direction regarding the General Manager position and will not be proceeding with Mr. Merritt’s contract into the 2018 year,” a memo Ward sent to Woodlawn members said last week.
Merritt, a certified PGA pro, had been with Woodlawn since March, replacing Kyle Mulligan.
“At this time the board has decided that Travis Merritt's skill set did not align with the clubs vision moving forward,” Ward said in an email to the Mercury, explaining why they let him go.
The board will be assessing its options moving forward getting information from their management team, Ward said.
“We need to ensure that the structure moving forward fosters an environment for us to ensure the best value and service for the members of our club,” he said.
The course maintenance employees performed some of the final winter preparations for the golf course, which had a very busy 2017. They hosted their normal popular club events as well as the Future Links championship and high school provincials.
“Operationally we had a great season,” Ward said. “Member and general public feedback of the course conditions have been resoundingly positive, especially considering the try(ing) year we had.”
Superintendent Bob Currie and his team did an amazing job, Ward added.
“Financially the club is stable and feedback in regards to golf shop and food and beverage services has been very favourable, this is due to the great management group of Amanda Minchin (Head pro) and Tracey Tuchsherer (Food and Beverage manager). Member surveys show that the service to members has remained at a high level throughout the year.”
