Holland College?s Canadian Golf Academy, recognized by Score magazine to be the number one teaching facility in the country, is relocating to Fox Meadow Golf and Country Club in Stratford from Brudenell, Holland College President Dr. Brian McMillan announced today.
?The Canadian Golf Academy and Fox Meadow Golf and Country Club are both nationally recognized for their top quality programs and services. This agreement brings the two organizations together, enabling both to develop new products and services to offer to College students and Canadian golfers. The new location will also provide students in Holland College?s three golf programs with full, convenient access to Fox Meadow?s facilities, and will enable us to further enhance our golf programs. Additionally, Fox Meadows offers a land base that allows for the development of an indoor teaching centre,? Dr. McMillan explained.
Holland College is leasing 16 acres from Fox Meadow to build the new facilities, which will be fully operational by next summer. The new complex will feature state-of-the-art training facilities, including a 320-yard driving range with covered hitting stations; three short game centres; a pitching and short iron play area. Holland College is also exploring the feasibility of the development of a complete indoor training centre with driving, putting, chipping, and sand play components; golf simulators; a custom club fitting and repair centre; a vector launch monitor system; a golf fitness and strength training area; and a club house.
Fox Meadow has received top ratings for Best Clubhouse and Best Service for golf courses in Atlantic Canada, as well as the prestigious four-star rating from Golf Digest. Simon Compton, President of Fox Meadow Golf and Country Club sees the relocation of the Canadian Golf Academy as a natural fit for the club.
?The new partnership between Fox Meadow Golf and Country Club and the Canadian Golf Academy will further enhance the fine quality of services and facilities we offer to golfers,? he stated. ?The combination of nationally and regionally recognized leaders in the field of golf, golf training, and services is a winning proposition for all partners.?
Anne Chouinard, Program Manager of Holland College Golf Programs and the Canadian Golf Academy, and Canada?s Best Teaching Professional in 2003 according to Score Magazine, agrees.
"The Canadian Golf Academy has established itself as a leader in golf instruction in Canada for the past seven years. Our philosophy is simple: innovation and excellence in golf instruction and superior customer service. We look forward to continuing this tradition with our new partners at Fox Meadow. As a winner of awards for outstanding customer service, Fox Meadow's dedication to excellence is a perfect fit for the academy. The new indoor facility as well as the design of the outdoor teaching areas will allow us to fully become a golf performance center where state-of-the-art equipment and qualified staff offer a unique environment to Canadian golfers.?
Since the first intake of golf students at Holland College in 1998, demand for the programs has been increasing. Approximately 95 students have graduated from the programs, which were established in response to industry demand for highly trained, competent golf club managers and golf course technicians. Most recently the post-graduate professional golf management course was introduced, enabling students to build on their first two years of study. The placement rate for graduates from the programs is extremely high. Many work at golf courses throughout the Atlantic Provinces and the rest of Canada in the summer, and a growing number relocate to courses in the southern United States for the rest of the year.
Building on the success of the golf programs, and in response to interest from China, Holland College has signed a new educational joint venture agreement to deliver its Golf Management programs in Hainan Province, China in 2006.
For more information about this release, please contact: Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Wednesday, October 12, 2005
