I was curious as to how things were going so I called and talked to Mike Bremmer who is the overall manager of the facility. Mike showed us around the facility and joined us for a round of golf when we first wrote about the course. He is a prime example of what course management was trying to accomplish and that was to prided a very special experience to the golfer--and non-gofler--that comes to Paso Robles Golf Course. The course is doing quite well by the way, with both play and revenue way up since the management team took the course over.
What did the new owner and management team do to resurrect the course? The course is located in what is a residential development and even the homeowners had given up the course for dead. The first thing was that a whole new attitude had to be fostered toward the course. The course was no longer a course just for members, but it was a course for the community and City of Paso Robles. The course was now public, and the community needed to be welcomed and know that it was open for play. Management wanted the course to be a central part of the Paso Robles Community, not just a private golf course.
There were changes that had to be made physically, which required a huge financial investment. Those changes had to be made and the new management was willing to make the investment and changes. The course was remodeled and upgraded. A new clubhouse was built which included a large, well stocked pro shop. A restaurant and bar was added which served an extensive menu so that the facility could be used by golfers and non-golfers alike. Paso Robles is in the heart of the wine producing region of Central California and the decision was made to center the restaurant with the wine. The restaurant opens out onto a huge veranda which overlooks the golf course. It is a scenic place to enjoy a drink or meal after a round or just to have dinner. The renovation to the course and the addition of the new clubhouse and restaurant were the outward beginnings to the success of the course.
There was more to it that the cosmetic changes of the course renovation and the new clubhouse. Mike credits the turnaround to a dedication towards a total change of attitude. The old course set the whole facility up for failure from the beginning. There was a complete negative vibe running though the whole business. That changed with the new owners. The attitude changed from a "We're finished and we can't turn this place around" to "This is a great place, and we can do this" point of view. There was no excuse for failure.
As I talked to Mike over the phone, he credited one very important focus that turned things around. The operation is totally focused on customer service. The goal is that every customer feels appreciated and welcomed. It is very important that each customer feels like after they have come away from the facility they have had a great time. This attitude is made to be the cornerstone of all departments, from the pro shop staff to food and beverage and all the way down to maintenance. To them, the customer is what is most important.
Paso Robles Golf Course also offers some interesting programs as well. Sunday and Wednesday sees the course holding clinics and events for ladies. They are very much in tune to how important it is to fill the golf needs of women golfers. Every Wednesday, live music is played on the huge veranda overlooking the course providing a wonderful setting for an evening out.
Well done, Paso Robles Golf Course. You are what we need in golf, a positive attitude and the resurrection of a fine old course. All it takes is some effort and hard work, but it can be done. The key is to get people coming out to the course, whether to play golf or to have a meal and to feel welcomed. Maybe other facilities should take a hard look at your success.
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| The scenic view from the Veranda. Hurry, your table is waiting. Enjoy your dining experience. The food and wine are exceptional. |
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