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RIDEAU LAKES - The 9-hole Pro-certified Rideau Lakes Golf & Country Club located just off of County Road 42, graces a manicured plot of land on the south banks of beautiful Upper Rideau Lake. This place is kindheartedly referred to as being “like a social club with a golfing problem.”
Sixty years ago, the club was founded by nine of the area's businesspeople. They were looking to foster a more balanced lifestyle, adding to the social side of entrepreneurial life. It was a struggle getting it started, but today it thrives. “Golf is the core of the business regarding revenues, but the people of the club are the soul,” says Club President Sue Brown who began golfing in the Twisted Sisters League in 2013. “The Golf Club is run by people you know and people who care,” she said.
The course boasts picturesque views of Upper Rideau Lake with Westport in its sights. Rideau Lakes G&CC is open to the public offering single green fees and memberships from spring to fall. It's a perfect place to bring a business client. They offer men’s, women’s and mixed leagues, indoor/outdoor event facilities and opportunities to volunteer.
General Manager Jim Kenny started his role last fall. With a background in hospitality, “the allure of the club led me out of retirement,” he smiled. “People return every year and volunteer their time to prepping the course,” and added, “over half of our members are volunteers here, they do it for the friendship.”
“We are fortunate to have 100% staff retention.” said Jim, with a mix of 15 full and part- time employees. Kitchen staff prepare food from scratch, a favourite is Ellie’s homemade lemon meringue pie. Jim shares, “and the Pro Shop and Grounds Crew are exceptional.” In the spiring, staff are joined by volunteers to get the club up and running.
There are new golf activities for youth that have helped foster a younger client base. This year, over 30 young golfers attend, an impressive rate of growth from word-of-mouth marketing. “If we foster their sporting life early, it’s like investing in the club's future,” said Jim, recognizing the long-term benefits of serving all golfing demographics.
“History is especially important to the Club, everything we do respects the founders and how far we've come," said Sue. This is a place where history meets innovation. “We're currently upgrading our technology and assisting members as they adopt these new systems,” she stated as Jim added, "The incorporation of Tee-On Golf Systems management software to improve our operations has made a huge difference."
The future is bright on Sunnyside Road. If there’s a key message Jim would share, it’s how the community and businesses have helped this club endure the test of time and how special the people are. After all, a place forged by businesspeople is the perfect place to foster relations, especially for those in business.
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