Getting into the swing of things at Kingswood

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This article was published 15/07/2016 (3678 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kingswood Golf and Country Club’s new president Christie Houston is practising her swing these days.

The La Salle resident is the majority shareholder of a group of local investors who recently bought the golf and country club on PR 247, a few kilometres southwest of La Salle, from Gary and Wayne Curtis.

Gary, who opened the club in 1987, will stay on as director of golf.

Houston is leaving a 20-year career in health care services to run the business.

“I was looking for something different and this is a good time for me to make a change,” she said.

While she’s honest about her novice golfing ability — she was a competitive swimmer at one time — Houston said she’s become familiar with Kingswood through her involvement in the annual La Salle charity golf tournament that raises money for the La Salle charitable foundation. She’s volunteered to organize the tournament for the past few years.

“Over the years of the tournaments, Gary and I struck up a friendship,” she said.

She is pleased that Curtis is willing to help her learn the ropes at Kingswood.

“Gary’s done an amazing job of getting the staff together. His customer service is second to none,” Houston said.

Kingswood employs about 50 people during the summer months, with another 45 signed up as volunteers for tournaments and special events, Curtis said. Its banquet room can hold up to 250 people, with room for another 150 in the dining area and attached sunporch.

Houston feels the course is increasing in popularity as southeast Winnipeg expands, making the drive to the course less than 15 minutes for some city residents. As well, ongoing residential construction in La Salle means a growing local customer base.

She said her experience in organizing special events will help her in marketing the club as a venue for weddings, family reunions, corporate functions and other uses. The club hosted La Salle School’s Grade 8 graduation last month.

Up to now, Kingswood has remained open year-round, but typically just offers Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Houston said she and the other shareholders plan on finding ways to attract customers in the off-season.

She’s also looking forward to celebrating Kingswood’s 30th anniversary with events throughout 2017.

Houston’s new role also carries a personal benefit as she will now be able to spend more time with her 11-year-old daughter and five-year-old son since her weekday two-hour commute to and from her Winnipeg job is eliminated.

Although she’s not helping to organize this year’s annual charity golf tournament, Houston encourages golfers to register for the event being held on Fri., Sept. 2.

“The course is looking really good this year,” she said.

For more information on Kingswood Golf and Country Club, see kingswoodgolf.ca

To register for the La Salle annual charity golf tournament, call Terry Christianson at 204-226-7190 by Aug. 26.

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