Moving and Shaking

Thanks to some promotions from the management maestros at KemperSports. The Northbrook, Ill.-based company announced a several big moves at some big-name courses recently.

There’s plenty of movin’ and shakin’ going on in the Midwest golf scene, thanks to some promotions from the management maestros at KemperSports. The Northbrook, Ill.-based company announced a several big moves at some big-name courses recently.

Bolingbrook Gets New GM; KemperSports a New Exec
Mike Williams

Mike Williams

KemperSports announced the promotion of Mike Williams to Regional Operations Executive, and named Randy Farber as General Manager of Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, Ill. Williams had served as General Manager of Bolingbrook Golf Club since 2009, and under his leadership the property achieved significant revenue growth.

A veteran in the golf industry with more than 20 years of experience, Williams joined KemperSports in 2005 as the Head Golf Professional and Assistant General Manager at Bolingbrook and was later promoted to General Manager in 2009. During his tenure, Williams developed a successful junior golf program and the property was named KemperSports Retailer of the Year in 2006 and Merchandiser of the Year by the Illinois Section of the PGA of America in 2009.

Randy Farber

Randy Farber

In his new role as Regional Operations Executive, Williams will oversee operations for several KemperSports’ properties in the Midwest region.

Bolingbrook is in good hands, however, with Farber as General Manager. Farber, who has more than 20 years of experience in hotel, restaurant and golf course management, previously served as General Manager at Highland Park Country Club. Farber now returns to Bolingbrook Golf Club where he served as the Director of Food and Beverage from 2008-2012. During his tenure, Farber won the 2010 KemperSports’ Hospitality Professional of The Year award and was instrumental in the success of Bolingbrook’s highly acclaimed banquet facility with over 300,000 meals served annually.

Harbor Shores Promotes Smith to GM

To handle its future, Harbor Shores Golf Club is now in the hands of a man who’s been there for all of its past.

Ross Smith

Ross Smith

KemperSports announced the appointment of Ross Smith as the new general manager and director of golf, after previously serving as director of golf. Now he’ll pull double-duty for the spectacular club, a public Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course in Southwest Michigan and host of the 2014 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid.

In addition, Brianne Schmidke has been named the new director of sales and communications and Lisa Morris has accepted the new food and beverage manager position.

“Ross Smith has been a big part of the Harbor Shores community since the beginning and he will do well in his new role,” said Steve Skinner, chief executive officer of KemperSports. “The addition of Brianne and Lisa to an already great staff prepares us for the upcoming golf season as we look to capitalize on the momentum and excitement from last year’s Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid.”

Brianne Schmidke

Brianne Schmidke

Smith agreed.

“We’ve come a long way since the humble beginnings of breaking ground on the golf course and clubhouse,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to our second year as a fully operational facility and I’ve never seen a staff more eager to make this a banner year. We hope to kick off the year soon and open the course to golfers in the next few weeks.”

For more information or to book a tee time or reservation, please visit www.harborshoreslife.com.

Forest Dunes Lodge Nearing Completion

Forest Dunes Golf Club has always been a fantastic place to play.

It’s about to be a fantastic place to stay, too.

The Lake AuSable Lodge at Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon, Mich., opens mid-2013.

The Lake AuSable Lodge at Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon, Mich., opens mid-2013.

Construction is on schedule for the opening of the Top 100 club’s new Lake AuSable Lodge later this year.
The Lodge offers 14 rooms of accommodations just 35 yards from the first tee of the Tom Weiskopf-designed wonder, with views overlooking the first hole and beautiful Lake AuSable. It features a pair of two-bedroom, double queen suites with a full kitchen, living area and private balcony. Standard king rooms and double queen rooms are also available, along with our six cottages.

Click here for stay and play pricing.