IDEAS FORUM
“We were looking to increase usage of the property during the
winter months, and we already had a large number of skiers using
the property,” said Tobin. “The natural progression was to start
grooming and maintaining trails for skiers while also protecting
the conditioning of the golf course during its hibernation period.”
Golf courses are ideal for cross-country skiing because of the
routing of the course and the grass base.
“We can’t put the groomer on areas like fairways and greens,
however we found a happy medium by using the rough adjacent
to cart paths,” said Tobin. “Walker-friendly courses are also skier
friendly because of the limited elevation changes and the fantastic
views. In our case, the tree cover is limited, and snow levels are
consistent throughout the entire property.”
Halifax Nordic Ski Club, a community organization of more
than 400 skiers, provides equipment, training and the expertise
required to ensure trails are groomed to a standard that will attract
leisure, non-competitive and competitive skiers. Nordic carries its
own insurance through the Canadian Snowsports Association.
Oakfield instigated the collaboration, offering the Nordic Club
a mutually beneficial partnership.
“We asked anyone using the trails to support the Nordic Club
by joining its membership in exchange for grooming and trail
maintenance,” said Tobin. “We provided a land use agreement, the
snow arrived and we were off to the races.”
Recognizing the benefits of experiential services and in keeping
with the tradition of winter sport, this winter the Oakfield Golf
& Country Club also promoted snowshoeing and offered guided
snowshoe walks. Taking full advantage of Nova Scotia’s snowfall
and Halifax’s winter wonderland appeal, the club invited guests to
snowshoe under a full moon. Participants were greeted on the 12th
hole with an outdoor fire and hot chocolate. A guided talk about
the type of full moon they were viewing added a little something
extra to the event. The experience also included the opportunity to
warm up while enjoying food and entertainment at the clubhouse
following the walk.
“It’s been a lot of fun and something completely different,” said
Tobin. “Families are looking for activities they can all do together.
We needed to diversify and think beyond golf.”
Future diversification plans include a marina on the lakeside
property, reintroducing tennis and possible campsites for families.
The Oakfield Golf & Country Club, plans to further capitalize on its
walking trails as well as develop trails for hikers. Under consideration
is supporting a dog walking group sponsored by a local pet
supply store.
“Our biggest opportunity as a club is the amount of land we
own,” said Tobin. “It’s really about taking the time to ask yourself,
‘How I can get more people using the property?’ Don’t be afraid of
outside groups using your club, and it’s not always about the return
on investment or generating revenue.”
Tobin believes being creative and welcoming, generating new
experiences and initiating partnerships will have a positive, longterm
impact on the club.
“Our goal is to offer a modern club lifestyle that is more than
just golf,” said Tobin. “Our partnership with Nordic is a steppingstone
to overall membership growth. We are showing our club to
a different demographic and promoting it as a year-round facility
that supports our community and living a healthy lifestyle.”
Based on discussions with cross-country skiers, the country
club will eventually enjoy a growth in membership.
“We will attract people that want to be a part of our club and
its social fabric,” said Tobin. “At the end of the day, if someone
comes to our club to walk their dog, snowshoe or cross-country
ski and they have a great experience, they are destined to tell their
friends and family. That is the best form of advertising we can ask
for. Support your community, and the people that live in it will support
your club.”
Photos courtesy of Eric Tobin, PGA, Oakfield Golf & Country Club
“Our biggest opportunity
as a club is the amount
of land we own. It’s really
about taking the time to ask
yourself, ‘How I can get more
people using the property?’”
– Eric Tobin, PGA, Oakfield Golf & Country Club
16 § The Canadian Society of Club Managers § www.cscm.org
/www.cscm.org
