The Skeena Valley Golf Course has made one big change this season with the addition of a head professional - Germain Francoeur.
Francoeur has come up to Terrace from Victoria to take on his first position as a head pro. And while new to the position, Francoeur is hardly a stranger to the world of golf. He has previously worked at the Gorge Vale Golf Course in Victoria as the associate professional, and holds a solid 10 years of experience in the sport.
General manager for the course, Kim Croot, said the course had a good year last year and to further that success it decided to enlist in the services of a professional.
She met Francoeur in January and immediately called the president of the club’s board to see what they could offer him.
“I was impressed with him, he is a young energetic guy,” Croot said. “He has got some great ideas.”
According to Croot, having a professional on hand is something necessary to grow the game of golf. She listed many reasons, one of which being the instruction of new members and juniors.
And Francoeur said he has ideas for the course – one major goal is to attract new players to the sport while keeping it affordable.
“We’re just trying to come up with different ideas on different days to bring out different crowds,” he said.
Francoeur is trying out ideas used in larger centres, such as putting together golf packages which include rentals, golf and dinner.
These events he said make golf more affordable for non-members.
Francoeur said in regards to layout and condition the course itself is fantastic.
“It’s a diamond in the rough,” he said, adding the course needs no improvements.
“What we have here is a great product and now it’s just a matter of showcasing that product to Terrace and the surrounding areas,” he said.
Francoeur has not arrived in Terrace alone. He is joined by his wife and two children, all of whom he said are looking forward to the arrival of summer.
And while Terrace may be a smaller community compared to Victoria, he noted all of the amenities offered in the area as well as the warm and helpful welcome he and his family have received from the local community.