Grey Bruce Golf News

Raven appointments

New head pro and clubhouse services director

Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay has announced the appointment of a new Head Golf Professional as well as a Director of Clubhouse Services.

New head pro Nate Clingersmith comes to the Raven from The National Golf Club of Canada, perennially ranked among the top clubs in the country and currently ranked number one by ScoreGolf magazine. His appointment is effective Feb. 22.

Clingersmith has been at The National for the last two years as their club's First Associate Golf Professional. He has previously held the position of Associate Professional at Bayview Golf & Country Club and The Club at Bond Head. Originally from Brights Grove, Ont., he is a graduate of The Georgian College Professional Golf Management Program and is a Class A CPGA Professional.

Clingersmith joined The National two seasons ago specifically to be under the tutelage of Adam Brown, Head Golf Professional at The National. Adam and The National are widely respected for their emphasis on the total golf experience via exemplary customer service, their development of young golf professionals through a detailed management and education program, and for preparing the very best young golf professionals to become Head Golf Professionals.

Clingersmith will be responsible for all aspects of the club's Golf Services department.

"His immediate focus in the weeks ahead will be to meet with our current golf services personnel, and to assemble his professional and outside services team for the 2010 season," states Interim General Manager Steve Prest.

"Nate will be working closely with Natalie Mitchell (Tournament, Marketing and Golf Shop Manager), who I have quickly come to know as a very enthusiastic and professional person with a true passion for The Raven," said Prest.

"Needless to say, Natalie will be a tremendous asset for both Nate and myself as we get ready for the 2010 season."

Clingersmith replaces former head pro Jeff Palmer, who left the Raven at the end of last season.

Taking over as Clubhouse Services Director is Andy Lee, who is leaving his position as General Manager of Fox Harbr Golf Resort & Spa, a widely recognized five star/four diamond boutique luxury resort, located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the rugged Northumberland shoreline of Nova Scotia.

Lee joined Fox Harb'r in June, 2007 as Director of Operations and became General Manager in October, 2007. Fox Harb'r is a semi-private resort and community boasting a championship golf course and numerous other community amenities, including an award-winning spa and wellness centre.

Originally from England, Lee came to Canada in 1999, accepting the position of Food and Beverage Director at Langdon Hall in Cambridge, Ont. During the last 15 years, he has worked at some of the most prestigious properties in both Canada and England, has a very strong background in food & beverage and guest services, has held both food and beverage management and general management positions in his career, and is also a certified chef and certified advanced sommelier.

"Andy and his wife Annette first discovered the local area in 2004, and are very happy to now call the Georgian Bay area home," Prest states.

Lee will be responsible for all aspects of the Club's Hospitality, Clubhouse, and Building Services. His immediate focus in the weeks ahead will be to meet with current staff in these areas and to assemble his team for the 2010 season.

"No doubt Andy will be able to draw upon the knowledge of Amanda Webb, our Culinary Events Coordinator, and Katie Knox, our Administrative Assistant in the Clubhouse," states Prest.