Reflection Bay Golf Club in Henderson, Nevada, selected International Golf Maintenance to provide comprehensive maintenance services as they strive to restore the course to destination resort status. In addition, IGM has contracted to handle all human resources operations for the course and club.
Reflection Bay is a privately-owned, Jack Nicklaus-designed, once rated as a Top 100 golf course. After setbacks during the recession, the course re-opened in 2014, and the ownership committed to restoring the property to its previous standards. Golf Course Operations Manager Eric Dutt, who has managed other Nevada resort courses, was hired in July 2017 to lead the process.
Dutt embraced the challenge of bringing back the property, and he turned to IGM immediately. “I have more than four years’ experience with IGM maintaining other courses. I have confidence in the quality of their work,” he said. Working with the IGM leadership team since August, Dutt said they have implemented a routine maintenance plan, with short, mid, and long-term goals. “They just started over-seeding for the winter, and they’re still assessing agronomic needs. I know with IGM, we can establish accountability measures and then just check in every so often.”
Additionally, Dutt noted the resort property has not performed as well financially as hoped, and his focus includes all operations, including marketing, customer service, adding tournaments, and other revenue development. “We really needed a partner who understands the business of golf, and IGM brings that depth of experience.” Greg Plotner, Executive Vice-President of IGM, noted his company’s strategic focus. “Playability and player satisfaction are the drivers of course revenue, so we use our agronomic knowledge of various climates and conditions to deliver outstanding results to our client courses.”
IGM’s business expertise led the property owners to outsource all human resources management for golf operations to the company. “We already had the infrastructure to provide business management roles, such as payroll and benefits, accounting, and I.T. services,” said Greg Plotner. “It’s a logical way for IGM to expand our business, as well as provide a service to customers.”
“The transition has been 98% smooth, better than expected,” said Dutt. “No one missed a paycheck or got shorted.” Another benefit of the arrangement is some operations employees may have opportunities for advancement as a part of IGM. “We are looking to cut costs and create synergy. IGM has two other Vegas courses, which brings economies of scale and opportunities. Our goal is to get back to the Top 100,” Dutt added.
To discuss IGM’s business services or a maintenance proposal, please contact Greg Plotner, Executive Vice President, 407-589-7200 or submit a contact form here.