Mill Valley Golf Links has one of the best
layouts among 18-hole courses in western Massachusetts and is thought of as a
hidden gem. When owner and manager Tim Kurty read about an industry colleague’s
positive experience with maintenance contractor IGM, Inc., he visited the other
course and was pleased with what he saw in course improvements and
problem-solving. After a meeting with IGM executives, Kurty became a client,
with a contract that started July 1, 2016.
Stability,
security, and solid data were on Tim Kurty’s mind when he contracted with IGM,
Inc. for maintenance services for Mill Valley Golf Links in Belchertown, MA. At
62, and having become the sole owner of the 18-hole course, Kurty was looking
for a partner to maintain Mill Valley on a day-to-day basis and to protect his
investment. “I’m an accountant, so I need
details. IGM gave me detailed valuations of tools,
equipment, the irrigation system, everything. When I deal with bankers or if I
ever want to sell, I need to know those numbers, and I didn’t.”
IGM Regional
Manager Tyler Minamyer said, “Mill Valley
is a rural site with a loyal following. The course needs a professional touch
and someone to look out for Tim’s return on investment. It’s a nice
partnership, and he understands how to look at the numbers.” Though the
contract is new, initial steps are to implement an agronomic plan and to update
the look and presentation of the golf course. This includes updating signage
and accessories, as well as further developing the course’s cart paths.
Kurty said
50 percent of his decision to hire IGM was based on the relationships the
company had developed with other local courses and the results they have achieved.
“I didn’t want my investment to rely on
one course superintendent. With IGM, I have the whole team working for me, with
more resources, plus I feel like I have more input. I also have confidence
in their agronomics. In this business, the wrong turf products can cause you to
lose greens and that hurts you for several years.”
The other
50 percent, said Kurty, was his personal situation as sole owner of Mill Valley
Golf Links. “I’m 62 and putting in a lot
of hours. I felt that if I had to be away, the place would go downhill. I don’t
have to worry about the grounds now. If I take a vacation, everything will be
taken care of according to contract. IGM will make sure the grounds are taken
care of.”
IGM’s
Executive Vice-President Greg Plotner appreciates Kurty’s confidence and is
pleased to add Mill Valley Golf Links to the roster of properties the company
serves. “There is no greater compliment
than the recommendation of a current client, and we expect to build the same type
of partnership with Tim.”
