A recent management change at Lake Ashton
Golf Club in Lake Wales, FL, made it clear to the owners they needed some
expertise to maintain the golf courses more cost-effectively. In May, they brought in IGM, Inc., with whom
they had previous experience at two other area courses. Improvements at Lake Ashton have happened
quickly, and club members are pleased to see the upgrades.
When Lake
Ashton Golf Club owners underwent a management change in the summer of 2015,
they realized the two 18-hole courses needed additional attention. Brian
Altman, Golf Operations Manager at Lake Ashton Golf Club, said, “We had such good experience with IGM at our
other courses, we asked them to meet with us. We needed their agronomic expertise
and the resources they could bring to us.” Lake Ashton Golf Club
Vice-President Jim Lee added, “IGM’s
knowledge was evident in those early meetings,” and the Club signed a
maintenance contract with IGM in May, 2016.
IGM’s initial work at the courses has focused on developing
a sound fertility and spray program, and implementing an improved aerification
program, starting with greens and tee boxes.
“IGM has been active with our membership liaison committees to communicate
directly with them,” said Altman.
“Members have commented positively on how maintenance issues are being
addressed, and they see we’re making progress.”
Greg Plotner,
IGM’s executive vice-president, noted the company retained the superintendent,
David Wilson and approximately 25 other maintenance employees. “David has been at Lake Ashton since the
course was constructed. We’re proud to have him on our team.” Altman added
that IGM’s willingness to offer jobs to existing staff has made for a smooth
transition.
Lee said the
ownership group is happy to have stable cost figures and that IGM is able to
work within the available budget. He added, “The most important thing is the members have already noticed changes, and
the acceptance has been tremendous. That’s good for revenue.”
