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The 2009 season at Lakeview Golf Club was one that started with its share of uncertainty. With a tumultuous global economy as a backdrop, our fourth management team in as many years took the reins of the Club. But we forged ahead in 2009, and thanks to the loyal support of you—our members and patrons—we can count the year as a success, and as a stepping stone for things to come.

Michael Gooden, in his first full season as the Head Professional, had the challenge of providing direction to the Club in uncertain times. He quickly showed a knack for innovation, though, testing a variety of new programs with the goal of streamlining our operations while keeping golf accessible to people who might be feeling the pinch of a struggling economy.

Assistant Shawn Harper looks on as Director of Instruction, John Rogers, helps Chancellor Morris with his swing positions.

Michael also quickly learned the realities of the golf market here in the Shenandoah Valley as he oversaw our busy tournament schedule, beefed up our online presence and marketing, and helped create new instructional programs. After several years of changing management teams, Lakeview was fortunate to have Michael bring a sense of professionalism and stability to the golf operations.

Likewise, I would quickly run out of superlatives for our Superintendent, Kurt Hellenga, and his entire staff, who seem to get the greens and fairways in better shape every year. I am personally thankful for his help growing turf in my instructional area, and I am anxious to see what improvements he and his staff will bring to the grounds at Lakeview in 2010.

Demo days and club-fittings for clients had a higher priority at Lakeview Golf Club in 2009.

As for the Instruction side of our business, I cannot express enough gratitude to the Club, our members, and to all of my clients for carrying me through fifteen years of service to golfers in the Valley. This was a year of greatly expanded junior programs as we added the Lakeview Junior Tour and an Advanced Camp to our traditional Junior Camp. My Tournament Players’ Program grew, and split into two age brackets, and I have to admit to taking a lot of pride in the great accomplishments of these young golfers (more on that in “2009 Junior Update”).

With club-fitting systems from several of the top manufacturers, I was able to guide my clients through their equipment purchases in 2009, selling more sets of clubs than any previous year; and this is an aspect of my job I really enjoy—seeing the drastic improvements a golfer can make through the combination of better swing mechanics and properly fitted equipment. Michael and I will be further expanding our club-fitting capabilities in the year to come with the use of a launch monitor and other tools of the trade.

As Director of Instruction in 2009, I was able to start training Shawn Harper as an assistant. He shadowed Michael and me at the driving range, took classes on providing instruction, and gave his first lessons this year. Shawn will take on a greater role in 2010, with a focus on attracting beginners to golf, and preparing them to enjoy the game. I really appreciated Shawn’s help with the large groups of juniors throughout the year, and am excited about the skills he brings to the instructional programs at Lakeview.

So, a year that arrived with a load of questions is leaving with one thing that is clear—Lakeview Golf Club is truly the home of golf in the central Shenandoah Valley. I feel fortunate to have spent all these years with the people who love playing golf here in God’s country. In 2010 and beyond, the Club will be considering some monumental changes and exploring some exciting possibilities for the betterment of the game in this region. I look forward to being a part of the team as we go forward.

On behalf of all of us at Lakeview, please accept a heart-felt wish for very happy holidays with your family, and for prosperity in the year to come!