Water damage trickles into massive renovations at Glenboro Golf and Country Club

It took a few seconds to register when Glenboro Golf & Country Club President Brent Pringle first entered the clubhouse to check on things at the end of March.

“I first noticed a big, round rust stain on the kitchen floor, then my ears tuned onto the sound of running water,” he explained, adding that he ran toward the northeast end where the washrooms are located. The sound was coming from the men’s room, where a pipe had ruptured inside the wall.

Unfortunately, the washroom sits directly above the utility room and freezers, and coolers.

“It was really a perfect storm,” Pringle said. “The damage affected some of electrical, but not enough to cut off the power and phone lines completely.

Once the initial horror and panic subsided, Pringle wasted no time. He contacted the Board members, and Cory from Cancade Restoration in Brandon was on-site quickly to assess the situation. The damage was significant — resulting with washrooms being gutted along with floor covering etc having to be replaced.

“The damage is done, thankfully we are insured — and on the bright side, we are going to have a refreshed clubhouse.”

Presently, the final stages of demolition are underway, and Pringle anticipates that phase will be completed this week.

“We have all the contractors in place. We’ve hired as many local contractors as possible and are ordering materials locally as well,” he said. “Cancade’s will provide additional contractors if we can’t get a local service.”

Despite the setbacks, Pringle remains optimistic: “We are still planning on opening the course by May 1st.

The lower west storage room of the basement was left untouched, so it will now serve as a temporary clubhouse. To help accommodate players and visitors, a tent will also be erected at the front of the building, and the Greer family’s gazebo — generously built last summer — will be put to good use as well.

The kitchen, which had undergone a complete renovation just a few years ago, presents the biggest challenge. The Board looked into renting a food truck, but none were available. As a result, clubhouse manager Jen Nichol and her staff will prepare food off-site, while the club’s barbecues will be fired up daily.

The golf course is a vital source of seasonal work for many in the community, including university students, so it was crucial for the Board and Management to continue offering services and job opportunities throughout the renovations.

“A great assortment of cold beverages will still be available, and the beer cart will still be running as usual,” smiled Pringle, adding that they are aiming to have all renovations completed by July 1st, with a grand reopening celebration planned for later in the summer.

All the damages are covered by insurance, and several subcommittees have been organized to stay on top of the renovations.

While the clubhouse is undergoing renovations, the Board decided it was a great time to upgrade the air-conditioning. The old rooftop unit, which often required servicing, will be replaced with a sleek, modern, and more economical heat pump system — a project that will be funded directly by the club.

Board members have been meeting weekly, and many are in daily contact with the renovation crew, with the kitchen topping their priority list. Keeping the public informed is also a major focus, with updates being posted on Facebook and the club’s website at www.golfglenboro.ca.

As for the course itself, club supintendent Jim Riopelle and Cody Drinkwater report that it is looking exceptionally good, with little to no winter kill.

The Board anticipates an early May opening, with league play set to begin by mid-month. They plan to post the full tournament schedule by June 1st, with a Grand Re-Opening Tournament and Celebration planned later on in the summer.

With a fresh new clubhouse on the horizon and the course in top shape, the Glenboro Golf Course is turning a rough patch into what could be the best and most memorable season yet!

PHOTO CAPTION: The Greer family gazebo as well as a tent will be put to good use to accommodate players and visitors at the start the season at the Glenboro Golf Club.