Document text
CLOUDY Temp: 58 °F Wind: N at 6 mph Sunday, June 22, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend May 31, 2003 Commentary Henricks the latest in long line of pros at Eagle Point By TIM TROWER Mail Tribune The revolving door to-and-from the head pro’s office has done more than its share of spinning in the seven years since Eagle Point Golf Course opened to the public. Course managers and Corey Henricks, the latest in a succession of pros, are hopeful the spiral stops here. Henricks, 31, who spent a year as an assistant pro at Eagle Point before moving north for 1½ years, took over the position about five weeks ago. He had worked at a Beaverton practice facility, where he studied and became a PGA registered apprentice. He’s now working to become a Class A professional, a program that could take a half- dozen years to complete. Advertisement Henricks replaced Norm Homeier, who, along with Del Westlund, director of golf, was on the job for less than two months before it became evident the working relationship with the course’s managers was, in fact, not working and ties were severed. The move last winter came as a surprise to many local golfers, particularly to those who had come to know Homeier as an engaging assistant pro at Cedar Links Golf Course, where he has since returned. None of the parties talked in great detail about the fracture, other than to say it wasn’t a good fit. Homeier says he and Westlund believed they would have larger roles in the golf operation than they did. "It just wasn’t going to mesh," says Homeier. "We were under the assumption that we’d run it, and we didn’t." Sue Galpin, who owns the course with husband Chris, and her daughter-in-law, Shannon Galpin, manage the facility — course, pro shop, restaurant and driving range. They took on these expanded duties in October, about a month before Westlund and Homeier were hired. Shannon Galpin, who counts among her tasks coordinator of tournaments and other events, says she was "disappointed it didn’t work out, absolutely." She says Westlund and Homeier "had good intentions but, regrettably, it didn’t go as planned for either of us. It just wasn’t a good fit." When feelers were put out for a new head pro, Shannon Galpin, who started at the course about two years ago as a buyer for the pro shop, says the expectations were clear: emphasize teaching, particularly with juniors and homeowners; work with the public behind the desk and in the pro shop and be on hand at tournaments. Directing tournaments and pro shop merchandising weren’t to be a big part of the mix. The position of head pro is very important, says Shannon Galpin. "But I certainly don’t think it’s the cornerstone to us," she adds. "We needed to find the person who is the perfect fit and who will take us in the direction the ownership wants us to take. "It’s a part of the business, no more and no less important than having a great restaurant or having a great pro shop. There are many elements to this business that are extremely important, but they’re all just one of the elements that come into play." Henricks, whose strength is teaching, is comfortable with his role. He’s already started homeowner clinics that have gotten good response, and he expects the same when junior programs begin in mid-June. He’d like to start a women’s league, bring in a big invitational tournament, oversee equipment demonstration days and, generally, help create a congenial atmosphere that puts golf customers at ease. "You need someone you can go talk to about golf," he says. "Hopefully, I can fill that bill." Henricks heard about the opening while visiting family and friends in the area. Because Eagle Point is viewed in Portland with the kind of reverence folks down here have for Pumpkin Ridge, says Henricks, some of those he worked with were envious. "They said, ‘I can’t believe how lucky you are,’" he laughs. "This is a great place to take lessons. The practice facility is one of the best in the state. If you’re going to come out and play, this is it. This is as good as it gets." And he hopes to be there awhile. Reach sports editor Tim Trower at 776-4479, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times