So Long Good Friends - A New Phase For Eagle Creek

As many of our readers located in the Flagstick Magazine print coverage region are becoming aware, one of the top golf courses in the region officially changed hands today.

Eagle Creek Golf Course is now part of the Clublink family.

The deal was publicly announced this afternoon with this release:

CLUBLINK ACQUIRES OTTAWA’S EAGLE CREEK GOLF CLUB

KING CITY, ONTARIO – February 12, 2007 - ClubLink Corporation ("ClubLink") (TSX:LNK) is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of Eagle Creek Golf Club set on 230 acres of land in Dunrobin, Ontario. Andre Lacasse, the vendor, said “Given ClubLink’s long history of enhancing the reputation and appeal of its golf course properties, I couldn’t be happier than to have ClubLink acquire our course.”

Since opening in 1991, Eagle Creek, designed by former U.S. Open Champion and Golf Analyst, Ken Venturi, has been recognized as one of the top 100 courses in Canada and the premier course in the National Capital Region.

Eagle Creek will become ClubLink’s 28th member golf club in 2008 and will be operated as a Platinum level member club. Memberships will be accepted at introductory rates immediately by calling 1-800-787-0617. In 2007, Eagle Creek will be operated as a semi-private club, available to Eagle Creek Members, other ClubLink Members, the general public, and corporate or charitable events.

Eagle Creek complements an outstanding selection of ClubLink Golf Clubs including Kanata, GreyHawk and Hautes Plaines in our Nation’s Capital, and our 23 properties in the Greater Toronto Area and Muskoka Region. Additionally, Eagle Creek is only a short drive from our Clubs in the Montreal Market which include Fontainebleau, Le Maitre and Val des Lacs.

Robert Poile, President and Chief Executive Officer of ClubLink, said: “We believe that Eagle Creek enhances the fine cluster of courses that we have developed in the National Capital Region and demonstrates our continued commitment to this important market. We believe that ClubLink members will particularly enjoy the challenge offered by this terrific golf experience.”

ClubLink is Canada’s largest owner, operator and developer of member golf clubs.

For some this will come as surprising news but given ClubLink's ability to manage and develop golf facilities it further ensures a bright future for this stunning golf property.

The only sad part of this whole transaction is that one of the most dedicated pair of golf course owners in the business, Andre and Jeanette Lacasse will be leaving the golf industry.

Since acquiring Eagle Creek in 1996, few people realize the depth of effort that this amazing couple has shown as the transformed their course into one of the most highly regarded in the country. They have given of themselves tirelessly.

From enhancing the golf course with interlocking brick paths, to accentuating the entire layout with bright floral displays, to completing the massive clubhouse project, the passion shown by Andre and Jeanette to make their course better for the golfer was commendable.

We at Bauder Media Group have been happy to have a front row seat as we worked alongside the Lacasses in their marketing efforts, in creating a program for the Canadian Tour event that was hosted at the course for several years, and more importantly, and as we became friends within the golf community.

I must disclose that we did get many inquiries about the possibility of this transaction in the last few weeks but we declined to comment out of respect for both parties and their ongoing negotiations. Now that the deal is done, we are happy for all involved.

We look forward to the ambitious plans for Eagle Creek as part of the ClubLink family of properties.

At the same time there is some sense of loss with the departure of the Lacasses as the heart of Eagle Creek.

On a personal note, I have had the opportunity to write a lot of words about Eagle Creek since 1996 and Andre and Jeanette were always a joy to work with. I am grateful to them for that and wish them nothing but the best as they move on to the next phase of their lives.

Both of you left your mark on Eagle Creek - the legacy of your efforts that will not be forgotten.

In the years to come, each time I have the pleasure of playing the course you gave such loving attention to, I will remember your efforts.

As a fan of golf and an admirer of your dedication, all that is left to say is "Thank You."

For more info on the new phase of Eagle Creek's life visit:
http://clublink.ca/eaglecreekhome.html