By Kathy Yanchus • Review Staff
Don Clark’s bold dreams were fueled with a savvy entrepreneurial spirit.
“He knew how to make a living,” said his son Ted, who remembers the family’s gravel pit, the pine and spruce Christmas tree farm, top soil and market gardening businesses his dad successfully operated on their 50-acre Safari Road property.
But when at the age of 65, Don decided to turn the land into a golf course, there were those who scoffed.
It didn’t matter that he had no background in either course design or turf management, or that friends laughed. The family patriarch would build his golf course.
Slowly but methodically, as the trucks and bulldozers pulled in and out and sprouts of grass grew, his dream of nine fairways and greens began to take shape.
Over the 30 years since Pineland Greens opened its doors on July 1, 1983, there have been some changes and upgrades, but much remains as it was when Don and his wife Elva, both now deceased, operated it, not the least of which is the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Initially, there was no irrigation system and no course superintendent, simply a strong-willed owner bent on making it work.
Over time, an automated sprinkler system was installed, new ponds dug, a few greens shifted, but the beauty that Don sought to “put back in the land” is still evident in the gently rolling layout hugged by towering trees. It’s a “very walkable” nine-hole executive course and an ideal match for golfers of all ages and abilities. There are tournaments, leagues and a myriad of membership possibilities, customized for “when you can play,” said Jeff Clark, Don’s grandson, and Pineland Greens’ superintendent and general manager.
Ted still spends time at Pineland, although not as much as he once did, leaving the operation of the business in the capable hands of his son Jeff.
A graduate of the forestry and turf management programs at the University of Guelph, Jeff also spent two years at Scotland’s Gleneagles and worked at several other courses in Ontario before moving his young family back to Flamborough when his mom Marilyn became ill. After her death, Jeff remained and joined the family business.
With each successive generation at the reins, the over-riding philosophy remains unchanged: money made is sunk into capital improvements and the hospitality is second to none.
“My grandfather’s vision was to create a space where people could come and enjoy themselves,” said Jeff.
Guest appreciation days are still held, but the price has ‘increased’ over the years from no charge to $5 and now $10 for a game of golf and BBQ.
There was a time when the overflow of cars to the special event would snake down Safari Road, many golfers arriving from other courses to partake in the festivities.
In celebration of three decades in business, Pineland Greens will host an event July 6 for its “dedicated golf community,” said Jeff.
Members come from surrounding Flamborough communities, as well as Burlington, Dundas and Hamilton.
Even with new development in the area, Pineland maintains its idyllic country setting. Don and Elva’s original home is still standing, but now overlooks a new clubhouse and a beautifully-landscaped patio that provides a backdrop to the 9th hole where guests can sit and watch their friends come in from the course, said Jeff.
The sense of community found at Pineland Greens is grounded in the neighbourly spirit exuded by his grandparents and his parents, said Jeff, all of whom were actively involved with Strabane United Church, his mother as choir director. His mom also led the local 4-H Club, his dad was a member of both the Strabane park board and the Optimists, his grandfather a member of Dundas Legion and his grandmother associated with the Strabane Women’s Institute.
Granted, his educational background taught Jeff to be respectful of the land, but it’s obvious he is a proud steward not only of the golf course itself, but of the property so lovingly nurtured by his family.
By Kathy Yanchus • Review Staff
Don Clark’s bold dreams were fueled with a savvy entrepreneurial spirit.
“He knew how to make a living,” said his son Ted, who remembers the family’s gravel pit, the pine and spruce Christmas tree farm, top soil and market gardening businesses his dad successfully operated on their 50-acre Safari Road property.
But when at the age of 65, Don decided to turn the land into a golf course, there were those who scoffed.
It didn’t matter that he had no background in either course design or turf management, or that friends laughed. The family patriarch would build his golf course.
Slowly but methodically, as the trucks and bulldozers pulled in and out and sprouts of grass grew, his dream of nine fairways and greens began to take shape.
Over the 30 years since Pineland Greens opened its doors on July 1, 1983, there have been some changes and upgrades, but much remains as it was when Don and his wife Elva, both now deceased, operated it, not the least of which is the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Initially, there was no irrigation system and no course superintendent, simply a strong-willed owner bent on making it work.
Over time, an automated sprinkler system was installed, new ponds dug, a few greens shifted, but the beauty that Don sought to “put back in the land” is still evident in the gently rolling layout hugged by towering trees. It’s a “very walkable” nine-hole executive course and an ideal match for golfers of all ages and abilities. There are tournaments, leagues and a myriad of membership possibilities, customized for “when you can play,” said Jeff Clark, Don’s grandson, and Pineland Greens’ superintendent and general manager.
Ted still spends time at Pineland, although not as much as he once did, leaving the operation of the business in the capable hands of his son Jeff.
A graduate of the forestry and turf management programs at the University of Guelph, Jeff also spent two years at Scotland’s Gleneagles and worked at several other courses in Ontario before moving his young family back to Flamborough when his mom Marilyn became ill. After her death, Jeff remained and joined the family business.
With each successive generation at the reins, the over-riding philosophy remains unchanged: money made is sunk into capital improvements and the hospitality is second to none.
“My grandfather’s vision was to create a space where people could come and enjoy themselves,” said Jeff.
Guest appreciation days are still held, but the price has ‘increased’ over the years from no charge to $5 and now $10 for a game of golf and BBQ.
There was a time when the overflow of cars to the special event would snake down Safari Road, many golfers arriving from other courses to partake in the festivities.
In celebration of three decades in business, Pineland Greens will host an event July 6 for its “dedicated golf community,” said Jeff.
Members come from surrounding Flamborough communities, as well as Burlington, Dundas and Hamilton.
Even with new development in the area, Pineland maintains its idyllic country setting. Don and Elva’s original home is still standing, but now overlooks a new clubhouse and a beautifully-landscaped patio that provides a backdrop to the 9th hole where guests can sit and watch their friends come in from the course, said Jeff.
The sense of community found at Pineland Greens is grounded in the neighbourly spirit exuded by his grandparents and his parents, said Jeff, all of whom were actively involved with Strabane United Church, his mother as choir director. His mom also led the local 4-H Club, his dad was a member of both the Strabane park board and the Optimists, his grandfather a member of Dundas Legion and his grandmother associated with the Strabane Women’s Institute.
Granted, his educational background taught Jeff to be respectful of the land, but it’s obvious he is a proud steward not only of the golf course itself, but of the property so lovingly nurtured by his family.
By Kathy Yanchus • Review Staff
Don Clark’s bold dreams were fueled with a savvy entrepreneurial spirit.
“He knew how to make a living,” said his son Ted, who remembers the family’s gravel pit, the pine and spruce Christmas tree farm, top soil and market gardening businesses his dad successfully operated on their 50-acre Safari Road property.
But when at the age of 65, Don decided to turn the land into a golf course, there were those who scoffed.
It didn’t matter that he had no background in either course design or turf management, or that friends laughed. The family patriarch would build his golf course.
Slowly but methodically, as the trucks and bulldozers pulled in and out and sprouts of grass grew, his dream of nine fairways and greens began to take shape.
Over the 30 years since Pineland Greens opened its doors on July 1, 1983, there have been some changes and upgrades, but much remains as it was when Don and his wife Elva, both now deceased, operated it, not the least of which is the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Initially, there was no irrigation system and no course superintendent, simply a strong-willed owner bent on making it work.
Over time, an automated sprinkler system was installed, new ponds dug, a few greens shifted, but the beauty that Don sought to “put back in the land” is still evident in the gently rolling layout hugged by towering trees. It’s a “very walkable” nine-hole executive course and an ideal match for golfers of all ages and abilities. There are tournaments, leagues and a myriad of membership possibilities, customized for “when you can play,” said Jeff Clark, Don’s grandson, and Pineland Greens’ superintendent and general manager.
Ted still spends time at Pineland, although not as much as he once did, leaving the operation of the business in the capable hands of his son Jeff.
A graduate of the forestry and turf management programs at the University of Guelph, Jeff also spent two years at Scotland’s Gleneagles and worked at several other courses in Ontario before moving his young family back to Flamborough when his mom Marilyn became ill. After her death, Jeff remained and joined the family business.
With each successive generation at the reins, the over-riding philosophy remains unchanged: money made is sunk into capital improvements and the hospitality is second to none.
“My grandfather’s vision was to create a space where people could come and enjoy themselves,” said Jeff.
Guest appreciation days are still held, but the price has ‘increased’ over the years from no charge to $5 and now $10 for a game of golf and BBQ.
There was a time when the overflow of cars to the special event would snake down Safari Road, many golfers arriving from other courses to partake in the festivities.
In celebration of three decades in business, Pineland Greens will host an event July 6 for its “dedicated golf community,” said Jeff.
Members come from surrounding Flamborough communities, as well as Burlington, Dundas and Hamilton.
Even with new development in the area, Pineland maintains its idyllic country setting. Don and Elva’s original home is still standing, but now overlooks a new clubhouse and a beautifully-landscaped patio that provides a backdrop to the 9th hole where guests can sit and watch their friends come in from the course, said Jeff.
The sense of community found at Pineland Greens is grounded in the neighbourly spirit exuded by his grandparents and his parents, said Jeff, all of whom were actively involved with Strabane United Church, his mother as choir director. His mom also led the local 4-H Club, his dad was a member of both the Strabane park board and the Optimists, his grandfather a member of Dundas Legion and his grandmother associated with the Strabane Women’s Institute.
Granted, his educational background taught Jeff to be respectful of the land, but it’s obvious he is a proud steward not only of the golf course itself, but of the property so lovingly nurtured by his family.