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Sebring Golf Pro Tom Mcclurg Takes New Job In Wisconsin

MARK PINSON/HIGHLANDS TODAY

Sebring Golf Club professional Tom McClurg is leaving the Heartland to take over as Director of Golf at the Chula Vista Resort in the Dells, Wis.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: December 18, 2007

SEBRING — Maybe Tom McClurg doesn't know it snows in Wisconsin.

The affable Sebring Golf Club professional has decided to leave the Heartland to take over as Director of Golf at Chula Vista Golf Resort at the Dells in Wisconsin.

McClurg's last day is on Dec. 27 and the new year will bring new challenges for the well-known and respected professional.

"I'm looking forward to going up to the Dells because it's a resort town," McClurg said. "It's beautiful up there and it has all the amenities of of a big city without all the crime and traffic."

The Chula Vista Resort, which is in central Wisconsin, offers 18 holes of golf at its Cold Water Canyon layout and an adjacent 2,500 room hotel.

"It's a unique course with beautiful scenery because it's right by the Wisconsin River," McClurg said. "The front nine was built in 1923 and is a traditional hilly, northern-course design, while the back nine is a Scottish-links design that was built in 1990.

"That makes for a very interesting round of golf and the four-star hotel is first class and just like the ones in Las Vegas."

Once the snow arrives and the golf course is closed during the winter months, McClurg will be busy with other duties.

"I will be in charge of the restaurant and just kind of supervise things during the winter," the Sebring Golf Club pro said.

The Dells has five golf courses to choose from, but McClurg thinks he is entering an untapped area.

"They have just discovered golf in that area and there were only 14,000 rounds played at Cold Water Canyon last year," McClurg said. "I think we can double that total next year and I will also be trying to arrange a lot of corporate outings.

"I worked at Greenlefe and Doral in the past, which were resort courses, and I really like that aspect of the business."

Even in the down months, McClurg will be working to build up interest in the resort.

"During the winter, I will go to golf shows around the country to spread the word about the Chula Vista Resort and what we have to offer, he said. "I know it's going to be cold and snowy, but I like to snow ski but never really got a chance.

"Maybe now I will since there are a couple of ski resorts within twenty minutes."

McClurg, who first came to the Heartland in 1987, is well known for starting the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour 13 years ago.

"I love working with kids and seeing them improve and develop their games," the 48-year-old McClurg said. "It's important to teach the youngsters the right way to play the game.

"I'm going to try and start a youth program at the resort and I know the Sertoma Tour here will carry on and continue to grow."

McClurg's first day on his new job is Jan. 7 and his departure will leave quite a void in the Heartland golf scene.

"We're losing a great person," said local standout golfer Mike Browning. "Tom is a class guy and does so much for the game of golf.

"I wish him the best, but golf in the Heartland won't be the same."

McClurg, who was also the pro at River Greens Golf Course in Avon Park from 2002-2005, is looking forward to the challenges ahead, but will always have a soft spot in his heart for the Heartland.

"I'm going to miss the kids, the members at the clubs and all the people I've known over the years," he said. "But I'll be coming back to the area to visit.

"I needed a change and I'm excited about the new year and the new challenges ahead of me."

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