Congratulations Ray!

We are excited to announce that Ray McCorquodale will be taking on the role of Head Professional at Whitevale Golf Club. Ray returned to us last season in the role of Associate Professional after a few years away, and many of you will recall his time on the Professional staff at the club from 2016 – 2019.

Ray has been a golf professional since 2005 when he began as a young assistant to Jack Sasseville, the Head Professional at King Valley Golf Club. In 2015, Ray ascended to the Class A Level in the Canadian Professional Golf Association. With his experience and leadership, Ray won the Class A Professional of the year for the PGA of Ontario and was finalist at the National levels while being the Associate Professional here at Whitevale.

During his time away from Whitevale, Ray took his talents to Rosedale Golf Club, Bayview Golf & Country Club, and Coppinwood. Ray used his considerable experience to enhance many programs last season, including leading the Vision 36 program for our Junior Members.

Ray grew up in Sarnia, Ontario, in a golfing family, which is how his love of the game began. He currently resides in Ajax, Ontario with his wife, Melissa. They have one teeange child, Cailum

Ray is looking forward to using his wide array of experiences and dedication to the membership to provide a world class golf experience for our members, their families and their guests.

We look forward to Ray's leadership as we count down the days until we can golf again!

 

Welcome Stewart!

We are pleased to be writing to announce a new addition to our team at Whitevale - Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Chef Stewart Reid!

A graduate of Bournemouth & Poole Catering College, Stewart began his culinary career at the highly acclaimed, Michelin Star, Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge London, where he successfully gained work experience in all facets of the kitchen operations.

From there, Stewart joined celebrity chef Antony Worrall - Thompson at his 'Menage a Trois' Restaurant known and famed for his starters and puddings menu.

Having moved to Canada in the 1990’s, Stewart has spent the past 30+ years perfecting his craft at some of the GTA's finest establishments including serving as Sous Chef at the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Langdon Hall in Cambridge, Oliver's Bistro (Oliver Bonacini ) as Chef de Cuisine and Sous Chef at The Sutton Place Hotel.

Stewart started his private club experience at Toronto’s Granite Club in 2003 as Sous Chef, within a few years he was promoted to Executive Sous Chef. There he provided a high-level of leadership and management to a large culinary brigade.

Stewart joined The Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in 2013 as Executive Chef managing 20 cooks and 5 stewards. Service areas included a sports bar and lounge, casual dining restaurant; private dining room and ballroom along with a halfway house.

Stewart joined Markland Golf Club in 2020 as executive Chef managing a team of 17. Service areas included casual dining restaurant, private dining room and ballrooms along with a halfway house.

Stewart has a strong passion and commitment to the culinary field and enjoys coaching and mentoring those who are new to the industry.

During his spare time, Stewart loves to get his children involved in the kitchen, especially the dish-washing part! Other hobbies include DIY, “because his wife says so” and gardening. Together they have 4 children- 2 sons and twin daughters and last but not least a dog named Rosti!

Welcome, Stewart!

Good Luck Ryan!

On Wednesday February 14th we announced that Ryan LaRose will be leaving the club, effective March 1.

After ten years at Whitevale Golf Club, Ryan has accepted the position of “Director of Golf” at the Magna Golf Club. Many aspire to work at a prestige golf club, however, very few make it. His accomplishment was made possible by his growth and development at Whitevale, and we should all be proud of his success. It has been our pleasure to work alongside of Ryan and we want to wish him all the best at his new club.

We are planning a farewell event to thank Ryan for his dedication and commitment over the past ten years serving as your Head Golf Professional sometime this spring. More information will follow.

 

Bees on the Move!

We're excited to share that all twelve Whitevale bee hives have been smoothly relocated to their new home without any hiccups. We transitioned our buzzing inhabitants to a spot carefully chosen for their well-being and the convenience of our Members.

The new location, strategically positioned on the north side of the road opposite the second entrance of the Maintenance Building (closer to the clubhouse), was selected after meticulous consideration. Our priority was to find a flat, easily accessible area for our beekeeper, free from potential flooding, and offering optimal conditions for a thriving colony. We also needed a site sheltered from north winds with ample sunlight exposure.

It was equally important to strike a balance by positioning the hives far enough from the parking lot to minimize any inconvenience caused by bee waste on vehicles. Our beekeeper advises that while the relocation will significantly reduce such occurrences, it may not entirely eradicate them. Particularly in the spring, some bees may instinctively return to their former habitat until they adjust to the new location or are replaced by the emergence of new offspring.

This relocation endeavor underscores our commitment to fostering a harmonious coexistence between our Club and the natural world. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of our bee colonies, we not only support the vital role they play in our ecosystem but also mitigate any potential inconveniences for our Members.

We will continue to nurture and care for our buzzing companions, and enjoy the honey they produce for years to come!

Photos provided by Kyle Young, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent.