NORTHBROOK, IL., Aug. 19, 2008 – KemperSports recently named Stewart Koch as general manager of Heron Lakes, a 36-hole golf facility located just north of downtown Portland, Ore. With nearly 15 years of industry experience, Koch will oversee the property, including its two Robert Trent Jones, Jr. courses as well as construction of a new clubhouse.
Previously, Koch was head golf professional at Falcon Ridge Golf Course in Lenexa, Kan., for more than two years. While overseeing all areas of golf operation, he was nominated for the Midwest Section PGA Merchandiser of the Year in 2007.
Prior to his employment at Falcon Ridge, Koch served as head golf professional at several premium daily fee and private courses inColorado. He is in the midst of completing the PGA Certified Professional Program with emphasis in General Management. Koch has been a Class A Member of the PGA of America since Sept. 2002 and was a Business Education Major at George Mason University.
“Stewart is well prepared for this assignment,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “His experience at Falcon Ridge and other properties and involvement in junior golf will prove valuable to our staff and customers at Heron Lakes.”
Heron Lakes is part of the Portland Parks and Recreation and features two courses designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The Greenback Course has a mild and flexible layout while The Great Blue Course offers a challenging round with Scottish-style mounds, small greens and risk-reward opportunities. The Great Blue Course hosted the 2000 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, a USGA event won by current PGA TOUR professional D.J. Trahan. In addition, Heron Lakes is home of The First Tee of Portland, which aims to impact the lives of young people by providing educational and mentoring programs that incorporate life skills, character development, family values and personal growth through the game of golf.
For more information, visit www.heronlakesgolf.com.
About KemperSports
Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports operates golf facilities as well as athletic clubs, lodging venues and major sporting events, including nationally ranked courses and tournament venues such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Chambers Bay, Harding Park, Dorado Beach Resort & Club, The Glen Club, the Chicago Park District golf facilities and Desert Willow Golf Resort. Affiliate KemperSports Marketing & Communications, a sports marketing, events and public relations agency, has produced and managed major national and international events and communications programs, including the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational college basketball tournament, numerous PGA TOUR events and The Art of Food & Wine Palm Desert. For more information, visitwww.kempersports.com.
Contact:
Susie Chang
schang@kempersports.com, 847.850.2471
