New Leadership in 2020
New Leadership in 2020
Golf Leadership
The POA is happy to announce that a decision has been made regarding the Golf Department’s vacant leadership position. Effective immediately, Chris Sykes will serve as our new Director of Golf.
Chris brings more than 24 years of leadership experience in sales, business operations, and property management. Prior to coming to Tellico Village, Chris was the Senior Director of Golf at a 1,400-acre resort and country club where he was responsible for the planning, development and management of a $9M golf facility, encompassing golf operations and grounds maintenance with a $10M operating budget and more than 100 employees.
His career in the golf industry has spanned across many environments, including golf course operations, golf and grounds maintenance, sales management, business plan development, budget management, retail, and food and beverage. As Head Golf Course Superintendent at Toqua Golf Club, Chris worked closely with former Director of Golf Jim West for more than 8 years during which time Chris set an excellent example of drive and diligence for his team and displayed his passion for the game of golf, as well as the continued development and improvement of our programs.
The POA is fortunate to have Chris leading our Golf Department and we look forward to supporting him in his new position. Chris’ office will remain at Toqua Golf Club while he and his team work through the transition and restructuring process.
Golf Gift Certificates
Another change in the Golf Department that has occurred recently is the way both West Golf Services and POA-issued gift certificates are handled. The past practice has been to allow members to redeem gift certificates past their expiration. Because of the changes occurring, the Pro Shops will only honor gift certificates within one year of issuance as of January 1, 2020. At the recent January 22nd Board meeting, the Board voted to honor expired POA-issued gift certificates through April 30, 2020 with a value of .50 cents on the dollar. West Golf Services gift certificates that are expired will not be accepted. However, West Golf Services gift certificates that are still valid are accepted at the full dollar amount.
For example, if you have a POA-issued gift certificate that expired prior to January 1st, it is redeemable through April 30th for half of its printed amount. If your gift certificate will expire between now and April 30th, you have until the printed expiration date to receive a value of the full dollar amount. However, you would still have until April 30th to redeem it for half the amount. After April 30, 2020, the POA will not accept any expired gift certificates.
We appreciate your understanding and support during this season of change and transition.