New Granite Pointe GM pumped to start golfing season
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Some snow may remain on the fairways, but Granite Pointe at Nelson has already hit the ground running with the hiring of new General Manager David Belling.
Belling arrives in the Heritage City after more than 35 years of experience in the golfing business, with stops in both Canada and the United States including Arizona and most recently Prince Rupert Golf Club.
“In truth, Granite Pointe did not anticipate being able to attract a golf professional with David’s qualifications and experience spanning a period of 35 years,” said board member Barry Auliffe.
Belling, winning the competition against 25 other applicants to replace Golf Professional Denny McArthur, comes to the 6,209 yard, par 72 track having experienced life on both sides of the game.
Belling played professionally on the Web.com and Canadian PGA tours, as well as working as a golf professional, holding down positions of Head Golf Professional, Director of Instruction and General Manager at a variety of top-flight courses.
Belling also has an International PGA Class A professional, is a Certified Golf Course Manager and a Canadian Golf Teachers Federation (CGTF)/USGTF Master Teaching Professional.
“David has two guiding principles for running a successful golf operation – give customers value for their dollar and do so with a consistent high quality product,” Auliffe explained.
“He is determined to deliver on those principles from the moment a customer drops off their clubs till they have played their round and are enjoying a refreshment on the deck.”
Competitively, Belling is a two-time winner of the US Golf Teachers Cup in 2004 and 2014; winner of the World Golf Teachers Cup in 2003 as well as a five-time runner-up in the Canadian Golf Teachers Cup.
“My role within the club is to manage the day-to-day operations but more importantly to meet and exceed expectations and create seamless guest experiences for all,” explained Belling.
“From tournament organization, golf shop sales and club fitting to lessons, junior programs and member functions, I am here for the golfer at Granite Pointe.”
The season is already lining up to be a great one at Granite Pointe.
Some of the highlight tournaments include the Save-on-Foods Children’s Hospital event, Nelson Rotary Cup and Granite Pointe Corporate Cup.
This season Granite Pointe, already blessed with a vibrant Junior program, is hosting more than 140 elite golfers under the age of 16 years at the BC Amateur Golf 2017 BC Juvenile Championships August 15-18.
“We hope the public takes the opportunity to explore memberships at the Granite Pointe Golf Club, the quality of golf, amenities and our exceptional services that are second to none,” Belling said.
“We look forward to you joining us as we build the foundation of a truly exceptional golf experience.”
“So let’s get 2017 off to a great start,” Belling adds.
“Come in and introduce yourself as I look forward to meeting you.”
Belling optimistically predicts that Course Superintendent Ryan Holliday, will have Granite Pointe to be open for play in early April.
