Woodlands Course at Whittaker in New Buffalo Hires Kostelecky as GM

A golf industry veteran of nearly two decades brings his special brand of experience to the new role of General Manager for the Woodlands Course at Whittaker in Harbor Country.

Stephan Kostelecky has joined the team at the Woodlands Course, a premier daily-fee facility managed by KemperSports. In that role, Kostelecky will oversee all facility operations for the renowned Harbor Country golf destination and event venue near New Buffalo. The Woodlands Course at Whittaker has been a favorite Southwest Michigan stop for locals and visitors to the area since its inception two dozen years ago in 1996.

Kostelecky brings nearly 20 years of experience in the golf industry to his new role at The Woodlands Course. Most recently, he served as head golf professional and interim general manager at Ames Golf & Country Club in Ames, Iowa. Prior to that, Kostelecky held key leadership positions at other private and public facilities throughout the greater Midwest.

Course owners Richard and Peggy Schulze say, “Stephan brings a unique background and experience to our team at The Woodlands Course,” and add, “His reputation, experience and passion for customer service make him a great fit for the position and for the memorable experience that we deliver for our guests. We look forward to working with Stephan and KemperSports as we continue to build on our success at The Woodlands Course.”

Kostelecky is a Club Management Association of America Member and holds a Business Administration degree in Marketing with an emphasis on Professional Golf Management degree from the University of Mississippi.

KemperSports Regional Operations Executive Vince Juarez says, “We are thrilled to be working with the Schulze family to manage The Woodlands Course under the leadership of Stephen Kostelecky,” and adds, “We will work with the family to raise the visibility of the facility, maintain exceptional course conditions and improve the customer experience.”

The Woodlands Course at Whittaker is located in the heart of Harbor Country in New Buffalo, just minutes from I-94 and less than an hour from Chicago. The 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Ken Killian in 1996, is the centerpiece of the club. The Pavilion hosts up to 300 guests for weddings and other social events with a rustic-chic charm and The Captain’s Pour House offers dining with a view for golfers and visitors to the area. Additional amenities at the facility include a full service practice facility including a driving range, putting and chipping greens.

The Woodlands Course at Whittaker is set amidst 400 acres of naturally beautiful landscape in the heart of Southwest Michigan’s Harbor Country.  The 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ken Killian is carved out of the lush landscape to provide a secluded and memorable golf experience. Wedding parties and other social events of up to 300 are welcomed at the Pavilion. The Captain’s Pour House is set within the renovated 1920’s era farmhouse and offers scenic views and casual dining for the entire family. Over 270 spectacular home sites surrounding the golf course are also available. For more information, visit online at: http://whittakergolf.com

Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports builds, owns and manages golf courses, resorts, athletic clubs and lodging venues across the U.S., Caribbean and Central America. The company’s award-winning portfolio includes nationally-ranked courses, private clubs, municipal courses and tournament venues such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, named the No. 1 Golf Resort in North America by Golf Digest and GOLF magazine; Streamsong Resort; The Glen Club; Desert Willow Golf Resort; and Chambers Bay, host of the 2015 U.S. Open. For more information about KemperSports, you can visit online at: http://www.kempersports.com

Source: Moody on the Market
Full story at: https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/woodlands-course-at-whittaker-in-new-buffalo-hires-kostelecky-as-gm/