New owners of South-Port Golf Club, Rick Elliot (left) and Scott Bowman, participated in a side-by-side ceremonial tee-off at the course’s grand re-opening May 20.

Hub Staff

A ceremonial tee-off and ribbon cutting marked the grand re-opening of South-Port Golf Club May 20. New owners Scott Bowman and Rick Elliot, along with their families, friends and club members, joined together to celebrate a fresh start for the upcoming golf season.

Elliot was familiar with the 9-hole course as he had been golfing there for many years and said when the opportunity came to purchase, he knew the right man to do it with. “The clubhouse has major changes there, and Scott’s been doing a lot of changes out on the course. The greens are faster and a pleasure to play and just lots of work there, we’re doing lots of clean up around the edges as well,” said Elliot.

Bowman is the former superintendent at gold course Glen Abbey in Oakville and said South-Port is 9 holes on 99 acres with a fun little par-36 lay-out. Bowman said the driving range is a popular destination for many locals and cottagers. “It picks up a lot of traffic off the highway... so if we can encourage some of them to come out and be golfers, we’re going to try and build our junior membership and grow that part of the business,” he said adding that they hope to also grow their men’s and ladies leagues.

South-Port Golf Club has a long weekend special promotion through Monday to mark the occasion with half priced golf karts after 2 p.m. and kids who play with an adult after 2 p.m. play for free. Bowman also said to watch for an early membership drive during the summer which will allow golfers to golf for free after September 1.

Scott Bowman (left) and Rick Elliot before addressing the crowd at South-Port Golf Club's grand re-opening May 20.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith cut the ribbon at the grand re-opening of South-Port Golf Club May 20. Pictured from left, Kristen and Rick Bowman, Mayor Mike Smith with Rick and Kelly Elliot.

The upgraded clubhouse at South-Port Golf Club.

South-Port Golf Club is located at the bend between Port Elgin and Southampton on Bruce Road 3.

Many club and family members enjoyed the sun while taking in the celebrations.