with that right now. Ten per cent is
not an insigni cant amount."
For most other resorts and
courses, however, the keys to
attracting and retaining cross-border
customers remain exceptional value,
better weather, and—bottom line—
outstanding golf experiences.
"There's de nitely pressure on
all of us near the border to provide a
golf experience that meets or exceeds
expectations for Canadian golfers,"
says Brett Eaton, director of golf at
the Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine,
Washington. "The current state of
the dollar will push us even harder to
do that and we are monitoring that
situation carefully." Seventy- ve
per cent of Semiahmoo's clientele
are Canadian, says Eaton.
At Montana's Wilderness Club,
which features a striking Nick
Faldo-designed course, boutique
hotel and residential component,
attracting Canadians—who represent
75 per cent of their business—is
integral. "Bookings are strong for
2014 with many weekends nearly
sold out. Calgary is our main draw
and, thankfully, the dollar does
not seem to be hindering us at this
point. We also have a warm micro-
climate here so that helps us get out
of the gate early," says Barry Ehlert
with the Windmill Golf Group, the
Canadian company that owns and
operates the facility. The Wilderness
Club is ranked the best golf course in
Montana by Golfweek and is located
in Eureka, just minutes from the
Canadian border.
For courses even farther from
the border—such as the Salish Cli s
Golf Club in the Seattle/Tacoma
area—there's an even greater e ort
to pull Canadians their way. "We
come up to the Vancouver Golf Show
every year," says director of golf
David Kass. "Canadians have been
great supporters and we covet their
business." The resort, which recently
o ered Canadians unlimited golf for
two plus a one-night stay for $179,
also includes gaming, spa services
and a hotel. "There is a ton of great
golf in Canada, too, so, bottom line is,
we've got to make it worth their while
to come down here," says Kass.
•
72 BCBusiness May 2014
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