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Recreation re-creation: New manager eyes changes at golf course

  • Published
  • By Airman Gwen Smith
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Some business managers consider what they do 'just a job,' however, U.S. Army veteran James McCormick brings a passion and a love of golf to his job.

McCormick is the new manager of the Cardinal Creek Golf Course and Stars and Strikes Bowling Center at Scott. After his past experiences in management, McCormick has high hopes for the golf course and its future.

"Next year is the course's 50th anniversary and we want it to be here for the next 50 years," said McCormick. "This is about the new Cardinal Creek and the next 50 years."
During the past 13 years, the course has experienced hard times due to flooding and funding restrictions.

Tom Rector, 375th Force Support Squadron Community Services Flight Chief, said, "He's here to revitalize the golf program at Scott. We have a very high level of confidence in him."

McCormick previously managed a Professional Golfers' Association of America course called Deerfield Golf Club and Learning Center in Riverwoods, Illinois. In the nine years he managed there, he improved the course's revenue by $1 million.

"I'm excited for the challenge," said McCormick. "To take Cardinal Creek from what it is currently and bring it back even beyond what it used to be, is probably one of the biggest challenges I've faced. But, at the same time I think it's going to be a whole lot of fun."

With almost an entire new staff at both places he will be managing, he said he expects customer service and standards to be at their best. This includes improving various aspects such as the menu at the Cardinal Creek Cafe and the quality of the course.

Not only is McCormick excited for the changes, but his staff is also looking forward to what he has in store for the course.

"He showed us all the right tools to turn things around," said Rector. "He's savvy, confident, knows how to manage and is extraordinary at it."

McCormick plans to incorporate new programs and make it more affordable, but also create experiences enjoyable for all ages.

He plans on starting a juniors golfing program, which is available to age groups from 4 to 7, and 8 to 14 years old. He also is starting a morale physical training course which is for units to incorporate fun yet constructive PT.

Aside from the juniors program, he also plans on implementing a families program and a new foot-golf course.

McCormick said within the next year he expects to see many positive changes at the golf course and bowling alley. For more information check out the Cardinal Creek Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/CardinalCreek or to sign up for emails about upcoming events visit the website www.375fss.com/golf Course/golf_course.html.