Reason To Celebrate At Morningstar Golf Club
For Immediate Release
[Parksville, BC, August 4, 2021] It was a double eagle celebration as members of Morningstar Golf Club kicked off their 30th anniversary with the announcement that the course was no longer in receivership and that the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) pension fund (operating under Realcor Golf Inc) has been awarded ownership of the Parksville property.
With a real sense of optimism and pride, Morningstar is poised to resume its status as one of the premiere courses on Vancouver Island. “We’re excited about the future,” says Barrie McWha, who serves as General Manager.
McWha and business partner Ray Riva were hired by the receiver in 2019 and tasked with bringing the course back into physical and financial shape… and they have done just that! The duo, who have deep roots in the Vancouver Island golf scene, have been retained by the IUOE to continue with plans for the future of the development.
John Randle has joined the team as the Director of Golf. Improvements will include adding forward tee boxes which will appeal to juniors, seniors, women, and high handicappers; and creating innovative skills development programs under the banner of the Randle Golf Academy.
Originally the dream project of Vancouver Island real estate developer, Mladen Zorkin, and designed by renowned course architect Les Furber, Morningstar Golf Club opened in July of 1991. Furber’s goal at Morningstar was to create a big, bold tournament-length course and the success of the course was immediate.
In 1992, and for the following five years, Morningstar hosted the Spring Qualifying School for the Canadian Tour while the Morningstar Classic was a Canadian Tour event from 1994 to 1996. Over the years Morningstar hosted the Canadian Senior Women’s Championship, the Canadian University Championships and the BC Amateur Championship.
The past two years have seen significant improvements with Morningstar once again being “highly regarded as a place golfers want to play,” says McWha. In June, the club hosted a very successful BC Golf Junior Championships and looks forward to getting back to hosting notable golf events.
With membership now at full complement, there is a waiting list for those who would like to join the club. However, the course is open to the public with a good restaurant and great patio dining for everyone to enjoy…. so come out to play!
If you would like more information, please call Barrie McWha (250) 250-248-2244 EXT 5, or email bmcwha@morningstargolf.com