Community Perspective

I was sitting at my desk at Hazeltine National Golf Club in the winter of 1997 when a job bulletin came across my desk. Koronis Hills Golf Club in Paynesville, Minn., was seeking a head golf professional.

The first thing I did was grab an atlas and find where Paynesville was. With that little dot found, I picked up the phone and called a friend who I thought was from Paynesville. Dave Cameron answered and said yes indeed he was from Paynesville and that Koronis Hills would be a great place to be.

Boy, was he right. That was six years ago now, and I couldn't be happier with my career and my experiences at Koronis Hills.

The first year was exciting as we opened our new nine holes. I met numerous people and was blessed with a great staff: Cindy Fuchs, Mary Mackedanz, Alice Younkin, and Shannon O'Fallon.

As most of you know, the course was very well received. Golfers came from near and far and all said they enjoyed our new layout.

Having 18 holes makes the course more of a destination. I don't know how many people stopped in those first few years and said, "I knew this was a nine-hole course," but never stopped until we had 18 holes.

I think a quality golf course attracts people to this community. People are coming here for quality of life: a peaceful community, beautiful lakes, complemented by a great golf course.

Years two through six have gone by like a poor golf swing: too quick. I am very proud of what the golf course has accomplished and am equally proud of all the strong friendships I've made during my tenure.

It comes with some mixed emotions as I will be leaving this fall for a new position at the Alexandria Golf Club as their head golf professional. It is a great opportunity for me and my career and for my family. I am excited to meet new challenges, new experiences, and create new friendships.

I will miss many things about Paynesville and Koronis Hills Golf Club: (1) Loyal, fun, dedicated staff; (2) Board of directors who gave me a great opportunity to succeed; (3) Many lifelong friends; (4) Beautiful, challenging golf course; (5) Friendly membership; (6) Strong community. So many thanks to Koronis Hills Golf Club and best wishes in all future endeavors.

I will only be an hour away, so I hope to see you up in Alex or when I come down to visit.

Rebrovich has been the golf professional at Koronis Hills since 1997.

Would you like to participate as a Community Perspective writer? Call Michael Jacobson at 320-243-3772 to get scheduled as a writer or e-mail him at editor@paynesvillepress.com.