Mansfield, Ohio - Stan Signor has a new hobby that anyone in Mansfield can enjoy.
The 54-year-old Mansfielder loves to golf. He loves it so much that last week he purchased Coolridge Golf Course and Lounge, 591 Von Hof Blvd. He and former owner Bruce Heimberger had been working on a deal for Signor to purchase the course before Heinberger died Aug. 26.
"I've always enjoyed playing," said Signor, who moved to the city from Mansfield, Pa., in 1994.
"I don't play well, but it's something I truly enjoy. I've always had a vision to own a golf course, at least for the past 15 or 20 years."
Signor doesn't have a large staff at Coolridge. The three employees he does have he'll keep. That includes Larry Slayer, who will become the course superintendent, Walter Blankenship and Gary Heinberger.
"Hopefully as we grow, there will come a time when I need to hire more people," Signor said.
A sales manager for the former Mansfield Foundry (Citation), Signor still works for Citation, out of offices in both Mansfield and in Novi, Mich. He plans to eventually work each day at the golf course but for now will keep his sales job and help to manage the golf course on his off hours while he learns the ins and outs of owning a golf course from the ground up.
"On Monday, I literally Squeegeed off every green," he said. "But that's the best way to learn."
He plans subtle changes to the golf course that features only nine greens but 18 tee boxes and water in play on 11 of 18 holes.
The rough may be allowed to grow a little hire so there is more of a distinction between the fairway and rough. The hand-cut greens are already a favorite of many area golfers. He plans to clean up the lounge and improve the food menu as well as the pro shop and the quality of golf carts used at the course.
He also has plans to increase business.
"I want to encourage woman and juniors to play," Signor said.
He plans to start a woman's morning league and a league for seniors as well.
The golf course will close for daily play on Thanksgiving this year and not reopen for daily play until April 1, 2005. However on weekends, if weather permits, the course will be open through the winter.
Source: Mansfield (Ohio) News Journal