Five years into his tenure at Kent Country Club (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Ward Sutton, MCM, CCE, PGA Master Professional and General Manager, is guiding a deliberate plan to strengthen the club’s infrastructure while preserving its culture of access. Through steady capital investment, open communication with members and a focus on developing future leaders, Sutton is working to ensure the club continues to evolve in a sustainable way. In this conversation, he discusses investment pacing, mentorship and the value of collaboration across professional associations.
Club + Resort Business (C+RB): You have been at Kent Country Club for five years. How would you describe the club today?
Ward Sutton (WS): Kent is a historic club that was established in 1896. It is very golf and family-focused. We have racquet sports, platform tennis, swimming and simulators. When I arrived, the club had experienced a decline coming out of the recession, so one of my primary focuses has been improving the property and investing appropriately in the physical plant…