There’s a new sheriff in town.
OK, maybe, not a sheriff, but a new GM for Taylor’s Lone Wolf golf course.
Mark Yurkin arrived earlier this spring after former manager Ryan Galay was promoted to the new role of community services director.
Originally from Ontario, Yurkin says he’s has had a club in his hand since he was about three or four.
“I grew up in Brampton, which is just outside of Toronto. I did live in the city for about seven or eight years. Decided to come out west about eight or nine years ago. Started in Banff, was in Lloydminster for awhile, and then Jasper.”
It was there he learned a lot of his craft in the restaurant and hospitality industry, and applied for the position in Taylor.
He considers himself an avid outdoorsman, having hiked up Mt. Robson, near Jasper, almost two dozen times.
“I’m waiting to do a bit of exploring here once I have some time,” says Yurkin.
With the pandemic, one of few places that saw a rise in business were golf courses.
Yurkin, though, is hoping to see even more faces, literally, with the lifting of masking and gathering restrictions earlier this year.
“We have a few tournaments planned for this year. Things are picking up in that department.”
Asked if he will enjoy living in the north, he admits the snow doesn’t bother him.
He may have tempted fate in saying that - the club’s season opening date in April, delayed by a few days by snow and golf put off for a few days for the same reason in May.
Yurkin will be happy to know it’s doesn’t snow here in June.
Does it?
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