Many changes have taken place at St. George’s over


Patricia’s tenure. In 1989 the St. George’s and Royal York Rooms were rebuilt and the kitchen updated and ex- panded. Te décor and ambience of the clubhouse has changed and evolved into the comfortable environment that exists today. As St. George’s evolved so too did the demands of the


golf industry. An advocate of life-long learning, Patricia recognized the importance of education and keeping abreast of industry trends. In 1989 Patricia received her PHEc (Professional Home Economist) designation and in 1994 was awarded the FPCM (Fellow Professional Club Manager) designation from the Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM). It was her involvement with the CSCM that led to the development of the “General Man- ager Concept” – an initiative designed to empower the general manager to make decisions and manage the day- to-day operations of the club. Patricia fully supported the emergence of the general manager concept and worked closely with the CSCM as committee chair for the Profes- sional Development and Membership Committees and later as a provincial board member (2000-2002) to bring it to fruition.


In addition to watching her staff develop and grow,


Patricia also has fond memories of the numerous tourna- ments and events that have taken place at St. George’s dur- ing her stay. “Te 1984 LPGA du Maurier Classic, the 1997 Men’s du Maurier Champions Canadian Seniors Open, the Club’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, the inaugural Do- minion Curling Club Championship Bonspiel in 2009 and last year’s RBC Canadian Open were defining moments in our Club’s history. Over the years St. George’s has become as fine a golf and country club as you will find anywhere in the world. It’s a special place.” Patricia’s passion for her job, her staff, the members


and the Club are obvious. For this reason it will be partic- ularly difficult for Patricia to say goodbye to St. George’s in December. “Te time has gone by too fast but it is time to move on,” says Patricia. “I’m looking forward to the next chapters in my life but will always have fond memories of the wonderful people I’ve met here at St. George’s.” When asked how she would like to be remembered,


Patricia says she hopes people remember her as part of the St. George’s team and committed to service excellence. “I’m an organized person and always wanted the members to feel the Club was their home away from home. I think


“I always wanted the members to feel the Club was their home away from home.”


Although Patricia has been involved in the betterment


Patricia Mann in a familiar position... working hard at her desk!


of the club manager profession for many years, it is the people side of the business that excites her most. When asked what she likes most about her job, Patricia’s answer is simple: “I enjoy people and working in a team environ- ment. I like the administrative aspects of my job and the coordinating and hosting of events, but it is serving the members of St. George’s that I enjoy the most. I’m fortu- nate that my job is never the same. Every day is different. It’s interesting because the people I work with and the members we serve are fascinating.” In her role as Clubhouse Manager, Patricia has sup-


ported and mentored many aspiring club management professionals; some of whom now serve as general man- agers in private clubs across Canada. “I’m always delighted to see a past St. George’s employee go on to work in the club industry,” says Patricia proudly. “St. George’s is a won- derful place to work for a variety of reasons, which ex- plains why many of our past employees have pursued a career in the business.”


05 | HERALD - FALL 2011


that’s why I always enjoyed Easter, Tanksgiving dinners, assisting in the organization of member tournaments, bonspiels and weddings and, of course, decorating the clubhouse at Christmas. It was always about creating a wel- coming atmosphere the members would appreciate.” On a personal note, Patricia hopes to spend more time


in her garden and take more leisurely walks with her hus- band Kevin and their three Pomeranians. She is even thinking about playing some golf. Both are music lovers and avid symphony-goers as Kevin plays the double bass in his spare time for both the Oakville and Mississauga symphonies. Aſter 28 years of taking care of others, a little rest and relaxation is well deserved before Patricia embarks upon her next endeavour. No doubt Patricia will leave a lasting impression wher-


ever she goes. Yes, she will be remembered as an organized and passionate member of the team but everyone who knows Patricia would also add that she is generous to a fault and redefines the meaning of class. Although Patricia may be moving on, St. George’s will never forget her.


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