Mesa del Sol welcomes new GM

It's been less than two weeks since Scott Schneider moved to Yuma, so forgive him if the only places he's been are his home and his office.

But the new general manager at the Mesa del Sol Golf Club does have one opinion about Yuma so far: He loves the weather.

"After spending 25 years in Florida, I don't miss the humidity at all," Schneider said. "I wanted the opportunity to work for Eagle Golf ... and heard positive things about the area and the weather, so I came down to give it a shot."

Eagle Golf is one of the leading management companies in the country, operating courses in nearly 20 different states. The corporation's Web site lists nine other courses it runs in Arizona, including Lake Havasu City's London Bridge Golf Course, The Legend at Arrowhead in Glendale and Superstition Springs Golf Club in Mesa.

Schneider's previous experience comes mostly in Florida as a head professional and general manger at the Ken Venturi Golf Academy. He spent the past two years in Las Vegas before coming to Yuma.

"It's very rewarding to be able to manage all aspects of the property, including the golf course," he said. "It's a constant job to trying to move things along and address each area of the club, whether it be maintenance or operations or tournaments, and slowly try to peck away at each area."

One of the areas most recently developed at Mesa Del Sol before Schneider arrived was renovating the bunkers around the entire course. New tile and furniture were also placed inside the clubhouse before the end of the 2007 calendar year, as well as more merchandise for sale.

"All those are in a positive light to improve the golf course and provide a better-quality product and add to people's desire to come here," Schneider said.

"I've always been one to play golf and not work golf, and I try and translate that over to the staff and the customers."

SCOTT SCHNEIDER PROFILE

Birthplace: Louisville, Ky.

Golf experience: 4-year collegiate golfer at Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas), joined PGA in 1982

Previous employers: Assistant at Marco Island Country Club (Fla.), head professional at Eagle Creek Country Club (Fla.), general manager of the Ken Venturi Golf Academies (Fla., Nev.)