In August 2022, CBC reported that half a million Canadians returned to golf during the pandemic, in addition to 170,000 new golfers. These numbers reflect the national trend with the same momentum enjoyed by Guelph area golfers as well.
John DeCorso is Club Manager at Victoria Park Golf Club where both the East course and Valley course have seen tremendous growth in new and returning customers since the easement and eventual lifting of pandemic restrictions.
“We had a wonderful 2022 golf season. Actually, three seasons in a row,” says DeCorso. “Once we were able to open in the first year of the pandemic, golf just exploded. It was a safe thing to do, an outdoor sport that didn’t have to involve gathering or team play. Golf became very popular, and our sense is it’s staying that way into next season.”
As soon as restrictions were lifted, seasoned golfers were eager to return to the greens, but the game also saw a surge of new players. Those pandemic mandates are now fading to memory but the positive trends show no sign of slowing.
“I am a board member of the National Golf Course Owners Association and I’ve talked with golf course owners and operators around the country. With the exception of some of the resort facilities and more remote courses, it’s been the same story across Canada during the pandemic. This is very much a national phenomenon.”
Family-run Victoria Park offers options for all skill levels
In 1974, brothers Ted, Carmine and Angelo DeCorso started Victoria Park East and prior to that, Ted DeCorso opened the original Victoria Park course - that became the West Course. Victoria Park West closed on 2011, and the new Valley course opened in 2012 to rave reviews! Today, management of both locations is in the hands of the next generation of the DeCorsos: Ted’s son David, and Carmine’s daughter Louise and sons John and Paul.
Victoria Park challenges long-time golfers and welcomes those new to the game with two course options.
Victoria Park East on Victoria Road South is one of the region’s finest 18-hole Championship-length golf courses, combining natural and man-made features including creative water hazards and naturalized areas. Victoria Park Valley is a 27-hole, executive-length golf course offering three, nine-hole options. “The Valley” on Maltby Road East is also home to an accessible and inclusive disc golf course managed by the Guelph Disc Golf Club.
In addition to seasonal play, Victoria Park offers a host of year-round services:
Pro Shop: A great selection of clothing, gear and accessories. Gift cards may be redeemed for products and services at both locations and can be purchased at the East Course shop during the off-season, or customers can buy them online.
Special Events: Victoria Park East has banquet facilities for all types of celebrations. Weekend dates tend to book quickly but the staff can often accommodate luncheons and mid-week events. “We have packages available and we can also do things a la carte. We have a very experienced Chef team here and if customers have special requests, we can usually make it happen.”
Business meetings & Conferences: The main hall at Victoria Park East accommodates up to 150 people, and a secondary meeting space comfortably seats smaller groups of 30-40 people. Meeting equipment such as screens and projectors is available and amenities include free Wi-Fi, high speed internet and ample parking.
Pick-Up Dinners: “When we couldn’t host banquets during covid we started our curbside ‘Pick-Up Dinner Program’. It was very successful and we had quite a loyal customer base,” John explains. The program continues with weekly pick-up dinners on Wednesday evenings and holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Valentines’ Day. Customers are encouraged to stay updated by joining the email list as dinners regularly sell out.
Tournaments: Planning a 2023 tournament? Better book it now! “We’re already booking quite aggressively”, says DeCorso. “Our Tournament Coordinator John Olender mentioned the other day that June 2023 is almost at capacity and September is booking up nicely as well.”
Click here for details and available dates.
Golf’s renewed popularity shows no sign of slowing, and plans are already underway for the 2023 season. “The demand is still there. And we have a sense that it’s going to be like that for a while.”
Stay on top of news and updates by following Victoria Park Golf Club on Facebook and online.