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Colby Cowan Takes Post As Director of Golf in St. George City
Colby Cowan, who has been a professional at four different golf courses in the St. George area, has accepted a re-newed position as Director of Golf of St. George City.
St. George City, owner of four golf courses, has been without a Director of Golf ever since Dave Terry left the position to become Director of Golf of Salt Lake City in 2004. At that time St. George City decided to restructure the organizational chart and merged the golf division into the Economic Development area and eliminated the Director of Golf position.
Gary Esplin, St. George City Manager, was unavailable for comment for this announcement, but a spokesman for the city said that the purpose of going back to the Director of Golf position was for the city to become more aggressive in pursuing market share.
“There have been numerous golf courses developed in the area in the past ten years and we have gradually lost market share. All the courses are battling for the same golfer. We are hoping to recapture market share through the focused efforts of a new Director of Golf,” he said.
Cowan has more than 18 years experience in the Utah golf industry and most of it has been in Southern Utah. Prior to his appointment as Director of Golf Operations for St. George City, he served as the Head Golf Professional at Sand Hollow Golf Course in Hurricane. He has also served as the Director of Golf at The Ledges Golf Club in St. George, Head Golf Professional at Coral Canyon in Washington, and also an Assistant Professional at Bloomington Country Club and Cedar Ridge.
In other words, he knows the competition. He’s been there.
“My goal is to increase customer service, add new programs for residents and guests alike, and make sure that our four courses are where golfers want to play,” Cowan said.
“Junior Golf is a critical part of this plan. As we get more juniors enrolled in our JAG program (Junior Association of Golfers), we will work towards the goal as not only the leaders in golf for Southern Utah, but all of Utah,” he said.
“I love Sand Hollow and the golf course there, but I feel I can do more good for golf and have greater personal fulfillment by spending my efforts developing the game for youth in the muni market,” he said.
The city has also hired Doug Roberts as Director of Instruction and Programs and he will work with Mike Smith and Scott Draper at Southgate Golf Course in developing junior golfers to a skill level that will enable them to enjoy the game for a lifetime. Roberts and Smith are widely recognized in the golf arena as outstanding teachers.
“We will be very aggressive in creating a wonderful climate for junior golfers and their parents,” he said.
Cowan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Southern Utah University in Cedar City. He is a Class A member of the PGA of America, and currently serves as the Vice-President for the Utah Section PGA. Cowan has been honored by the Utah Section PGA as the Horton Smith Award winner in 2004 and was named Merchandiser of the Year in 2008.
Colby is married to Kristin Cowan and together they have three daughters. He enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with his family.
The City of St. George owns and operates Sunbrook Golf Course, Dixie Red Hills, Southgate Golf Course, and St. George Golf Club.