Our Philosophy
Experience the sheer joy of golfing, dining, and celebrating at one of Southwestern Ontario’s finest golf course, restaurant, and wedding & event properties.
Our Vision
We will build a golf course, restaurant, and wedding & event environment that will be admired and respected by our customers, members, within the public community, by our co-workers, and within the local business community.
Where we will strive for the highest level of friendly caring service, and where we will re-invest in our people and in our facilities to maintain and even exceed the confidence that our guests expect.
Our Team Members
Rob Staffen
Partner & Chairman of the Board of Directors
On behalf of the ownership group, let me welcome you to the St. Marys Golf & Country Club. Our family has a long history of entrepreneurship and with our partners, we share a passion for outstanding customer service, with the goal of giving you more than you expect. We are working to pass on this legacy to the next generation of family owners and operators. If you have suggestions for improvement, please share them with us by emailing: stgolf@stmarysgolf.com. We hope you enjoy the Club whether for golf, dining, or for your special occasion, and look forward to your return.
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Matt Staffen
Partner, President & General Manager
After graduating from the Ivey Business School with an Honours in Business Administration (HBA) and Masters in Business (MBA) degrees, Matt joined the Club as Director of Operations, later being promoted to President and General Manager. He is committed to instilling a vision for the best possible golf, restaurant dining, and special event experience. Matt believes that, "Our employees are the key to our success. We have developed a team that is committed to providing a memorable experience for our guests." Since joining the business, he and his wife Ashton (Director of Special Events), have grown the staff from just over 20 to now over 70, with the goal of continued growth and expansion.
Ashton Staffen
Partner & Director of Special Events
While completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ashton became an expert in personal relations and the ability to understand the needs of others. She went on to post-graduate studies in Event Management, where her passion for wedding planning was fostered. Since joining us in 2014, Ashton has led our Special Events Team, and has been the driving force behind our reputation as one of Southwestern Ontario’s premier wedding venues. Beyond leading the creative direction of our own brand, she is known for helping each client’s unique vision come to life and for making long-lasting friendships with our couples.
Brandon De Groote
Director of Golf
After returning home from Vancouver, BC, Brandon joined the Club in a senior leadership role at his childhood course. Brandon acted as Center Director at two Sylvan Learning Centres after graduating from Wilfred Laurier University and Western University. Following his passion with a career in golf, he is excited to share his love for the game with current members, while growing the game of golf within the community. Brandon is focused on introducing and developing golf programs, leagues and activities for everyone to enjoy. Brandon adds, “I love how tight knit the golf community is in St. Marys and look forward to enhancing the golf experience for members and public players alike."
Mark McMurray
Director of Operations
After obtaining his Bachelor of Commerce from Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, Mark was headhunted by the Staffen family, and has worked in various parts of the business since 2016. Acting as Director of Operations, Mark plays a key role in the development and growth of our team and our practices, through supporting and instilling the vision and core values of our organization. With a belief in leading by example, Mark continuously assists wherever needed and has become a familiar face on the front lines of golf,
Social Thirty-One, and
weddings. “It is a wonderful feeling to be a part of the dynamic team that is entrusted with helping our couples begin the next stage of their lives.”
Sandy Fifield
Head Superintendent
With 30 years of experience as a golf course superintendent, Sandy has developed a reputation for the outstanding condition of her fairways and greens. She has provided that high level of quality to the St. Marys Golf & Country Club as Superintendent since 1993. Sandy continues to upgrade her skills through seminars and conferences, with a special interest in making course operations more environmentally responsible. A labour of love is how she describes her dedication. Alongside her staff, she is committed to creating playing conditions above expectation for all who play the golf course.
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Arron Tough
Mechanic & Assistant Superintendent
Arron joined the Club in 2020, bringing with him 20 years of golf industry experience, working for the Club at Westlinks and Greenhills Golf Club. Arron looks to provide a quality golf course property that the golf members and the community can be proud of. He enjoys the variety of work, the unique daily challenges, working outdoors, and meeting new people. Since joining the Club, Arron comments, "I appreciate the support of the members and golfers and the positivity and patience that we have received, as we continue to challenge new hurdles, with the goal of providing the best golf experience."
Rebecca Parsons
Golf Operations Supervisor
Rebecca has been a loyal employee of the St. Marys Golf & Country Club since 2007, working in various positions. She brings a positive attitude and outstanding attention detail to the golf operations departments. She attended York University and received a Bachelor in Environmental Studies. Rebeccas adds, "I enjoy being a part of this community of golf enthusiasts and am committed to providing great customer service. I really value getting to know our members and regulars, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere that is integral to this family-run business."
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Kellen Fifield
Golf Coach & Assistant Supervisor
His passion for the game of golf developed at an early age. Kellen started working as a ball boy at the age of 12 and has been with the Club for more than 20 years. After attending Niagara College in the Professional Golf Management (PGM) program, Kellen joined the Club in a seasonal full-time role. Focusing on developing junior golfers while growing their love for the game, Kellen believes in teaching young golfers etiquette, which carries through the rest of their lives. "We have all levels of golfers in our community, with different backgrounds and skill levels. My aim is to improve their self confidence and lower their scores."
Chef Julian Bansie
Executive Chef
With a passion for cooking that started as a young child, Chef Julian set off to graduate from George Brown College with an Honours in Culinary Management. His professional experience spans throughout Toronto, including the famed Canoe and at historic Canadian event space The Carlu. Raising the ranks with the Oliver & Bonancini group, Julian helped to grow their exclusive TIFF venue and hosted numerous high profile celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Drake, and Jaime Oliver. Following his time with The Carlu, Julian set his sights back home in London. As leader of the SMGCC culinary team, Chef Julian brings his attention to detail and fierce passion for the culinary arts. "Routine and consistency are pillars of a strong culinary brigade. Every time I put on my Chef coat, I strive to be better than the day before, and to teach someone on my team something new."
Chef Glenn Sheridan
Executive Sous Chef
Over 36 years ago, classically French-trained Chef Sheridan jumped into his culinary profession and has never looked back. Glenn originally completed his training at George Brown College in Toronto, before setting off for the United Kingdom to train at both the SaVoy Hotel in London and at the Hilton UK in Glasgow. Returning home several years later, Glenn spent time working throughout Canada, opening a restaurant in Northern Ontario and successfully competing in several culinary competitions. Chef Sheridan recently felt the pull to return to his familial roots in Southwestern Ontario, and became a key member of our team shortly afterwards. "My goal is to provide a relaxing atmosphere for our guests to enjoy not only delicious food, but an experience that extends beyond the meal itself. My philosophy is that we should live to eat, not eat to live."
Anne MacNeill
Senior Bookkeeper
Anne has been with the St. Marys Golf & Country Club since 2015. Anne has extensive administrative experience and has held a variety of positions ranging from Human Resources to Graphic Design during her career. While Anne's primary role is bookkeeping, she has taken an active role in helping to grow the business. With her background, Anne is aware of and understands the commitment it takes to provide outstanding service to our amazing community. Away from the Club, she is a board member for Quadro Communications Cooperative.
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Alanna Bowes
Human Resources Generalist
Following an educational background in Law and Event Management, and over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Alanna furthered her knowledge and experience into the Human Resources field. With a belief that exceeding client expectations begins with the employees, Alanna is eager to contribute to the morale of our customer service team. “I’m passionate about cultivating a workplace where employees can feel safe, valued, and proud of the work that they love to do.”
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