BREC hires new golf director

BREC has hired a new director of golf to replace Jeffrey Marks, who resigned in June to return to Georgia to be with his family. In announcing the hire of Michael Raby this afternoon, BREC notes the “PGA Master Professional has strong ties to south Louisiana and worked in the New Orleans area for nine years; five at City Park and four at Metairie Country Club.” Most recently, Raby was the general manager and head professional of the Cleveland Metroparks golf operations, where he has worked since 1998. The Cleveland Metroparks system in Ohio, with eight courses and four driving ranges, is similar in size to the BREC system, which includes seven golf courses and three driving ranges. “We are about to create a 10-year strategic plan and I believe he is the right person to create a strong, comprehensive plan that will honestly evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the golf operation and lay out a plan of action to bring it to another level,” says BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight in a prepared statement. “He is responsible for introducing some exciting, innovative programming to the courses in Cleveland, and I’m looking forward to seeing the same thing here.” Raby, 49, has been a PGA professional since 1995.