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Golf pro says farewell to Grantwood fairways
(by Sue Reid - March 31, 2011)
Golf pro says farewell to Grantwood fairways
By SUE REID
Scott Pollack, Grantwood Park's head golf professional, has resigned from his position, effective April 1.
Mr. Pollack, a resident of Bainbridge, who has been with the City of Solon, which owns Grantwood, since 1999, has taken on a position as a Callaway Golf representative.
His departure from Grantwood is a "significant loss for the city," Human Resource Director Thomas Cornhoff said. "Scott has been the consummate professional."
Mr. Pollack has been the "face of Grantwood," Mayor Susan A. Drucker said. "Grantwood has made tremendous progress in the past years, and Scott was an important part of that," she said.
"I will miss him terribly," Mrs. Drucker said. "I'm sad to see him go but happy he has this wonderful opportunity," she said. "As much as I hate to see a valued employee leave, I'm always supportive if someone can move on. I support his transition."
Mr. Pollack said Monday that his decision to leave Grantwood was something he deliberated about for some time. "It is not something I decided quickly, but, with my family and career, it was a decision that makes a lot of sense," he said.
"I'm looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities it presents."
Mr. Pollack said the time he has been with Grantwood has been a "rewarding experience."
"To come back as the head golf pro at the course I grew up playing" has been wonderful, he said. "This was the birthplace of my golf career."
Mrs. Drucker said she and Recreation Director Donald Holub will decide the best way to handle this new transition.
"We won't rush into anything," Mrs. Drucker said. "We're going to make sure we take our time and do things the right way."
Mr. Holub said they will not rush a decision as to whether to hire another golf professional. "I'm not sure that's the best move as of yet," he said. There are two assistant pros still at the course who will handle all of the lessons and clinics in the short term, he said. "We will still have our lessons and clinics, and everything will go on as planned."
Mr. Holub said Mr. Pollack has brought his professionalism and knowledge of the golf industry to Grantwood. "I don't think there's anyone more knowledgeable about golf in the area," he said.
When Mr. Holub took on the role of Grantwood director last year, "it was new to me, and Scott was a tremendous help," he said. "Anything I needed to know, he was the expert."
Mr. Pollack's new position at Callaway presents a "tremendous opportunity," Mr. Holub said. "He remains in the golf industry, and obviously that's his first love. We're all happy for him."
Mr. Pollack said that the "great relationships" he has established at Grantwood "will last beyond my departure.
"I'm very fortunate that this opportunity keeps me in the area," he said. "I don't plan on being a stranger. I'm definitely going to remain a close part of the Northeast Ohio golf community."
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