Westmount names Roan Vollmer as new Director of Golf
KITCHENER, ON – Westmount Golf & Country Club has announced the hiring of Roan Vollmer as its new Director of Golf. With more than 20 years experience in the golf industry, Vollmer comes to the storied Stanley Thompson course after 13years serving in a similar position at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.
During his tenure at Oakdale G&CC, Vollmer was instrumental in creating engaging membership programs and increasing pro shop revenue year after year; he also helped the club secure the 2023 and 2026 RBC Canadian Open. His arrival at Westmount, perennially ranked one of the Top 15 courses in Canada, fulfills a lifelong dream.
“I am excited to go to such a world-class country club,” Vollmer said. “It’s an incredible opportunity.”
Vollmer replaces PGA of Canada Head Professional Rob Strahan, who retires at the end of 2021 after 40 years at Westmount — the past 31 as head professional.
Joining Westmount’s leadership team is not just a great career move for Vollmer, but it’s also the right move for his wife and four children. The Vollmer family look forward to settling in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. “It’s a life-changing moment for us,” he said. “We are eager to plant roots here for the next 20 or 30 years.”
WHY WESTMOUNT?
Roan grew up learning the game from his dad —Wayne Vollmer, who played on the PGA TOUR in the 1970s and is a member of the BC Golf Hall of Fame— at Vancouver’s Point Grey Golf & Country Club. “I love everything about the game of golf,” Vollmer added. “And, as a golfer, to come to such an esteemed club as Westmount, one of Stanley Thompson’s greatest designs, is thrilling in and of itself. The game has given me the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds in the industry at golf courses across the globe.I’m looking forward to bringing this knowledge to my new home club.”
Westmount is in a period of transition and a master site planning phase. While the pandemic fuelled an increased interest in golf, the private club market needs to constantly change to meet member’s ever-shifting demands and expectations. Vollmer understands this need to focus on innovative, forward-thinking programs and services; he will play a critical role as a member of Westmount’s management team as the private club embraces the past and looks to the future.
“Roan’s beliefs and values match all that Westmount stands for,” said Brad Duench, the club’s General Manager. “Like most private clubs, ours is evolving. Roan is the right person to help lead our club into the future. His passion, leadership and genuine care for the club, its members, and our staff, make him the perfect fit.”
About Westmount Golf & Country Club
Designed by Stanley Thompson, Westmount opened in 1931. Today it’s considered as one of the Top 20 golf courses in Canada. Since opening, the private club in Kitchener, Ontario has hosted many major tournaments, including the 1957 Canadian Open, the 1969 Canadian Amateur, the 1981 Labatt’s International Golf Classic, and the 1990 LPGA du Maurier Classic. In 2022, Westmount is set to host the Canadian Women’s Championship. https://westmountgolf.com
Course tour: https://westmountgolf.com/theclub/golfcourseoverview.aspx
About Roan Vollmer:
Roan came to the game of golf naturally as his father Wayne was a long-time PGA of Canada member, played on the PGA Tour, and is enshrined in the BC Golf Hall of Fame. Roan worked at Oakdale Golf & Country Club from 2009 until 2021, starting as an associate professional and leaving as their Director of Golf. In 2010, Roan also founded Vollmer Golf Inc., which has maintained a successful sales record with all of the major equipment manufacturers and more than 16 apparel lines annually.
