Westmount Golf & Country Club Interview: How Clubs Are Innovating to Stay Ahead
In conversation with Foodbuy Canada, Michael Hearse, CCM, General Manager of Westmount Golf & Country Club, shared insight into the current operational realities facing golf and private clubs, and how leaders are adapting to meet member expectations. According to Hearse, labour remains one of the most significant challenges across the hospitality-driven club environment. The pool of available talent has narrowed, particularly for roles that require the level of service and professionalism expected in private clubs. As a result, Hearse emphasized that it is more important than ever for clubs to position themselves as employers of choice, offering competitive compensation and a best-in-class workplace culture to attract team members across all areas of the operation.
At the same time, demand for golf, tennis, and club amenities continues to remain strong. While this indicates a healthy appetite for the club lifestyle, it also creates operational pressure around volume and access. Hearse noted that clubs must find creative ways to encourage usage during off-peak times in order to manage capacity without compromising service quality. At Westmount, this has included thoughtful adjustments to food and beverage operating hours, aligning service more closely with member demand rather than reacting to inflation or supply chain pressures alone.
Member expectations, Hearse explained, have become increasingly sophisticated. Today’s members expect more than consistency; they expect anticipation and personalization. From a food and beverage and hospitality perspective, this means delivering experiences that feel intentional and tailored. Customization has become essential, with operators challenged to recognize individual preferences while still serving a broad membership base. Achieving this balance requires detailed planning, strong systems, and a culture built around service excellence.
Cost control remains top of mind, but Hearse is clear that it cannot come at the expense of the member experience. He describes the balance as delicate, requiring thoughtful menu planning, disciplined purchasing programs, and strong supplier partnerships. Members are generally willing to pay for quality and value a premium experience, but clubs must remain responsible stewards of their resources. Certain categories continue to create pressure, particularly proteins, where menu planning plays a key role in avoiding excessive price increases. Produce has also been a challenge, with rising costs for items like lettuce forcing clubs to rethink traditional menu structures, especially when members are reluctant to accept higher prices for salads.
Technology, Hearse noted, is playing a growing role in strategic decision-making. Tools such as online ordering platforms, reservation systems, and kitchen display systems have improved connectivity with members while providing valuable data to support forecasting, reporting, and operational efficiency. These insights allow hospitality teams to make more informed decisions throughout the season.
Hearse sees clear value in menu planning, rebates, and SKU consolidation when forecasting for the golf season. Understanding menu mix is essential to pricing in a way that balances member satisfaction with fiscal responsibility. Throughout the year, the team actively monitors market conditions, exploring substitutions and alternative cuts or bycatch proteins when appropriate, provided quality is never compromised.
When discussing Westmount’s partnership with Foodbuy Canada, Hearse was definite about the value of the relationship.
“Foodbuy has been an incredible partner for us,” he said. “Their communication, follow-up, and ongoing support set them apart. They consistently help us identify savings opportunities, monitor our purchasing, and flag alternative products or programs that allow us to manage costs without sacrificing quality. In a market that’s constantly changing, having a partner who is proactive and genuinely invested in our success makes a measurable difference.”
He also highlighted the importance of strong relationships with the Foodbuy team. Long-standing support from Foodbuy representatives has provided consistency, trust, and continuity through leadership changes and market shifts. Proactive outreach around promotions, comparable products, and seasonal opportunities has helped the Westmount team stay ahead of pricing pressures and availability challenges.
For clubs considering a procurement partner, Hearse’s advice is straightforward. In an ever-changing market, having a partner that helps navigate uncertainty, monitors purchasing performance, and supports operational efficiency can be a meaningful advantage. For Westmount Golf & Country Club, the partnership with Foodbuy Canada has played an important role in balancing rising member expectations with disciplined, strategic procurement allowing the team to focus on delivering an exceptional club experience, season after season.