In a sport that’s traditionally been slow to embrace change, Joyel Singfield’s new job as general manager of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club is another sign of a game in transition.
Singfield, who has served as the venerable golf course’s acting GM since her predecessor, Guy Prevost, left the club last March, will make Royal Ottawa history on Tuesday when she officially becomes the first woman general manager in the club’s 128 years of existence.
“Being the first is humbling, and it’s nice to be recognized,” says Singfield, who started working at the private Gatineau club in 2007 as the membership and communications director before being promoted to clubhouse manager in 2015.
A former entrepreneur who co-owned an Aylmer tea room, banquet facility and folk art studio called Tea ’n Tole from 1995-2005, Singfield says she’s had “wonderful feedback” from members since her appointment was announced a couple of weeks ago.
“I’m really hoping that now that that ceiling is broken, we don’t have to consider it anymore,” she says.
In her past life as a business owner, Singfield had to negotiate contracts with suppliers and work with the City of Gatineau and the National Capital Commission, experience that will come in handy in her new job. Although she concedes she wasn’t much of a golf enthusiast until she became employed at the Royal Ottawa, she says she now truly appreciates “the passion for the game” exhibited by her members.
“Golf is at a pivotal time right now,” Singfield says. “The industry is changing, and we recognize that based on the needs and time that people have for a sport like this. It’s really exciting for me to be part of that change, because I think there’s so much more that we can explore and do in how people use a golf club like ours, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
