Golf Dome’s owner: Let it snow

Bad weather means good business for Jim St. George.

By Greg Gulas

BOARDMAN — Working part-time at his full-time job and full-time at his part-time job might be the best way to describe Jim St. George, general manager of Girard’s Creekside Golf Dome and Sports Complex.

Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s weekly luncheon meeting at the Blue Wolf Banquet Center, St. George said he would have it no other way.

“I might be the only area golfer who prays for bad weather so those wishing to still hit the links can come by and use our Golf Dome and Sports Complex,” he said.

“This area is truly a golf hotbed. Our area was voted the fourth best golf market nationwide in a recent study,” St. George.

Alabama was No. 1 and Myrtle Beach was 14th.

“Taking into account proximity and affordability, that’s quite impressive,” said St. George. “While we can choose from over 50 golf courses within a 100 mile radius, we might very well have been ranked higher with more consistent weather.”

The complex is celebrating its 10th year yet isn’t considered a one-dimensional facility.

“Those who visit have the option of playing one of 33 golf courses on our simulator. That includes Firestone, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews among others while we even offer two-man leagues,” said St. George.

“We’ve developed a great relationship with the Hillside Rehabilitation Center and while it costs $425 to play a round at Pebble Beach, you can play an hour on our ‘Pebble Beach’ for just $25.”

Chip Olenick, former owner of Countryside Golf Course was added to the staff as the PGA professional. The Golf Dome also hosts baseball, soccer and youth NFL tournaments, St. George said.

“We’ve also had dog shows, corn-hole tourneys, 4-on-4 and 8-on-8 football tournaments as well as model airplane shows, just to give you an idea of the building’s diversity,” he said.

St. George just completed his first season as the boys golf coach at Warren JFK and also serves as the executive director of the First Tee of the Mahoning Valley.

“Our goal is to win a state championship and this past season, with Boo Timko earning second team all-state honors, we feel that we are on the right track,” he noted.

The mission of First Tee is to provide learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life enhancing values through golf.

First Tee’s nine core values include: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgement, St. George said.

“My two favorites are confidence and perseverance, but all core values teach life skills for the game of golf,” he added.

Poland’s girls golf team, which won the Division II state championship, and Ariel Witmer of South Range, who won the individual state title in Div. II, were honored at the luncheon.

“Ariel qualified for the state tournament as both a freshman and sophomore, narrowly missed her junior year and this past season shot two unbelievable rounds to set the all-time girls’ mark en-route to state honors,” said South Range coach Larry Barth.

“The third time was definitely the charm in her case,” Raiders head coach Larry Barth said.

Bulldogs honored included Lauren Erdel, Emma Romanko, Lindsay Watts, Angela Molasky, Samantha Cox, Mariah Groner, Meridith McKay, Allison Mitzel and Maria Mancini.

“It’s a dream for every coach and player to get to the state championship, but to win it is just an honor and privilege and an experience that you will never, ever forget,” said Poland coach Judy Young.

“Our girls worked so hard all season, formed a real sisterhood and I just cannot tell you how proud I am of their accomplishment.”

Next week, Jim Campbell, Clear Channel Radio sports director, will be the featured speaker.