Quick 9: Iain Reston, PGA, Head Golf Professional – Cataraqui Golf & Country Club

Situated in Kingston near the vast scenic beauty of Lake Ontario, Cataraqui Golf & Country Club is one of the masterworks of Stanley Thompson, Canada’s greatest golf course designer.

As the only private golf course between the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa, it stands proudly as the premier members’ course in the region.

We spoke with Iain Reston, PGA, Cataraqui’s Head Golf Professional, about his love for golf, what an average day looks like, and how the use of optimization technology has positively impacted the member experience.

How would you describe your morning routine to kickstart your day? 

I sit down with a cup of coffee and read the news, get caught up on sports scores and standings. Deal with any emails that can be dealt with immediately and create my to-do list for the day, then head to the club. 

Has golf always been your first love? 

No, I grew up in a soccer family. Between soccer, hockey, and fishing, these were the activities I enjoyed as a kid, until I started golfing at the age of 12. After hanging out at the golf course all summer for a couple of years, I knew golf was the career for me.

Tell us about your role at Cataraqui. Why is it important? 

I am the Head Professional. I manage the Golf Operations from our daily play, leagues, tournaments and the Golf Academy. In this role, I have a Teaching Professional, an Associate Professional, and two Assistant Professionals who report directly to me. 

Each has their own area of responsibility to manage. I try as best as possible to give them their space while also providing them with the guidance and tools they need to be successful without over-managing them. Not only do I manage Golf Operations and serve as the face of the department, but I also act as a mentor to my assistants, which is an important aspect of my role.

Why has Cataraqui decided to invest in Tagmarshal? 

We decided to invest in Tagmarshal to provide our members with a better on-course experience by investing in GPS screens. Geofences have allowed us to protect specific areas of the golf course to improve turf health. This was a big win and a deciding factor with our Superintendent. Having the ability to track pace of play with every group and to do it automatically was another major factor in our decision.

Since implementing Tagmarshal, how have your members responded to the on-course experience? 

The members really enjoy having the GPS screens installed; this feature has really enhanced their experience. Allowing them to see what their current pace of play is has also enhanced the on-course experience for all, as it allows any group with a cart to see where they stand and if they need to speed up. Many members are now taking pride in being able to finish rounds under our pace of play time.

The geofencing has taken some time for many to get used to, and of course, we hear about it. As they get more used to it, they now know the majority of the areas we don’t want the carts to go and we receive less feedback.

Describe Tagmarshal in three words. 

Game Changing Tech.

What is your dream golf destination? Why?

South West Ireland. I have been lucky enough to play many of the renowned links courses in Scotland. South West Ireland has a lot of historic and new links courses that are must plays for any golfer.

Your best golf moment? 

Playing Carnoustie and the Old Course right after the Dunhill Links Championship in tour conditions with my two brothers-in-law. The best moment was the photo on the Swilcan Bridge at the Old Course. Can I have two? Having the opportunity to attend the Master’s this past year.

If you could be a caddie on Tour, whose caddie would you like to be and why?

This one may come with some controversy. When he was on the PGA Tour, Phil Mickelson. To be up close to watch him hit the incredible short game shots and understand his decisions to take on risk in so many different situations would be fascinating.