Hollister
– Ridgemark Golf and Country Club’s general manager of four
years began a new job Monday with a golf course in Minnesota.
Hollister – Ridgemark Golf and Country Club’s general manager of four years began a new job Monday with a golf course in Minnesota.
Eric Dietz has left his post. His wife, Leigh Dietz, executive director of San Benito County’s homeless shelter, will join him after their home is sold. Both the course and the homeless shelter are searching for new leadership. The course’s search may not begin until 2008.
Eric Dietz, 48, began as the course’s general manager in January 2003 and worked closely with local philanthropic and business organizations such as the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation.
“I think one of the biggest things we worked on as a team at Ridgemark was to build the bridge between the golf course and the community,” Dietz said.
In 2006, Ridgemark was named the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce’s hospitality business of the year.
But the club recently faced hardship and terminated its food service staff in January, citing financial woes.
“The golf business, being what it is right now, you’re always met with financial challenges,” Dietz said.
The general manager said his decision was a tough one, but had nothing to do with animosity toward Ridgemark.
“We spent quite a bit of time soul-searching,” Eric Dietz said.
On July 3, Dietz informed the club of his intention, having accepted an offer to become general manager of Rochester Golf and Country Club in Rochester, Minn. His new employer, Troon Golf Co., boasts 170 properties throughout the world and provides opportunities for advancement, he noted.
Mark Davis, president of Ridgemark’s board of directors, said Dietz did a fine job as general manager.
“Eric did a great job for us and he got a great opportunity,” Davis said. “We wish him the best.”
But it’s not just the local golf club missing a beat with the couple’s departure.
As a member of the San Benito County Homeless Task Force, Leigh Dietz helped get the homeless shelter up and running two years ago. She said she’s saddened to leave, but believes the shelter will continue its success.
“We got it started now, so I know it’s going to continue,” she said.
Dietz, who along with her husband is from the East Coast, said the couple look forward to having four seasons again.
As for replacing Eric Dietz at Ridgemark, the club’s board will spearhead a search for a new general manager. The process could be lengthy, but Dietz said the course is in good hands.
“Ridgemark will be fine,” he said.
The board is working on a plan for the next several decades, Davis said.
“We’re doing a master plan,” Davis said. “We’re involved in a whole bunch of things that will hopefully set the stage for the next 15 to 20 years.”
