“ The developer had golf courses within the subdivisions , and I opened and operated those courses while the houses were built ,” he explained .
Gardner eventually made his way back to the Kansas City metro area and began Orion in 2000 with Roberts . Today Orion Golf works with nine golf facilities in Kansas City , one in Chicago , and one 36-hole property in Dallas , TX . resilience , strategic planning , and more . Just as these qualities are essential in the game of golf , they are equally critical to running a business . From the initial assessment of the golf property to its transformation and ongoing management , each step is meticulously planned and executed . His approach reflects the values he adopted as a player : precision , strategic thinking , and an undying commitment to excellence .
This business champion now employs his strategic prowess to manage some of the finest golf courses in the Midwest and other locations throughout the country . His ambition to shape the future of the sport is evident in every venture he undertakes , carving an enviable niche for himself and his management company .
But what exactly does Orion do for golf facilities ? The team covers the gamut from course maintenance , merchandise , golf , hiring , food and beverage , payroll , accounting , and more .
“ We manage courses for people who cannot manage them themselves ,” explained Gardner , whose company has been hired by banks , colleges , and cities to run golf courses because they do not have the expertise to scale their operations like Gardner and his team have .
Orion managed , Indian Creek is rated among the top public golf courses in the Dallas – Ft . Worth Metroplex . It offers 36 holes of championship golf with two distinctly different 18-hole courses situated along the Trinity River in the northern Dallas suburb of Carrollton .
Gardner ’ s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the value of adaptability and continuous learning . His ability to channel his passion for golf into a successful business enterprise showcases the potential for professionals like himself to reinvent themselves . In a sport that often focuses on individual players and their performances , Gardner ’ s focus is on creating either shortterm or long-term strategies for clients , developing business plans , assisting with as-needed consulting services , and tending to the daily management of a facility or simply to an event to reach each client ’ s goals . Each client has the opportunity to choose a service that meets their needs , and that best suits their facility .
Gardner proudly reflects on his early years working at that golf course in Nebraska as his initial foray into this niche .
“ We are more efficient at times than banks and government municipalities ,” he said . “ When a company gets too big , it can lose its attention to detail . That is where we can help .”
Gardner describes Orion as a boutique company where the benefits for the clients translate to less stress and fewer worries about anything other than meeting with the Orion management team periodically .
“ We work with clients on a budget and a business plan ,” stated Gardner , whose team does a majority of the planning during the wintertime to allow the golf facilities to get a running start when the golf season is in full swing .
“ We bring a heightened state of awareness for the operations we service ,” said Gardner , who understands the parallels between golf and business , both of which require attention to detail , patience ,
“ The owners there were quite savvy and well ahead of their time ,” reflected Gardner . “ I learned so much from them . It was almost like getting a master ’ s degree in business .”
Gardner still makes time to get out on the golf course just to play a round or two , but his drive to succeed with respect to Orion is unmistakable . He and his business partner continue to shape the world of golf , leaving an indelible impact on the sport .
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Ann Butenas is a contributing writer for the Midwest Section PGA . For more information about the Midwest Section PGA , call 816.229.6493 or visit www . midwest . pga . com .
TeeTimesMagazine . com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE JULY 2023 13