Our Neighbors to the North

As I was driving down I-95 the other day, I noticed that quite a few license plates were from Quebec.  I couldn’t believe it was already that time again when the French-Canadians make the annual pilgrimage to South Florida for their snowbird season.   Mile after mile, there they were, cars and RVs packed with suitcases – even pulling trailers, all with the tell-tale license plates “Quebec – Je me souviens”.

The Canadian flag is flown along with the American flag at the Woodlands Country Club

The influx of French-Canadians never had too much effect on me when I lived out in the West part of Broward County, but now that I live in the Woodlands, I realize their annual pilgrimage is extremely vital for the survival of the Woodlands and for the Woodlands Country Club.

The private country club lifestyle is slowly dying out, and the Woodlands Country Club is no exception.  Back during the inception of the Woodlands, most of the residents belonged to the club.  Whether they played golf, tennis, and cards or just joined to dance and dine, the country club was the center of all the social activities.   Gradually over the years, and partially through attrition, more and more people that moved into the Woodlands did not join the club.   From a high of over 700 in its heyday, the club’s membership is now under 300.     Unable to entice our residents and local citizens, the club administration looks north to Canada in search of snowbirds to join during their six month sojourn south.

The Country Club's driving range was busy with Canadians last year.

Woodlands Resident and Golf Instructor Catherine Pyrpirus, takes an annual trip to visit golf clubs all over Quebec.    Because she also speaks French, she is the country club’s best diplomat to do this. Her mission is to sign up as many Canadians as possible to become members of the club during their stay in Fort Lauderdale.     This year, she successfully signed up over 100 families who will be enjoying the club during their winter stay.

Canadian members know how to have a great time at the Woodlands Country Club during their visit to South Florida.

Golf memberships aren’t the only source of revenue from the Canadians.   They also dine, drink at the bar and buy merchandise from the pro shop.    The six months they are here, the country club comes alive with dinner dances and happy hours.   According to Operations Manager, Steve Buck, the revenue generated from the Canadian memberships is vital in keeping the country club private.  It’s also what keeps the staff employed and golf courses maintained throughout much of the year.

Next time you see cars driving through with Canadian plates, or even hear French spoken around the golf course, don’t forget to wave or tell them “Bievenue!”    Our Canadian friends are the lifeblood of the country club and the Woodlands, albeit, for six months.