In his own words: ArrowCreek GM Drew Yardley

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about ArrowCreek Country Club and the duties of your position.

Drew Yardley: ArrowCreek is a premier 36 hole championship golf destination. The Challenge course is private and is the pride of our membership, and the Legend course is a semi-private facility that currently allows outside play. We have the best practice facilities in northern Nevada, including two driving ranges, bunker complex, chipping complex, putting green and a nine-hole putting challenge. We are home to the Trevino Golf Institute that teaches only the finest young and accomplished players in the region. I work directly with a wonderful team that provides a membership experience to our members, tournaments, catering, outside events and weddings, along with the day-to-day operations of the club.

NNBW: How did you get into the golf profession?

Yardley: A love of the game and the values that translate to everyday life. I am originally from the East Coast and worked for years in the corporate arena, specifically in the software industry in New York City. I was relocated to the West Coast in 1997. I decided to make a lifestyle change in 2000 and entered to the golf industry as a consultant for a resort destination project in Mexico.

NNBW: People often think working in the golf industry is all play and no work — how false is that assumption?

Yardley: My scoring index is up since I began my career.

NNBW: What are the main challenges the regional economic downturn brought about for ArrowCreek, and how did you strategize to overcome them?

Yardley: We are very fortunate to have a wonderful practice facility and 36 holes of championship golf and positive members here at ArrowCreek. We are constantly trying new programs that allow new players to experience the game and programs that promote membership and the membership experience. We have so many programs to fit the occasional golfer all the way up to the full membership experience at a country club. We are currently running a program that allows for discounted rounds all year long on the Legend Course by Arnold Palmer that is the best deal in Reno for the occasional player.

NNBW: What was your first job?

Yardley: I was a bartender in New York City. I highly recommend living in a big city to anyone for a period in their life.

NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren’t you working it?

Yardley: I am living my dream.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter the golf profession?

Yardley: Plan a path and make goals for yourself. Perseverance is paramount in this industry.

NNBW: What do you like most about your job?

Yardley: Every day brings new challenges, successes and obstacles.

NNBW: Do you golf in your spare time? How do you spend your time away from work?

Yardley: I love the game and enjoy playing when I can. I love living in Reno and all that Tahoe has to offer. I consider myself a bit of a foodie and enjoy cooking and exploring all of the wonderful restaurants and hideaways in our area.

NNBW: Ever hit a hole in one (or a double eagle)?

Yardley: The short answer is no, never. A few at Magic Carpet Golf, though.

NNBW: If you could get a do-over, what’s one part of your career you would change?

Yardley: I would keep replaying the 2007-2008 year over and over

NNBW: What has been your biggest professional accomplishment?

Yardley: I am not there yet. I have some lofty goals ahead of myself.

NNBW: What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

Yardley: My dad. He is a brilliant man and incredibly modest.

NNBW: What can you do that someone else can’t?

Yardley: My left arm is double jointed as a result of a botched elbow surgery when I was 11 — I blame it for the occasional snap with my long irons.

NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?

Yardley: Absolutely — but I would want to own and operate a golf resort.

NNBW: What’s your idea of the perfect vacation?

Yardley: A completely remote destination, soaking in the culture, the food and the sun.

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?

Yardley: I remember when I first moved to Reno because of a work relocation from the East Coast. My mother cried. My parents visited me not long after and fell in love with the area and with Lake Tahoe. People from all over the world travel to Tahoe because of its beauty. I have the luxury of living here, and I have never looked back nor regretted the move, and I certainly don’t take it for granted.

Know someone whose perspective you would like to share with readers? Email reporter Rob Sabo at rsabo@nnbw.biz or call 775-850-2146.