Jacob Von Deylen is the new course pro at Maxwelton. (Photo by James Costello)

SYRACUSE — Maxwelton Golf Club members got a look at their new director of golf during an open house at the course last Thursday.

Jacob Von Deylen made his official introduction to Maxwelton members at Thursday’s event, giving the 20-year golf veteran from Defiance, Ohio a chance to meet and greet a packed house at the historic club.

“We had a great turnout. Probably 100 guests showed up for that,” recalled Von Deylen of the open house. “I talked and gave background on myself and kind of the vision and the plans for 2019 out here at Maxwelton. Obviously, it was a good time to meet a lot of people that I hadn’t met yet.”

Von Deylen was hired on in December by new club owners Don Gunden, Scott Tuttle, Ryan Thwaits, John Hull and Rodney Lung, becoming the first course pro at Maxwelton since former owner/ pro Bob Carlson passed in March of 2018. Von Deylen respects the foundation that Carlson laid, and he and the club’s new owners are leaving much in place. But, after two decades in the business, Von Deylen also has some ideas of his own, some of which are already being implemented.

“Most things are staying the same as all the years past that have worked for Maxwelton. We are continuing a lot of things that Bob Carlson did but also making some changes,” explained Von Deylen. “We are adding a new Tuesday night league, a few new outings. We are promoting a membership drive to entice the younger players to keep the game of golf going and to support golf.”

Under that membership drive — which is designed to entice new blood to the course and to the game of golf in general and began March 1 — current members receive a $100 discount to their fees in exchange for referrals of new members. The goal that’s been set is 50 new members under the age of 50, and so far the response has been good, says Von Deylen.

“I know it’s a busy golf course, but I hope we can take care of our members but also increase public play, increase membership, leagues, outings; increase the women’s play; increase the junior play. That’s my goal personally for Maxwelton,” he said.

But Von Deylen isn’t all that’s new at Maxwelton. The clubhouse and pro shop have already been given a facelift, there’s a fleet of brand new, state-of-the-art carts, and the restaurant is expanding its menu, too.

“We’ve got 60 brand new Yamaha golf carts that are top-of-the-line — USB ports in them, built-in coolers, the whole 9 yards with QuieTech engines. The whole building got a facelift. We’re getting new equipment for the maintenance side of things. Just a lot of updates that have freshened it up and given it more of a livelier feel,” Von Deylen said.

“Come on out, golfers or non-golfers. Come out and see the changes,” he added. “The menu is increasing, the quality of food, more food options. We are looking to increase that with our dining room over time. That is open to everybody, not just golfers. They can come out for drinks on the patio, appetizers, all the way to dinner at night eventually.”

Von Deylen offers personal instruction to golfers of all skill levels. Rates are $40 for one 45-minute session or $100 for three 45-minute lessons. You can contact him at the course pro shop at (574) 457-4055. For more info on Maxwelton, go to www.maxweltongolf.com.