ROCK SPRINGS — White Mountain Golf Course’s new PGA Golf Professional might be new to Rock Springs, but he’s been part of the game since he was a child.

Aaron Allred was hired in January to replace longtime pro, Chris Harwood, who retired in 2013. Allred began golfing at the age of eight, with his dad and grandfather. “I would help on the farm during the day and then we would golf at night,” Allred said.

A Wyoming native, Allred grew up in Star Valley and learned the game on the lush courses there. He played golf throughout his childhood; but in high school, he focused on football instead. He dug out his clubs again in college, where he was enrolled in premed studies at Dixie College and Utah State.

Allred said he made a 180 degree change in his major and decided to go pro. He started working at golf courses in college and when he graduated, Allred began working on his PGA status.

He has been head golf pro at three other golf courses – Coral Canyon Golf Course in St. George, Utah; Sedona Golf Resort in Sedona, Arizona and Star Valley View Golf Course in Afton, Wyoming.

“There are many sides of golf that I like,” Allred explained. “After high school, I found I could continue to compete with golf. I like how hard the game is and how many variables are involved. I also like golf courses and the relaxed feeling I get when I am there, it is like therapy for me. I think a golf course is the prettiest spot in any town.”

Allred said he is excited to be a part of the many changes taking place at the White Mountain Golf Course. Over the winter months, the Pro Shop received a complete makeover with new paint, tile, display fixtures and lighting. “This is the first renovation in 35 years, other than carpet changes,” Allred said.

Other changes include removing dated paneling, adding a relaxing lounge with a TV in a former storage area and rerouting customers. “Golfers will now have direct access from the Pro Shop to the locker rooms, instead of having to go outside,” Allred said.

In addition to cosmetic changes, new merchandise is arriving daily for inventory. Allred said he is eager to show off the new line of Under Armour clothing, hats, jackets and backpacks. “We will also have a big line of Nike products and scattering of Adidas items. We will try to be competitive with other places by having a diverse selection and offering better customer service and convenience,” said Allred.

David Lansang, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Rock Springs, said he is excited to help usher in a new era at the facility.

“We have a fresh start with new faces, a new logo, more lines of merchandise and a different pricing philosophy. This is a more youthful, progressive approach,” Lansang said. “We will have a more conservative profit margin than what has been seen in the past. It’s not all about money; it’s about serving the customer. We want customers to come here instead of shopping online.”

Allred said he is grateful to be working at a facility that has enough resources to be able to offer a broad selection of merchandise and also the opportunity to teach. “Once we get fully staffed, I want to have weekly junior clinics to keep kids more involved throughout the year. I would like to cultivate local talent and get more kids excited about the game,” Allred explained.

“I would also like to focus some efforts in getting a Women’s League back up and running. I plan on taking trips to special destinations in the summer and winter, too. With the connections I have in St. George, I also want to plan a Men’s Association Trip,” Allred said.

The thing he is looking most forward to in his new job is getting to know the golfers in the area and the people in the community, Allred said. “In the past, I have established good relationships in every spot I have been. I’ve made some real good friends in the golf community. When interviewing for the job here, it was a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Everyone I have worked with so far has been a big help. I want to thank Dave, Grant Yaklich and his staff for getting things ready for me,” said Allred.

“I also appreciate the hard work Chris Harwood put in during his time here,” Allred said. “He built golf here in Rock Springs and it is impressive what he has done as a PGA professional. I look forward to playing with him, getting to know him and seeing him around the course.”

Allred may be new to the area, but patrons will see one familiar face at the Pro Shop when it opens. Brett Veesart, Assistant Golf Professional, is back this season and is looking forward to showing off the changes at the facility. “I have literally grown up here,” Veesart said. “It is fun to be a part of the changes taking place. Aaron and I are on the same page with things.”

The community is invited to visit the Pro Shop when it opens on at 9am, Monday, March 17, 2014. Patrons can meet Allred, buy memberships and check out the new merchandise. Allred said clearance merchandise will be drastically reduced to make room for fresh displays. In addition, the driving range will be open, weather permitting, and there will be refreshments and door prize drawings. During the month of March, the Pro Shop will be open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

Allred said he encourages new golfers to visit the facility, too. “Once we open the entire course, I want to have tee times for families in the evening where things are a bit less strict. Younger kids can come and practice at a slower pace on the new nine holes, which aren’t utilized as much as the rest of the course. If you have ever thought about golfing, but are apprehensive about the experience, come see my staff. We will make learning easy and the transition fun.”

Allred and his wife, Cindy, are newlyweds with five children between them. He said his two best friends from high school live here and also his brother-in-law. “We are looking forward to spending time with family and friends and getting involved in the community, too.”