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Widgi Creek owners Barry Helm, 46, and his wife, Krista Helm, 38, started “The Spa” at Widgi Creek in May. In addition to massages in this massage room, the spa offers facials, hair-removal treatments and hair services.
Andy Tullis / The Bulletin
Bend golf club gets the spa treatment
Widgi Creek owners wanted to add something for the nongolfers
By Kimberly Bowker / The Bulletin
Published: July 07. 2009 4:00AM PSTBarry and Krista Helm had a history as business owners even before they met, married and purchased Widgi Creek Golf Club in Bend.
Barry Helm, 46, who graduated from Portland State University with a bachelor’s degree in business, was a co-owner of All Transmission Parts with his brother in Portland.
Krista Helm, 38, who received a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University in exercise and sports science, co-owned Keysa Construction in Albany and a tennis shop in Portland.
This year, their business ventures continue with “The Spa” at Widgi Creek.
The spa, owned by Krista Helm, opened in May. She decided to start a spa in February and three months later the back of the clubhouse was remodeled for a full-service salon and spa offering massage, facials, hair-removal treatments and hair services.
“I always liked the atmosphere and thought it would be a good venture,” she said about opening a spa.
Krista Helm, a self-described “spa junkie,” enjoyed visiting spas with her sister while on vacation and took copious notes, which proved useful.
The new addition to Widgi Creek Golf Club, although a separate company, is designed to attract customers and add a competitive edge in the local public golf course industry, according to Barry Helm, owner of the golf club. Customers also can utilize a restaurant, swimming pool, tennis courts, and banquet and wedding services.
The spa gives nongolfers an activity to enjoy, according to Krista Helm, including wives who may not golf.
“Then guys don’t get in as much trouble when they want to golf,” she said. “It’s like, ‘Sure, go ahead, do another 18 holes. I’ll get my hair done.’”
Barry Helm purchased the golf course, which had gone into bankruptcy, through a private auction in 2005. Originally from Portland, he spent two years in the early 1980s attending Central Oregon Community College on a basketball scholarship.
“I wanted to move back to Bend, but I wanted a job,” he said. “Widgi Creek was going through bankruptcy at the time and that fit the ticket of what I wanted to do.”
The Helms made numerous improvements to the course, including new golf carts, carpet, tee boxes, machinery and cart paths.
“The list is so long,” Barry Helm said. “The place was in bankruptcy and literally, for a couple years, it was neglected.”
Improvements continue. This year, new greens were installed on seven holes at a cost of about $10,000 per green.
Widgi Creek is offering early twilight specials this season, starting at 1 p.m. instead of 3:30 p.m., and other enticements.
All prices are lower this year, according to Barry Helm, to try to attract local golfers. It seems to be working.
“So far this summer, we haven’t noticed a dramatic reduction in rounds,” he said. “Things are going to be better than I thought.”
The spa also is promoting specials, including men’s day on Thursday with $10 off massages and a $15 haircut with a free beer, and ladies day on Wednesdays, with $10 off full-service treatments and a signature spa drink.
“Specials are built into advertising,” Krista Helm said. “The spa is new, so we had to come up with ideas to get people in.”
Barry Helm works hard on maintaining the course, he said. He also tries to focus on local players.
“We want to be the locals’ favorite golf course,” he said.
The Helms anticipate the club will get busier this summer with children on summer break, improved weather and extended daylight.
“I expect to hopefully have a great year,” Barry Helm said. “So far, so good.”
Q: Does operating a spa in the clubhouse provide Widgi Creek a competitive advantage?
A: Krista Helm: Competition is at its height, opening a spa can only create increased business. “The Spa” and Widgi Creek have brought walk-in traffic to both businesses since the spa’s opening May 15, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.
Q: Who is your typical clientele and what type of people are you trying to attract to the club?
A: Krista Helm: The Widgi Creek residents have been a wonderful addition of clientele, combined with our independent contractors’ previous clientele (who followed the contractors to the Widgi spa). I can’t say that there is a “type” we are trying to attract, but of course year-round clients are a factor in continued success.
Q: How does opening the spa add to the atmosphere and purpose of the golf club? What is your total vision of the club and what are you trying to achieve?
A: Krista Helm: Opening a spa has upgraded the atmosphere at the clubhouse. There is a need for a full-service spa at this location considering we are in a clubhouse, neighborhood and border the Seventh Mountain Resort. Our vision is to create a well-rounded facility that all the public can enjoy whether you are a golfer or not. We have something for everyone.
Q: What is the most enjoyable part about running and operating a golf club in Central Oregon?
A: Barry Helm: The ... daily interaction with our customers, employees and working in an environment that has such a beautiful setting.
Q: What are some future plans for the companies?
A: Barry Helm: Our goal is to continue to offer a fun, yet affordable championship caliber golf course for both locals and visitors alike.
Kimberly Bowker can be reached at 541-617-7815 or kbowker@bendbulletin.com.
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