To Dustin Zdan, Whitehorse's Mountain View Golf Course will always be his course, even though he's moving on after eight years as the superintendent.

Zdan will be leaving the territory in February, to take a position with the Connaught Golf Club in Medicine Hat, Alta. As superintendent, he was responsible for all of the care and maintenance of the course during the on and off season.

'It's been a really tough decision,' said Zdan in an interview Tuesday. 'I've been here for eight years, at Mountain View, eight great years. But it's a great career opportunity for me. It was probably the toughest decision of my life.

'I really do consider it my golf course, so it's sad ... but exciting.'

The decision was tough not only because of the amount of time spent in the Yukon, but also because of the friends he's made and because while Zdan and his wife moved to the territory alone in 1997, all three of their children were born here.

'I've gotten very close to a lot people at the golf course and all the people on the board. And the welcoming and warm attitude of the community here is something that will definitely be carried with me always.

'All three of my children are going to forever have Yukon on their birth certificate.'

It was family that tipped the scale for Zdan when he was trying to decide whether to take the job down South, since he is originally from Winnipeg and his parents still live there. This way, he will be closer to home.

The superintendent got his start in Winnipeg, where he earned a plant science degree at the University of Manitoba before moving to Guelph, Ont., where he picked up a diploma in turf management. He worked at a golf course in Winnipeg for several summers while in high school and college, and he applied for the position in Whitehorse immediately after graduating from the University of Guelph.

'Me and my wife thought, Oh, we could do six months up here,'' he laughed. 'Next thing I know, it's eight years.'

If the officials at Mountain View had their way, it would be several more.

General Manager Chris Graham is always singing his praises, as was previous GM Blaine Tessier.

'Actually, he was one of the positive aspects of my coming up here,' said Graham, who has been in charge for two years but knew Zdan personally before hand. 'I knew his qualifications and what kind of person he is.

'Not singlehandedly, but he's mainly responsible for the success, the maturing of this golf course to where it is now. Especially in the last two years. He's been the most valuable employee at the golf course, probably ever.'

Graham said while Zdan was technically his employee, it was more like a partnership and they would always make decisions side by side.

He said for that reason, it's hard to see him go, but at the same time Graham is very excited for Zdan.

'The golf course is losing a tremendous superintendent and a tremendous person. He's a friend to everybody.

'But, it's for all the right reasons. He's moving to a better place for him and his family, so you have to be happy for him.'

Course president Wes Worth also spoke very highly of Zdan when contacted Tuesday.

'We at Mountain View Golf Course are sad to see him go, but we understand this is a a great opportunity and we wish him the best of luck. He will be missed.'

Zdan returned the sentiment to all three men, saying there have been nothing but positive things happening with the club since he's been here.

'It's moved so far in the short time I've been here and it's just going to keep getting better.'

Zdan said his experiences at Mountain View have prepared him for anything, and though he has only spent a few days in Medicine Hat during the interview process he's feeling very positive about his future there.

'What struck me was how similar everything was to here. It's a larger population, but it's still like a small town. The golf course is a nonprofit society, run by a volunteer board. And the City of Whitehorse and City of Medicine Hat ... it's just eerie how similar I found them to be.

'This (Whitehorse) is obviously a great place to raise a family, so that was pretty key for us when we looked elsewhere, and I think it will be good.'

He said the golf course layout itself is pretty much what he expected, saying there's nothing really like Mountain View, in terms of trees and space, but it has all the amenities. The one thing he will miss about the local course is the natural light during the summer.

'The uniqueness of being able to tee off at 10 at night, obviously that is just something that is solely Mountain View. Nobody else can ever hold a candle to it.'

Zdan said he's already had a few local golfers let him know they'll be visiting him in Medicine Hat, and he hopes to be able to return all of the favors and hospitality, providing them with tee times.

And if the new superintendent at Mountain View needs any advice, he's always willing to help.

'Obviously I'm always going to be just a phone call away if things come up.'

Graham said the golf course is already working on finding a new superintendent, mostly through industry advertising.

'People don't realize how much work is actually involved over the winter time. Just because it's snowy and cold doesn't mean the golf business stops for the year.'

Graham said there will also be local advertising. He said if someone from the Yukon is qualified for the position, that would be great, but 'you have to get the best wherever they come from.'