The Cleveland, Tenn., city council voted to enter into a leasing contract to keep the Waterville Golf Course open. In Baton Rouge, La., the park commission decided to not follow The National Golf Foundation’s recommendation to close some of its seven golf courses, instead opting to adjust prices and focus on maintenance.
The Cleveland (Tenn.) City Council voted January 26 to enter into a leasing contract with GSP Business Alliance in order to keep the Waterville Golf Course open, the Chattanooga (Tenn.)-based Chattanoogan reported.
Discussions were previously held regarding the closure of the Cleveland, Tenn., golf course because of the cost of upkeep. Formerly 18 holes, the course was also downgraded to nine over the past few years, the Chattanoogan reported.
One of the members of the course said, “18 holes will bring people in, nine won’t.” He noted that most golfers would not drive from out of town for such a small course and suggested expanding the course, the Chattanoogan reported.
It was also noted the course has a problem with water drainage, which can lead to fungus on the grass, the Chattanoogan reported.
A representative from GSP, Charles Morgan, told the council that HMS Golf, based out of Atlanta, would be responsible for the upkeep. The contract will begin March 1. He assured the council that the water problem could be fixed, the Chattanoogan reported.
Morgan also said that all employees will be able to stay and current members will be able to keep their membership rates. “When we first walked on that golf course, we were made to feel welcome. That staff down there is fantastic.” He said the staff and supporters had “been there through thick and thin.”
Golf pros from HMS would be available to give lessons and help organize junior golf, the Chattanoogan reported.
“Just getting people and interested and back, that’s the key,” Morgan said.
In Baton Rouge, La., the Recreation and Park Commission (BREC) leaders are taking small steps to improve their seven golf courses, but say they aren’t ready to follow a consultant’s recommendation to close some of the least-used courses, the Baton Rouge-based Advocate reported.
Golf courses both public and private have struggled throughout Baton Rouge over the past few years as the number of people teeing off nationally and regionally has dwindled. The National Golf Foundation suggested last month that BREC bring up the quality of all of its courses and close its two lowest-performing golf courses, Howell Park and J.S. Clark Park, both located on the north side of the city, the Advocate reported.
For the moment, BREC officials are focusing on maintenance recommendations and on quick fixes like adjusting prices charged to play on the courses. They hope to meet with the public in the first quarter of this year about possible closures and have people pitch ideas for what they might prefer instead of a golf course, the Advocate reported.
BREC leaders first will consider closing Howell and re-purposing it into a different kind of park. J.S. Clark will remain on the back burner for now, in large part because it’s located next to BREC’s Dumas Memorial golf course, and actions at one of the courses will affect the other, the Advocate reported.
“We’re taking some of the low-hanging fruit first,” said BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight.
BREC is investing in new equipment to spruce up the courses and make the greens greener, in hopes of attracting more players. Despite possible plans to close Howell, BREC Golf Director Michael Raby said they have brought up its quality to the highest level the course has seen in years, the Advocate reported.
BREC also is poised to soon open the J.S. Clark’s driving range at night. “I still hold out hope that we could get more people to play there,” Raby said.
The National Golf Foundation also advised BREC to increase annual golf pass prices, which the Board of Commissioners approved this week. Three of BREC’s passes are increasing by $50, making the five-course individual seven-day pass cost $600; the five-course senior seven-day pass cost $500; and the five-course senior four-day pass for Monday through Thursday cost $400, the Advocate reported.
Raby said BREC is still at the beginning of what he anticipates will be a long process of revamping golfing opportunities offered through the public park system, the Advocate reported.
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