by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
Total Golf revenue for September exceeded prior year by $8,845. Green fee/cart fee revenue exceeded prior year by $7,887, Merchandise exceeded prior year by $215 and driving range revenue exceeded prior year by $1,786. Performance to budget was even better, with total revenue exceeding budget by $15,774. Green fee/cart fee revenue exceeded budget by $ 12,201, merchandise exceeded budget by $876 and driving range revenue exceeded budget by $2,884
September revenue results and additional expense savings have allowed us to further chip away at our negative budget variance. Total YTD revenue is now $131,817 behind budget, an improvement of $24,685 since February. The Net Operating Deficit is now $73,170 behind budget, an improvement of $68,129 since February.
During overseeding fresh merchandise will be readied for display at Riverview and will be available for purchase when the shop reopens. Some current apparel items will be moved to Willowcreek/Willowbrook and will be marked down 20% from the original price.
Applications for the Beat the Pro(s) are now available in each golf shop and at Lakeview. As a reminder this event supports the Sun City Community Assistance Network and it is our hope to have a full field, our fund raising goal for this event is $2,500. In addition to the golf event, golf shops will also be supporting Sun City CAN by once again selling ducks in the pro shops. We have been successful the previous two years and hope to repeat our success again this year.
During the month of November the PGA teaching professionals will be conducting complimentary golf clinics at Lakes West. The clinics begin at 9:00 a.m. and will be held each Saturday. Clinics are open to all skill levels and do not require registration. This is a great opportunity to introduce a family member, friend or neighbor to the wonderful game of golf.
Snack Shops
Total Snack Shop revenue for September exceeded budgeted goals by $4,500, a 16% increase. Year to date, snack shops have a Net Operating Excess of $7,552, which is $20,529 ahead of budget.
Golf Courses
We have selected a contractor, Wadsworth Golf Construction, for the North Golf Course renovation. Throughout their 55 year history Wadsworth has built or renovated dozens of golf courses in the Golf Digest Top 100 around the country. Many of their renovations have been recognized by Golfweek, to be “Renovations of the Year”. They also have recent history with RCSC, having completed the 2011 Willowcreek renovation. They are currently in the pre-construction phase, with our architect Gary Brawley, to ensure all permitting is in place prior to the December 2nd start date.
On November 30th North will be hosting a “Texas Cup” tournament, utilizing an 8″ cup. The event is open to everyone and entry forms are available at each of the golf shops.
Overseeding has been completed on all courses, the courses currently closed (Lakes East, Riverview, South and Willowcreek) will reopen November 9th with cart restrictions in place. Willowbrook, Quail Run and Lakes West are scheduled to have cart restrictions lifted November 6th. Due to the upcoming renovation North has not been reseeded and does not have any cart restrictions.
Our recent purchase of green rollers, will allow for some experimentation this winter. During periods of slow growth we will alternate between mowing days and rolling days. This process will stress the plant less, while maintain acceptable green speeds. Rollers will also be used for sanctioned Men’s and Ladies club events and during the yearly green aerification process.