by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
With good weather, we were able to post positive results over prior year, for the first time this year. Green Fee/Cart Fee Revenue was $4,716 ahead of budget, a 1% increase. Merchandise was $1,802 ahead of budget, a 7% increase and Driving Range revenue was $519 ahead of budget a 2% increase. Total revenue was $7,155 or 1% ahead of budget.
The small gains to budget brought our 1st quarter revenue deficit down to $149,348. Total operating expenses for the quarter were down $7,929.
On March 4 & 5, South hosted Glendale Community College and several other community colleges from the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference. Fifty-four golfers put their skills to the test during the event. Scottsdale Community College was the first place team, followed by South Mountain Community College. A score of 68 was the lowest round recorded for the two day event. This is the second consecutive year South was chosen to host this event. The event generated $4,074 in revenue over the two days.
Our first night tournament of the year was a success, with 56 participants testing their skills in the dark. Our second night event is scheduled for April 27 and will be held at Willowbrook; entries are available at each pro shop. The entry fee is $25.00. Participants will receive a “night” ball, dinner and night golf accessories. Check-in is 6:00 p.m., dinner served at 6:30 p.m. and the event scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.
The free March clinics, hosted by our local professionals, were well attended. Classes were held on the first four Saturdays. The lowest attendance of 38 golfers was on March 9, which suffered from poor weather. The highest attendance was March 16, with 58 golfers. Total attendance for the month was 197 golfers.
Snack Shops
As is usually the case, Snack Shop revenue mirrored Pro Shop performance, posting positive gains to budget. For the month Snack Shop revenue was $4,102 ahead of budget. As a reminder, beginning April 29, the snack shops will begin closing at 3:00 p.m.
Maintenance
With a stretch of above normal temperatures, Bermuda grass began growing and the rye grass began showing signs of stress. In an effort to maintain playing conditions watering has been increased throughout the courses. Unfortunately, increased watering will result in wet spots, particularly in low lying areas and/or areas that are mown to a higher height. Green banks and slopes are the first areas to show signs of stress, excess water from these areas collect in low areas creating additional standing water.
In conjunction with the monthly green committee meetings, the course superintendents are conducting formal course visits attended by myself (Brian Duthu) and the owner of Mojo’s (formerly NGM) Jeffery Omahen. Items discussed by the Green Committee’s are given priority, followed by items identified during the visit. Any items needing correction are recorded and marked for follow up. Currently the focus is on developing consistent playing conditions from course to course.
Green aerification begins May 2 at Willowbrook and continues through May 13 at Quail Run. Golfers are encouraged to check the schedule to find a course that meets their needs. Due to the upcoming renovation the greens at North will not be aerified this year. Lakes West will not be aerified in the first round of courses. In an effort to reduce the number of aerifications, we will be aerifying Lakes West in July using larger tines and tighter spacing. The aggressive nature of this aerification will, most likely, lead to a longer recovery time for Lakes West.
The bunker renovation at Willowbrook will begin on May 6. Initially only the back nine will be closed, leaving the front nine open for play. The first part of June the front nine will close, leaving the entire course unavailable for play. Construction will continue through the end of July and the course opening will be determined at a later date, based on turf recovery.