by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
October proved to be another successful month, with total revenue exceeding Budget by $20,232. Despite negative variances to Prepaid Green Fees and Public Green Fees, Green Fee/Cart Fee revenue exceeded budget by $13,070. Increases in Green Fee/Cart Fee revenue continue to be driven by Sun City Resident play and their guests. Merchandise sales exceeded budget by $584 and Driving Range revenue exceeded budget by $2,403. For the month 23,523 golfers played in October, this was 2,881 more than the previous year.
October revenue performance and expense savings brought our Net Operating Deficit to a loss of $240,408, which is $38,990 behind budget. Since February we have reduced our variance to Net Operating Deficit by $102,309.
On November 30 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.
The December 2nd entry deadline for the Beat the Pro at Lakes West is quickly approaching; we encourage anyone wishing to play to sign up soon. As a reminder this event supports the Sun City Community Assistance Network. Our fund raising goal for this event is $2,500 and we currently have 37 players entered to play. Every non-professional will have a chance to win a Pebble Beach vacation for a hole in one on the 11th hole. Prizes will also be available on other par 3’s, for a hole in one. Lunch will be served at the Sundial Center following play.
Beginning December 1 and continuing through January 31 the first tee time will be 8:00 a.m. This change does not apply to Wednesday Men’s Day, the time on Wednesday will remain 7:30 a.m. This change will also not apply to the course the North Men’s Club is scheduled to play on Thursdays. This change was made two years ago to reduce the number of tee times lost to frost delays and to open more times for those wishing to play.
Snack Shops
Snack Shops exceeded budgeted goals by 34% or $11,227. Year-to-date the snack shops have a Net Operating Excess of $8,647, which is $25,506 ahead of budget. We continue to thank everyone for their support of the snack shops.
Golf Courses
Overseeding of the courses is complete and good weather has produced a healthy stand of turf. Courses are in various stages of mowing height. Fairway and Green height will be lowered incrementally as the turf matures. We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout the overseed process.
One of the most repeated comments at our Green Committee meetings, are the number of unrepaired ball marks and unfilled divots throughout the golf course. Unrepaired balls marks take up to three weeks to heal, a repaired ball mark will heal in half of that time. Unrepaired balls marks are a nuisance to everyone that has to putt through them. We ask all golfers to become a steward of the game by fixing your ball marks and filling your divots.