by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
Total rounds for July decreased by 8.9% compared to prior year, due in large part to the closure of Willowcreek and Willowbrook. Though rounds were down, daily green fee and cart fee revenue exceeded budgeted goals. For the year, total revenue has exceeded both budget and prior year.
We currently have 96 participants signed up to participate in our “Patriot Day” golf event on August 31. This total is slightly ahead of the 88 participants we had last year. “Patriot Golf Day” was organized with the help of PGA of America to raise funds for the Folds of Honor Foundation. The money raised is used to fund scholarships for spouses and children of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our country. Money raised from the tournament will be added to dollars collected by our starters from August 31 through September 5.
Snack Shops
Despite the closure of the Willow snack shop, revenue exceeded budget considerably. For the year, the snack shops have exceeded budget and remain ahead of prior year. Snack Shops continue to have a regularly scheduled closing time of 1:00pm, however, this closing time can be extended based on demand. The snack shop at South has closed in preparation for the clubhouse demolition. Services during this time will be very limited and golfers are encouraged to bring their own water and ice during this time, as well as any food items that are needed.
Courses
Overseeding will begin on October 1 on North, Lakes West and Quail Run. These courses will reopen October 20, with cart path restrictions in place until November 9. The remaining courses will close October 22 and reopen November 10 with cart path restrictions in place until November 23.
The Willowcreek/Willowbrook project will complete on schedule and both courses are expected to open by November 10. The installation of the irrigation has progressed to the back 9. Once completed, nearly 4000 irrigation heads and over 50 miles of pipe will have been installed. The most recently completed parts of the project will have less time to heal than previous projects, which will result in some areas not fully healing before the summer growing season is over. These areas will be the most noticeable in non-overseeded areas.
Lawn Bowling/Grounds
The greens at Bell and Lakeview are progressing as anticipated and will be tested in September to ensure as level a surface as possible. Poles for scoreboards are being relocated to an area farther away from the green surface. The relocation will remove them from the path of irrigation water.
The grounds crew remains busy with regular maintenance. The extremely active monsoon season has also kept the crew busy with clean up.
