by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
Total revenue for October increased by 2% compared to previous year. All categories exceeded previous year, with the exception of merchandise sales. Total daily green fee/cart fee revenue increased by $5,564, driving range revenue increased by $608 and merchandise sales decreased by $2,108.
Year-to-date daily green fee/cart fee revenues have increased $80,012 from 2011, despite a $39,566 decrease in outside play. The bulk of this increase has come from the daily play of cardholders not holding one of the RCSC annual passes. Daily surcharge, guest play and cart rental revenue are also up considerably from 2011.
We have 78 players signed up to play in the inaugural “Beat the Pro’s” event. As a reminder this event supports the Sun City Prides. Our fund raising goal through the entry fee, raffle prizes and other contests is $2000. Every non-professional will have a chance to win a Pebble Beach vacation for a hole-in-one on hole #11. Hole-in-one prizes will also be available on other par 3’s. Lunch will be served at the Fairway Center following play.
Beginning December 1st and continuing through January 31st the first tee time will be 8:00 a.m.. This change does not apply to Wednesday Men’s Day or Ladies Team Play days, the time for these exceptions will remain 7:30 a.m. This change was made last year to reduce the number of tee times lost to frost delays and to open more times for those wishing to play mid day.
Golf Courses
Overseeding has been completed on all courses and cart path only restrictions have been lifted on all golf courses. Mowing heights have been gradually lowered throughout this process and are now mowed to normal playing heights. Green speed may noticeably slower until the winter grass has reached maturity.
As was decided last year, the beginning date for overseeding was later than previous years. This change was made to offset the extended summer temperatures we experienced in previous years. We have had great cooperation from the weather this year, resulting in very good overseeding conditions.
The cooler temperatures also change our fertilizer program, utilizing liquid fertilizers instead of granular fertilizers. Golfers can expect to see NGM staff members spraying on a regular basis.
Snack Shops
Snack shop revenue for October exceeded prior year by $545 and exceeded budget by $1,447. We continue to thank everyone for the ongoing support for the snack shops.
Snack shops have begun their winter hours and are now open until 5:00 p.m., closing times may vary based on weather and observed holidays.