City Council reviews Touchstone Golf Course's financial performance and community impact

In the heart of Santa Rosa's city hall, council members gathered on June 3, 2025, to discuss the future of the city's golf course, managed by Touchstone. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of responsibility as officials weighed the financial viability of the course against community engagement and operational efficiency.

The council's conversation centered on the golf course's revenue, which stood at $3.5 million this year. Members expressed a desire to ensure that the course does not continue to rely on the general fund for support. "We do not want to continue to subsidize the golf course," one council member stated, emphasizing the need for a sustainable financial model. The discussion highlighted the importance of comparing current performance with past figures to assess the course's progress accurately.

Community involvement was a recurring theme, with council members noting an increase in youth participation at the course. "There had to be about 20 to 30 young kids out there playing," one member observed, reflecting a commitment to fostering local engagement. This positive feedback was echoed by others, who praised Touchstone for its outreach efforts and operational adjustments aimed at improving the course's appeal.

However, the council acknowledged the necessity of potentially increasing fees to maintain the course's sustainability. "We will continue to meet with the staff and the general manager to figure out what are the programs, what are the fees," one member remarked, indicating that while fee adjustments may be on the horizon, they must be approached cautiously to avoid deterring visitors.

The ongoing irrigation project, which has faced delays, was also a focal point of the discussion. Council members expressed optimism that the project would soon move forward, with plans to bid for the work by August. Proper irrigation is seen as crucial for maintaining the course's quality and attracting out-of-town guests, who often pay higher fees.

As the meeting progressed, the council unanimously approved several consent items, signaling a collaborative spirit among members. The discussions surrounding the golf course underscored a broader commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with community engagement, leaving attendees with a sense of hope for the future of Santa Rosa's recreational spaces.