Oak Hills reports strong summer play, 1,175 memberships and plans for a mobile booking app

Oak Hills Golf Professional Paul Alexander told the Oak Hills Park Authority at its August meeting that summer play remained strong and that operations are preparing for fall, with a mobile app and facility improvements underway.

Paul Alexander reported, "We sold 1,175 golf memberships since January 1." He said full tee sheets were common despite hot weather, and that the course hosted multiple group events in August, including a sold-out TaylorMade demo day, a Southern New England Women’s Golf Association shotgun event and a Metropolitan PGA Junior Tour stop.

Operations and staffing
Alexander said staff levels were down as college-season employees returned to school but that three new staff members had been hired and the course retained a total staff of about 30. He said 68 rental carts are in the last year of their lease and that the authority is negotiating a new lease. Pace-of-play efforts include adding additional Rangers on weekends and a ball spotter on Hole 7.

Membership and revenue
Controller Mark reported that July revenue was significantly higher than budget and that the average recorded green fee in July was about $45 per round compared with the budget average of $37.54, contributing to a revenue surplus despite only a modest increase in rounds played.

Technology and facility improvements
General Manager Jim Schell said the authority had contracted a short-term social-media specialist to improve online outreach and that the halfway house roof was replaced. Schell said the board had installed sunshades on Odin's terrace and that members found the shades made afternoon dining more comfortable. He also said the authority is evaluating a mobile booking solution from 4Up; Schell described a setup where the vendor would waive setup fees and the service would cost about $200 per month.

Why this matters
High membership and strong revenue performance support operating liquidity and create capacity for capital investments. The mobile booking app and improved digital outreach aim to modernize member access and increase bookings; terrace and roof work improves member experience at the clubhouse restaurant.

Ending
Staff will continue lease negotiations for carts, finalize mobile-app setup with 4Up, and monitor membership and outing schedules as the season moves into fall.