City approves extra staffing at Tony Butler Golf Course as rounds and revenues rise

The Harlingen City Commission on Feb. 24 approved staffing changes at the Tony Butler Golf Course aimed at reducing lines, restoring hours and supporting growing play following recent course renovations.

The commission authorized conversion of an existing part‑time pro‑shop cashier position to full time and creation of three part‑time positions intended primarily for beverage‑cart service and customer coverage across seven‑day operations. City staff said the current fiscal budget can cover the newly approved positions for the remainder of the year.

Why it matters: Multiple public commenters — including club members, tournament organizers and the course’s marshal and patrons — told the commission that the course’s improvements have driven a steady rise in rounds and generated more hotel and restaurant visitors to Harlingen. They urged the city to staff the snack bar and beverage service consistently to protect sales, service quality and tournament business.

Public input and city response

- Players and volunteers testified that recent maintenance, pond clearing and clubhouse repairs have attracted more play and special events. Tournament organizers said national‑level amateur events have already booked hotels and will bring significant short‑term economic activity.

- Several speakers described periods with long customer lines, closed concession hours and inadequate staffing that reduced customer service and caused lost sales. They asked the commission to approve the additional positions and to consider longer‑term operational authority for the course pro to make staffing calls.

- Golf course management reported the course is showing higher rounds and revenues compared with a prior full season and said the added employees would be scheduled to maintain beverage and concession coverage, reduce overtime and protect newly renovated assets.

Commission action and next steps

The commission approved the personnel changes by motion; commissioners and staff said they will review longer‑term operational changes and the advisory board’s recommendations in the coming weeks. The commission asked course management and staff to return with a written staffing plan showing how the new positions will be scheduled and how they will affect overtime and service hours.

Ending

Commissioners who represent districts near the course said they want the facility to be financially self‑sustaining and to support tournaments and community use; approved staffing is intended to stabilize operations as usage increases.