Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Golf Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Officials report slow early golf season, membership gains, staffing gaps and PGA HOPE certification
Summary
Golf staff reported slow play due to weather but strong membership and merchandise sales; the golf professional completed PGA HOPE certification to serve veterans, the superintendent reported staffing shortfalls and capital items such as a cart-path quote and drainage repairs were discussed.
Oak Hills Park Authority members received a broad operations update on golf course play, memberships, staffing and safety training.
Paul, the golf professional, said April had a slow start because of cold, windy weather but that operations were ramping up. He reported shop and course hours, staffing counts (nine inside shop; 22 outside), five recent hires for 2025, 49 annual passes sold, and that 708 golf memberships have been sold year to date. "Presently, we have 9 people on staff for our golf shop operations and 22 outside," Paul said. He also said the shop is fully stocked and tee times for weekend mornings begin earlier this season.
Paul said he completed PGA HOPE certification, a program to provide free golf instruction to veterans with disabilities, and he described the program as free to veterans with organizers and the PGA of America providing support. "What the PGA of America does is it's free to all the veterans, and they probably would supplement the PGA Pro a little bit for going over there," he said. Paul said he expects to host a veterans day at Oak Hills in coming months.
Superintendent James Shell reported course conditions are good but expressed confusion about the U.S. Drought Monitor still labeling the area "abnormally dry" despite visible seepage on hillsides. Shell said parking-lot drainage work is complete and that he has received preliminary pricing for a cart-path project, which he would like to discuss in a capital meeting. Shell also reported being short-staffed: "Technically, I'm 3 short," he said.
General Manager Jim Holiday and Controller Mark Gardner reported that March financials were slightly above budget, membership sales have recovered since a weak February, and first-quarter food-and-beverage revenue for Odins (the restaurant) was about $75,000. Gardner said the budget process is underway and that departmental budget materials will be distributed before the May meeting with a planned vote at the June meeting.
The authority discussed safety and training initiatives: Holiday said first-aid and AED training for outside golf staff will be scheduled this year, with some staff already certified. Board members supported holding a PGA HOPE event at Oak Hills.
No new formal actions were taken on golf capital projects at this meeting; staff will return with cost estimates and budget implications.
