Wicomico Shores golf division reports increased revenue, equipment upgrades and expanded youth programs

Patrick Dugan, golf division manager for St. Mary's County, presented an overview of Wicomico Shores Golf Course operations, capital improvements and programming at the Recreation and Parks Citizens Advisory Board meeting.

Dugan said the FY25 operating budget for the golf division is $1,940,000 and noted the restaurant revenue figure at $658,000. He said the division has increased revenue by $795,000 since 2021 and described a series of equipment upgrades purchased in recent years, including two new greens mowers, a sand-rake machine, a range cart and a green sprayer to support turf health and maintenance.

Dugan described staffing and operations: a full-time superintendent (28 years at the course), three full-time grounds crew members, a clubhouse coordinator, about 15 hourly restaurant staff and 12 golf-shop staff. He said an events coordinator, Sydney Weber, helps with weddings and private events and that the course is hiring for golf-shop positions.

On playability changes, Dugan explained the addition and repositioning of tee markers (including new senior and super-senior tees) intended to shorten some holes for less-advanced players, speed pace of play and make rounds more enjoyable. He said the course is piloting or hosting youth programs including OP 36 and the PGA Junior League and that local high-school tournaments and community charity events are part of the course's calendar.

Dugan said Wicomico Shores was voted "best golf course in Southern Maryland" last year despite drought conditions and credited maintenance staff for preserving greens through dry weather. He also noted an affiliation with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball organization, which uses the course as an official training/facility partner.

Board members asked no substantive follow-up questions and thanked Dugan for the update.