New Berlin municipal golf course posts modest revenue gain, proposes $1 greens‑fee increase and names new superintendent

The City of New Berlin’s municipal golf course reported preliminary 2024 results and operational plans at the Committee of the Whole meeting Jan. 28, including revenue near $2.3 million, staffing changes and a proposed $1 increase to greens fees.

The update came from Matt, a golf course staff member who delivered the golf course commission’s annual summary. "This was exciting news when Alderman Hopkins called us this year and let us know that he came in third, for best public golf course in the Milwaukee region by the Milwaukee magazine," Matt said, referring to a regional ranking. He said the course’s total revenue for the year was “just almost 2,300,000,” with golf revenue about $1,400,000 and food‑and‑beverage revenue just over $730,000. Merchandise sales rose about 16%, to roughly $106,000–$107,000.

Matt attributed some lost revenue to weather: measured rain on 44 days in the May–September peak season reduced play by an estimated 4,700 rounds and an estimated $162,000 in tee‑time revenue. He described those figures as based on the golf course’s tracking of scheduled rounds (leagues, tournaments and outings) that could not be played. "That 3.3% increase given the fact that 4,700 rounds and over $160,000, it could have been a phenomenal year," he said.

The commission proposed a modest operational change: increase greens fees by $1 across the board to help offset rising costs while keeping rates competitive for residents. The presenter framed the change as small and part of a broader strategy that includes managing outing and league tee times to preserve weekend availability for the public.

Staff and commissioners described capital and maintenance work completed in 2024, including a new roof for the clubhouse, parking‑lot repairs, replacement of the golf‑cart fleet, and nearly $100,000 in investments in maintenance equipment (an aerator, greens‑roller and turbine blower). Preliminary profit share paid to the city was reported at just over $365,000, a roughly 3.3% increase from the prior year; those figures were described as preliminary and subject to final financial statements.

The course also announced a staffing change: Peter Fish, a new golf‑course superintendent with prior superintendent experience and a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and ornamental turf, is scheduled to start Feb. 1. Matt said Fish’s experience includes work with Troon properties and service on a Rhode Island superintendents association.

Matt said the 2025 goals are to maintain an affordable, high‑quality public course, continue merchandise and event strategies, improve communication with patrons (expanded social media and planned email improvements) and evaluate irrigation and other infrastructure with the new superintendent.

The update was informational; no committee action was required or taken on the golf course report during the meeting.